Spray Lead

AC Foods•Independence, OR

2d•$21 - $25

About The Position

The Spray Lead for Blueberry and Hazelnut Farms assists the Farm Supervisor in ensuring spray jobs are properly executed and equipment is accurately calibrated and maintained. The role requires a strong understanding of pesticide and foliar nutritional recommendations and proficiency in entering spray data into AGRIAN software. The position supports organizational goals and models the company’s values of Excellence, Accountability, Transparency, and Stewardship (EATS). The Spray Lead provides daily direction and support to spray applicators and irrigators, coordinates work with third-party Pest Control Advisors, and helps oversee the department’s daily workflow. The position applies fertilizers and pesticide solutions, prepares spray mixtures, and calibrates, operates, cleans, and maintains spray equipment and other farm machinery. It also supports safe work practices, accurate recordkeeping, crop health, and effective communication with farm staff, landowners, managers, and agronomy teams.

Requirements

Knowledge of crop agronomics.
Knowledge of hand and power tools.
Knowledge of pesticides, foliar nutrition, fertigation, and drip, micro, and overhead irrigation systems.
Skill in operating large equipment in orchards.
Mechanical aptitude and basic farm equipment maintenance and repair skills.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions effectively.
Ability to focus and complete duties in a timely manner.
Ability to work independently without close supervision.
Ability to use safety equipment and pass a respirator test.
Ability to pass the pesticide safety exam.
Ability to train effectively and model best practices.
Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively with employees and management.
Ability to calibrate, operate, and maintain spray equipment and irrigation components.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to read and follow product labels, safety instructions, and re-entry intervals.
Self-driven, dependable, and trustworthy.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
Three or more years of experience operating agricultural spray equipment and other farm equipment.
Private Applicator Certificate.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, and Word) and AGRIAN software.
Bilingual verbal and written English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

Apply fertilizers and pesticide solutions to manage insects, fungi, and weeds.
Provide daily direction and support to spray applicators and irrigators.
Ensure thorough application coverage by considering weather, droplet sizes, elevation-to-distance ratios, and obstructions.
Prepare spray mixtures according to written pest recommendations.
Operate nozzles, hoses, and tubes to direct spray applications.
Train team members in safe spray measurement, mixing, and application, including routine equipment calibration.
Calibrate spray rigs and maintain accurate settings.
Clean and service machinery using appropriate tools and methods.
Use and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate to each task.
Interact courteously and professionally with farm staff and landowners.
Safely operate spray rigs, tractors, and farm vehicles, and perform routine inspections and maintenance.
Maintain work areas, chemical storage facilities, and equipment for safety and efficiency.
Identify crop issues during spray operations and communicate observations to farm managers and agronomy teams.
Transport spray and farm equipment as needed.
Apply pesticide and foliar nutritional recommendations to support crop health.
Coordinate with third-party Pest Control Advisors regarding recommendations, schedules, and crop protection needs.
Complete tank charts and enter spray data into AGRIAN accurately.
Use AGRIAN and other technologies to support spray decisions and run reports.
Promote and follow company safety policies and the Illness & Injury Prevention Program.
Delegate and coordinate team members’ tasks and oversee the department’s daily workflow.
Partner with safety to promote a positive safety culture.
Support organizational and departmental values and goals, and perform other duties as assigned.