Plant Health Care Technician / Tree Crew Member

Located in Groveland, Illinois, King Tree Specialists, Inc. is a company known for safety, education, professionalism, and quality. We provide the safest and most efficient tree care for more than 1,500 residential, commercial, and municipal customers in central Illinois.

To learn more about us, visit: Visit our website: https://kingtreespecialists.com/

We are seeking a Plant Health Care Technician / TreeCrew member to join our team. Strive for excellence with customer service, dependability, accountability, and professionalism working with a skilled team of outdoor enthusiasts. Join us and grow!

Position Objective: The Plant Health Care (PHC) Technician is responsible for the safe delivery of pesticides and fertilizers through foliar applications, soil injections, and trunk injections to trees and shrubs. The PHC Technician assists Tree Crews during off-peak application periods and inclement weather.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides outstanding customer service and maintains a positive attitude.
• Complies with supervisor instructions and directives on work orders for selecting, mixing, and applying fertilizers and pesticides.
• Provides outstanding communication with clients regarding their prescribed services and treatment follow-up.
• Follows industry standards and company policies regarding storing and handling pesticide products during application and mixing.
• Understands and adheres to product label instructions.
• Loading and mixing pesticides and fertilizers in application equipment.
• Performs the prescribed fertilization and integrated pest management on trees and shrubs using spray and injection tools.
• Adheres to ANSI Z1333 Safety Standards and company policies, including the use of personal protective equipment.
• Identifies and reports potential hazards to prevent damage to persons or property.

Marginal Responsibilities:

• Assists Tree Crew in all aspects of tree removal and pruning services.
• Assists with ropes in rigging operations.
• Maintains, prepares, and operates all tools including chain saws and aerial lifts.
• Operates small equipment including skid steer, mini skid steer, and stump grinder.
• Cuts and clears logs, limbs, and debris and drags brush to chipper.
• Keeps job site safe and organized.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• High School or equivalent education.
• Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• CDL highly preferred; or the ability to obtain CDL within 3 months of the hire date.
• Previous work experience as a Plant Health Care Technician or similar position preferred.
• State of Illinois Commercial Pesticide Applicators License or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• Willingness to pursue additional training and certifications.

Competency Requirements:

• Safety oriented.
• Maintains a professional image.
• Technical and mechanical aptitude to operate and maintain tools and equipment.
• Professionalism and ability to effectively interact with all staff and clients.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive attitude, composure, and the ability to foster a positive team environment.

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Lift, drag, and pull up to 70 pounds.
• Ability to work in all types of terrain.
• Able to work effectively in an outdoor environment, including exposure to heat/cold and a variety of weather conditions.
• Able to stand, walk, reach, bend, hear, and see for extended periods.
• Able to perform highly repetitive and physical functions.
• Work safely with job hazards including equipment and vehicle operation.
• Ability to work extended seasonal hours.

Work Environment:

• Primarily operates in an outdoor environment.
• Routine job hazards such as struck bys from falling objects, loud noise, dust, gasoline, diesel exhaust, and chemicals including fuel, oil, and pesticides.
• Some work may be performed in a workshop environment where it may be loud, dusty, hot, or cold.
• Required to use personal protective equipment.

Work Schedule:

• Hours are 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Must be available 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Weekend hours are minimal, but can be required. Hours are subject to change depending on the needs of the season.

Wage:

• Commensurate with experience and skill level.

Employee Benefits:

• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• 45-50 hours a week with overtime pay (year-round work).
• All job-specific equipment and safety gear provided.
• Employee clothing program.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Overtime
• Year round work

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)
• CDL (Preferred)

Work Location: In person