Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, & Applicators, Vegetation

Also Called: Lawn Specialist, Lawn Technician, Licensed Pesticide Applicator, Spray Technician

What Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, & Applicators, Vegetation do

Mix or apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, soil incorporation, or chemical application on trees, shrubs, lawns, or crops. Usually requires specific training and state or federal certification.

  • Mix pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides for application to trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical crops.
  • Fill sprayer tanks with water and chemicals, according to formulas.
  • Lift, push, and swing nozzles, hoses, and tubes to direct spray over designated areas.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

Training Program Areas:

Landscaping • Landscaping (HBI) • OCT-Only Renewable Resources & Energy • Petroleum Technician • Urban Forestry

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Work Context

  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Frequency of Decision Making
  • Exposed to Contaminants

Tools

  • Sprayers
  • Fog or mist generators
  • Facial shields
  • Spray truck
  • Flow sensors

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Analytical or scientific software
Rate calculation software
Unit conversion software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Time Management
  • Complex Problem Solving

Knowledge

Business
customer service
management
Math and Science
biology
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Arts and Humanities
English language

Education

  • 56% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 16% Post-secondary certificate
  • 15% Less than high school diploma

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Conventional (Organizer)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Independence
  • Cooperation
  • Integrity
  • Self Control

Values

  • Support
  • Independence
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Verbal

This is what Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, & Applicators, Vegetation across the country typically make.

$15.17 / hour
$31,550 /year

Entry Level

$21.19 / hour
$44,070 /year

Median Level

$27.58 / hour
$57,370 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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