IPM Technician/Pesticide Applicator

Pinehurst Landscape Co.•Glen Arm, MD

About The Position

Working closely with the Maintenance Division, Account Managers, and Operations Manager, the IPM Pesticide Technician monitors, diagnoses, and treats insect, disease, and weed problems on clients' landscapes. The role uses Integrated Pest Management principles: treating when monitoring indicates it is needed, choosing the most targeted and lowest-risk effective option, and applying products safely, legally, and in accordance with their labels. The technician serves as a front line for plant health and helps protect clients' landscape installations. Pinehurst Landscapes is a well-established landscaping and nursery business committed to exceptional client service. The technician provides plant health care services to residential and commercial clients and helps grow the company's plant health program. The position includes landscape and turf monitoring and treatment, pesticide and fertilizer applications, equipment calibration and maintenance, recordkeeping, client communication, seasonal work, and support for other divisions. Work must comply with product labels, Maryland Department of Agriculture regulations, and applicable safety and environmental procedures.

Requirements

Maryland Department of Agriculture Certified Pesticide Applicator, Category 3A (Ornamental), 3B (Turf), and 6A (Right of Way), or ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.
Maryland Department of Agriculture Certified Professional Fertilizer Applicator.
Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
At least 2 years of experience in plant health care, lawn care, or commercial pesticide application.
Working knowledge of common Mid-Atlantic landscape pests and diseases, such as scale, mites, lace bug, bagworm, spotted lanternfly, and boxwood blight.
Ability to read, understand, and follow pesticide labels and Safety Data Sheets.
Experience calibrating and operating backpack sprayers and truck-mounted hydraulic spray equipment.
Accurate recordkeeping and basic proficiency with mobile devices, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to lift 50 pounds, carry a loaded backpack sprayer, and pull spray hose over uneven terrain.
Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, and changing weather conditions.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including a respirator when required by the label.

Nice To Haves

Coursework or a degree in horticulture, entomology, plant science, or a related field.
Experience with tree injection systems and deep root fertilization equipment.
Experience with LMN software or similar landscape management platforms.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Scout and monitor client properties on a scheduled basis for insects, diseases, weeds, and cultural or environmental problems.
Accurately identify pests and plant health issues and determine whether treatment thresholds have been reached.
Recommend and carry out treatment plans based on IPM principles, favoring cultural, mechanical, and biological controls where effective.
Apply pesticides, horticultural oils, fertilizers, and plant growth regulators according to product labels and Maryland Department of Agriculture regulations.
Perform foliar sprays, soil drenches, and soil injections using backpack, hand-held, and truck-mounted equipment.
Mix, load, and calibrate application equipment; inspect, clean, and maintain the spray rig and equipment daily.
Maintain complete and accurate application records, including product, EPA registration number, rate, location, and weather conditions.
Post required notification signs and provide clients with application information as required by law.
Safely store, handle, and dispose of pesticides and containers; maintain chemical inventory and storage areas to regulatory standards.
Wear required personal protective equipment and follow safety, spill response, and environmental protection procedures.
Document field observations with notes and photos and communicate findings to clients and Account Managers.
Identify additional client needs, such as pruning, plant replacement, or drainage corrections, and pass them to the sales team.
Perform dormant-season work, including dormant oil, anti-desiccant, and deer repellent applications, and support other divisions as needed in winter.
Maintain certification and complete recertification credits and continuing education on schedule.
Monitor turf for weeds, insects, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, compaction, and other conditions affecting lawn health.
Perform scheduled turf fertilization and pesticide applications, including pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, according to treatment plans, labels, and applicable Maryland requirements.
Measure turf areas, calculate material quantities, and calibrate spreaders and sprayers for accurate, uniform applications.
Perform core aeration and overseeding, including site preparation, seed selection, application-rate calculations, and equipment operation.
Coordinate aeration and overseeding with fertilizer and herbicide applications to support seed establishment and comply with product-label restrictions.

Benefits

Support for pesticide certification, recertification credits, and continuing education.
Competitive hourly pay with overtime opportunities during peak season.
Health insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Health savings account.
Company-provided short term disability, group term life insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment.
Retirement plan with employer contribution.
Dependent care savings account.
Paid time off and holidays.