Apprentice Applicator

Keystone Cooperative•Lapel, IN

About The Position

The Apprentice Applicator safely and accurately applies products to labeled crops and sites based on recommendations from the Manager/Salesperson. The position also operates and maintains company equipment used in applications, supports customer relationships, and reports observed field conditions 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 offset this requirement.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet a Motor Vehicle Review under company policy.
Obtain and maintain required state commercial applicator certification.
Ability to read, count, and write, and to use technology to complete documentation accurately.
Ability to understand shipping/applicator orders and tickets, product labels, SDS sheets, warning signs, and emergency procedures.
Ability to regularly lift more than 50 pounds, climb ladders, perform preventive maintenance, and complete other physical duties necessary to run an agricultural location.
Regularly walk, stand, lift, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, handle, feel, and grasp.
Effective communication skills and ability to represent the company professionally and courteously.
Willingness to adapt to changing application technologies and seasonal workload variations.
Ability to work as a team player.

Nice To Haves

Basic mechanical skills for daily equipment maintenance.
Familiarity with crop chemicals, nutrients, farming practices, and crop characteristics.
Ability or willingness to obtain and maintain an Ag CDL.

Responsibilities

Apply dry fertilizer products and lime safely and efficiently.
Use supplied information and application-equipment technology to apply the correct products and rates to the right fields and customers.
Assist with mixing, loading, unloading, and transporting crop protection and fertilizer products.
Follow applicable laws, regulations, safety rules, PPE requirements, and company procedures when handling and applying products.
Obtain and maintain required state commercial applicator certification and stay current with its requirements.
Inspect equipment daily before field applications and after applications.
Maintain safety equipment in the applicator equipment and immediate work area, and follow safety guidelines.
Maintain current applicator and equipment logs.
Perform required equipment calibration and recommended preventive maintenance.
Rinse and wash equipment in compliance with regulatory guidelines, both in the field and at the location.
Assist team members with physical duties involved in operating 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.
Use technology to complete documentation, locate application sites, and read field maps.
Adapt to changing application technologies and seasonal changes in workload.
Work as a team member to contribute to a successful operation.
Work required overtime as the season demands.