Pesticide Specialist

Job Description:
**JOB TITLE**: Pesticide Specialist (6-Month Contract)

**DEPARTMENT**: COMMUNITY SERVICES
**NUMBER OF POSITIONS**: 2
**JOB STATUS & DURATION**: Temporary 6-months
**HOURS OF WORK**: 40 hour workweek / variable hours
**LOCATION**: NORTON PLACE PARK COMMUNITY
**HOURLY RATE**: $33.28 per hour
**JOB TYPE**: Union
**POSTING DATE**: December 9, 2024
**CLOSING DATE**: July 1, 2025

**AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY**:
Reporting to the Supervisor, Horticulture, assists in the administration of the contracted weed spray program and uses various means to control insects, diseases, weeds and rodents in parks and on turf, trees and shrubs.
- Assists with the administration of the contracted weed spray program; informs contractors of areas to be sprayed, oversees work performed; contributes to specifications and variances in conjunction with Foreperson.
- Schedules City staff to monitor contracted sprays and to post warning signs; records and verifies hours worked.
- Performs Pest Management i.e. insect and disease control for trees and shrubs, turf weed control and parkland rodent control.
- Acts on public complaints, recommendations from supervisory and other parks staff.
- Trains employees in safe, effective use of pesticides; prepares course materials, schedules classes; conducts sessions.
- Fertilizes trees and maintains list of trees requiring fertilizing, calculates rates and amounts to apply, operates sprayer, mixes and injects fertilizer.
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of pest management developments, and recommends changes in policies, procedures, or products/equipment.
- Participates in Chemical Review Committee; provides input regarding chemical-related legislation, recommendations, etc.
- Assists in the co-ordination of pesticide projects: maintains adequate inventory of pesticides and distributes to staff; schedules projects and estimates requirements for upcoming season. Co-ordinates pesticide exposure testing for staff.
- Performs snow removal and maintenance; plows, salts and sands, walkways, parking lots, etc.
- Performs additional similar and related duties as assigned.

**SELECTION CRITERIA**:
**EDUCATION**:

- Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent

**EXPERIENCE**:

- Over two (2) years and up to four (4) years experience in an urban forestry or horticulture environment

**OTHER SKILLS AND ASSETS**:

- Landscape Exterminator Licence from the Ministry of Environment
- Industrial Vegetation Exterminator Licence for pesticides from the Ministry of Environment
- A valid non-probationary Ontario class DZ licence
- Knowledge of common plant diseases, pests and agricultural chemicals.
- Ability to work outside in all weather conditions
- Exceptional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with an emphasis on customer service
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team
- **Preference will be given to students that have a permanent residency in Brampton._
- **Various tests and/or exams may be administered as part of the selection criteria._

**Interview**: Our recruitment process may be completed with video conference technology.

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