Herbicide Applicator - City of Bessemer

TARGET CLOSE DATE:

12/31/2026

PAY GRADE:

Grade 15

TYPE:

Full time

JOB SUMMARY:

The City of Bessemer Herbicide Applicators are responsible for planning and overseeing the work of a crew engaged in applying chemicals to control unwanted vegetation along roadsides and rights-of-way. Their duties include ensuring the proper application of herbicides, as well as mapping and coordinating spraying operations. They typically supervise two or more assistants and are expected to handle a range of routine and complex issues in accordance with established guidelines. Assignments are provided by a supervisor, who outlines the general scope of work, performance expectations, deadlines, and priorities. More detailed instructions are given for tasks that are new, complex, or unusual. Once the herbicide application area is planned in consultation with the supervisor, Herbicide Applicators carry out their responsibilities with minimal oversight. Their performance is evaluated based on the quality of results, efficiency of operations, and direct observation.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The City of Bessemer provides competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more. The pay range for this job is presented below:
Bessemer: $16.32 - $25.31

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:

• Driver's license.

• Commercial Applicator’s Permit for Herbicide/Pesticide with rights-of-way and ground endorsement.

• Experience identifying plants, weeds, and shrubbery.

• Experience operating landscaping equipment (lawn mowers, tractors, chainsaws, sprayers). 

TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:

• Plans chemical applications for the day based on need and weather conditions in order to control weed overgrowth and pest populations.

• Prepares chemicals and equipment for herbicide/pesticide spraying following State and Federal guidelines and manufacturer labels to ensure that chemical applications are environmentally-safe.

• Operates mechanical equipment (e.g., spray truck, chemical sprayer, weed eater) along ditches, creek banks, sidewalks, parking lots, bridges, roads or other right-of-ways following State and Federal guidelines to control vegetation growth or pest populations.

• Maintains spray records, chemical inventory, and applicator’s license following State and Federal Guidelines in order to track spray activities (e.g., areas sprayed, chemicals used), remain current on changes in the profession and to respond to citizen questions.

• Completes routine maintenance and repairs on applicator equipment following manufacturer recommendations to ensure that applications proceed as scheduled.

• Assists other crews (e.g., paving, construction, landscaping) with daily activities when herbicide application is inappropriate or not needed (e.g., inclement weather, budget cuts).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Job involves physical exertion required for sustained periods of light physical activity such as operating a refuse truck or standing. May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is primarily performed at outdoor worksites such as residential neighborhoods, landfills, etc. Work involves use of heavy equipment such as front-end loaders, bobcats, etc., as well as a variety of hand tools. Job may require exposure to potentially hazardous work conditions (e.g., working in and around traffic, in and around landfills, working in and around heavy equipment, etc.). Job may also require exposure to inclement weather when working outdoors (e.g., extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, etc.), as well as working around foul odors and potentially harmful waste.

EEO STATEMENT:

The Personnel Board of Jefferson County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.  Each Merit System member city/agency operates its own equal employment opportunity policies available on the individual city/agency website.

ACCOMMODATION:

NOTE:

This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System. More detail regarding this job is available by clicking Apply.

DISCLAIMER:

This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required for this position and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.