Apprentice Applicator

Keystone Cooperative•Rushville, IN

About The Position

The Apprentice Applicator safely and accurately applies products to labeled crops and sites using recommendations from the Manager/Salesperson. The position also operates and maintains company equipment used for applications, builds and maintains customer relations, and communicates field conditions observed during application to customers and the location manager. Following annual performance evaluations, the role could lead to a Custom Applicator position.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED; experience may be accepted in place of this qualification.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet the company’s Motor Vehicle Review requirements.
Ability to obtain and maintain required state commercial applicator certification.
Ability to obtain and maintain an Ag CDL.
Ability to communicate effectively with team members and customers.
Ability to read, count, write, and use technology to accurately complete documentation, including understanding shipping/applicator orders and tickets, product labels, SDS sheets, warning signs, and emergency procedures.
Ability to use technology to locate application sites and read field maps.
Willingness to adapt to changing application technologies and seasonal workload variations.
Ability and willingness to contribute as a team player to a successful operation and company.
Ability to work required overtime as the season demands.
Ability to regularly lift more than 50 pounds, climb ladders, and perform preventive maintenance and other physical duties.
Ability to regularly walk, stand, lift, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, handle, feel, and grasp.

Nice To Haves

Basic mechanical skills for daily equipment maintenance.
Familiarity with crop chemicals, nutrients, farming practices, and crop characteristics.

Responsibilities

Apply dry fertilizer products and lime to customers safely and efficiently.
Use supplied information and application-equipment technology to apply the correct products at the correct rates to the correct fields and customers.
Assist with mixing, loading, unloading, and transporting crop protection and fertilizer products.
Follow applicable laws, regulations, safety rules, and PPE requirements when handling and applying products.
Obtain and maintain state commercial applicator certification and stay current with its requirements.
Inspect equipment daily before field applications and perform post-application inspections.
Keep safety equipment in the applicator equipment and immediate work area in optimum condition, following safety regulations and guidelines.
Maintain applicator and equipment logs and keep them up to date.
Perform required equipment calibration and recommended preventive maintenance.
Follow regulatory guidelines for rinsing and washing down equipment in the field and at the location.
Assist team members with physical duties required to run an agricultural location.
Assist with operational scouting, product transportation, and other customer services.
Follow applicable Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA, and DOT policies and procedures.
Communicate professionally and courteously with team members and customers, representing Keystone.
Use technology to complete documentation, locate application sites, and read field maps.
Adapt to changing application technologies and seasonal variations in workload.
Work overtime as required by the season.