Landscape Crew Leader – Chemical Applicator

Prairie Landworks•McPherson, KS

About The Position

Founded in 2012, our team has grown PLi to become the respected community builder that we are today. Our passion is to provide high quality construction solutions for the communities in which we live and work. Our sense of community extends to the families of our team members, so we strive to build projects in proximity to our office so we can all return to our families nightly. Prairie Landworks, Inc. is built upon, and driven by, our core values: Grit – “We persevere and learn through all challenges” Safety – “Committed to protecting the well-being of one another” Integrity – “We do not sacrifice our moral and ethical code” Relationships – “Working together to create greater outcomes” Accountability – “We take ownership” Improving lives through construction in our communities Inspiring future generations of builders by elevating the perception of our industry Under the direction of the Landscape Division Manager, this position will provide leadership & training to Mowing, Landscape & Chemical technicians and assure quality of operations in the landscape department with scheduling, reporting on tasks, training, supervising, and overseeing Landscape Crews. In this role it is also expected that the person be able to operate spray equipment and machinery in the application of fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides. Position will perform scheduled reviews and adjustments of client irrigation systems when required.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent.
Basic knowledge of equipment maintenance and operation.
Valid Kansas driver’s license with satisfactory driving record to PLI insurance carrier
Kansas commercial pesticide applicator’s license or willingness and ability to obtain categories 3A, 3B, and 6 within six months of hire.
Mowing and quality grounds maintenance of commercial, industrial, and residential properties.
Basic maintenance of landscape equipment
Identification of weed and turf pests and ability to select appropriate cultural and chemical control.
Basic understanding of irrigation installations, winterization, service, and repair.
Safely operate: Single axle trucks and single or tandem axle trailers. Mowers, trimmers, edgers, blowers, chain saws, hedge trimmers, pole saws, and other landscape equipment. Aerators and verticutters Z-sprayers, truck, and tank sprayers as well as backpack sprayers and walk behind spreaders. Various hand tools
Ability to efficiently manage, direct, and coordinate the work of assigned maintenance personnel.
Maintain a valid Kansas Driver’s License and have a clean Motor Vehicle History report free of any driving restrictions to drive Company Vehicles.
Work in extreme environmental conditions.
Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, chemicals, mechanical hazards, and ability to travel to different sites.
Essential functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for considerable physical activity such as sitting, standing, walking, crouching, stooping, squatting, and consistently lifting up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 90 pounds.
Availability for after hour service calls, most notably-irrigation leaks and snow removal
Exercise good judgement, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Responsibilities

Exercise direct supervision of Chemical Applicators, Mowing, and Landscape technicians.
Maintain properties of PLI clients. (Mowing, chemical applications, irrigation maintenance.)
Operates vehicles, tools, and equipment in the application of fertilizers, various herbicides and pesticides, e.g. trucks, sprayers, spreaders.
Applies fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides as needed in accordance with product labels and rules and requirements of Federal & Kansas pesticide laws.
Prepares and mixes chemical ingredients used in the application fertilizers, various herbicides and pesticides
Prepares equipment such as trucks, sprayers, and spreaders prior to beginning job and cleans equipment after completion of days services.
Ensures the safe and appropriate use of various chemicals and substances, mixing according to label instruction and product specifications, and ensure they are used in accordance with prescribed safety precautions and directions.
Adheres to requirements and recommendations of Kansas Department of Agriculture with respect to pesticide applications.
Manages daily schedule and workload of all Landscaping, and Mowing crews to assure all fertilizer and chemical applications are timely applied, as well as to ensure scheduling of daily mowing activity for the crews to ensure all clients are serviced according to a planned service cycle.
Assures that all aspects of the job are complete to company standards.
Protects and performs preventative maintenance on all chemical and mowing equipment.
Perform all duties using PPE as required by pesticide labels, OSHA, company, or clients.
Interfaces with clients or representatives of clients in cordial manner to address and manage needs or issues of the client.
Perform all other tasks as requested from time to time.
Assist with mowing and landscaping projects in slow application times.
Assist in Irrigation checks, adjustments, and service calls.
Assist in the selection, training, motivation, and evaluation of personnel. Work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline; assign tasks and monitor activity of chemical and mowing operations.
Ensuring proper safety procedures are followed in all department operations.
Coordinate the inspection and monitoring of PLI landscape equipment including performance of preventative maintenance and repair; housekeeping of vehicles, trailers, equipment, and the PLI storage and maintenance areas.
Review of chemical & mowing technician timecards.
Maintain efficiency of operations and safekeeping of tools, equipment and supplies.