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Career Exploration

Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

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

What they 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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

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

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • talking to others

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

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

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Analytical or scientific software

  • Rate calculation software
  • Unit conversion software

Geographic information system

  • Geographic information system GIS systems

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $41,440

Education

High school diploma/GED or certificate after high school is usually needed.