Herbicide Applicators - FL

Job description

QE Solar is seeking a Licensed Herbicide Applicator to support vegetation management operations across utility-scale solar facilities, electrical infrastructure, rights-of-way, commercial properties, municipal sites, and other managed environments throughout Florida. This position is responsible for safely preparing and applying herbicides, controlling unwanted vegetation and invasive species, operating vegetation-management equipment, and transporting trailers and equipment between active job sites. The Licensed Herbicide Applicator will help maintain safe, accessible, and operationally compliant sites while protecting surrounding property and environmentally sensitive areas. The ideal candidate has hands-on vegetation management experience, holds the required Florida pesticide applicator credentials, and is comfortable operating trucks, towing trailers, handling chemicals, and working independently in demanding outdoor conditions. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Herbicide Application and Vegetation Management • Safely apply herbicides in accordance with product labels, company procedures, site-specific requirements, and federal, state, and local regulations. • Perform vegetation control and invasive-species management at utility-scale solar facilities, substations, utility corridors, rights-of-way, commercial properties, and municipal sites. • Mix, measure, load, and prepare herbicide solutions according to label requirements and approved application rates. • Identify vegetation types, invasive species, sensitive areas, and appropriate treatment methods. • Perform foliar spraying, spot treatments, basal-bark applications, cut-stump applications, and other approved vegetation-control techniques. • Prevent herbicide drift, spills, overapplication, and exposure to non-target vegetation, waterways, equipment, and surrounding property. • Monitor weather and site conditions to determine whether herbicide applications can be completed safely and effectively. • Maintain accurate chemical application records, treatment logs, inspection forms, and regulatory documentation. • Inspect, clean, calibrate, and maintain spray rigs and application equipment. • Maintain chemical inventories and follow proper storage, transportation, handling, and disposal procedures. Equipment Operation and Transportation • Safely operate company trucks, spray rigs, UTVs, mowers, brush-management equipment, and other field assets. • Tow trailers and transport equipment with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 10,000 pounds. • Operate vegetation-management and field equipment rated up to 100 horsepower. • Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of vehicles, trailers, spray systems, and other equipment. • Properly secure equipment, chemicals, tools, and other loads before transportation. • Perform basic preventative maintenance and field troubleshooting on vehicles and equipment. • Promptly report equipment damage, mechanical issues, or unsafe operating conditions. Safety and Regulatory Compliance • Follow all applicable QE Solar safety policies and OSHA, DOT, EPA, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and pesticide-use requirements. • Read, understand, and comply with Safety Data Sheets and herbicide product labels. • Properly wear, inspect, clean, and maintain all required personal protective equipment. • Participate in job hazard analyses, tailboard meetings, safety training, and site-specific orientations. • Follow spill-prevention, containment, reporting, and cleanup procedures. • Immediately report accidents, injuries, spills, equipment failures, environmental concerns, and near misses. • Maintain a safe work area and support QE Solar's commitment to operational excellence, environmental responsibility, and incident prevention. Required Qualifications • Active and applicable Florida pesticide applicator license or certification required. • Previous herbicide application experience in vegetation management, utility operations, rights-of-way, landscaping, forestry, agriculture, or a related field. • Working knowledge of herbicide labels, mixing procedures, application rates, treatment methods, and environmental requirements. • Experience towing trailers and transporting field equipment. • Experience operating field or vegetation-management equipment rated up to 100 horsepower. • Valid driver's license and current DOT medical card. • Ability to safely work independently and as part of a field-based team. • Ability to maintain complete and accurate application, vehicle, equipment, and safety records. • Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, customers, and site personnel. • Willingness and ability to travel to QE Solar project sites throughout Florida. • Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, extended shifts, weekends, or emergency response assignments when required. Preferred Qualifications • Florida Restricted Use Pesticide Applicator License. • Right-of-Way Pest Control certification or category. • Aquatic Pest Control certification or category, when applicable. • Utility, renewable energy, or utility-scale solar vegetation management experience. • Experience working around energized electrical infrastructure or substations. • Commercial Driver's License or previous commercial vehicle experience. • First Aid and CPR certification. • Clean or acceptable driving record under QE Solar's vehicle-safety requirements. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Strong understanding of safe herbicide handling and application practices. • Ability to identify common Florida vegetation and invasive species. • Ability to interpret herbicide labels, maps, work orders, and site instructions. • Strong attention to detail and commitment to regulatory compliance. • Ability to recognize changing weather, environmental, and site conditions. • Basic mechanical aptitude and equipment-troubleshooting skills. • Strong judgment and ability to work safely with limited supervision. • Dependable attendance and willingness to support multiple field locations. Physical Requirements The physical requirements listed below represent those necessary to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation: • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 75 pounds. • Ability to walk and work on uneven terrain, wooded areas, rights-of-way, solar facilities, and active job sites. • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, reach, and perform repetitive movements for extended periods. • Ability to enter and exit trucks, trailers, UTVs, and field equipment safely. • Ability to safely handle herbicides, application equipment, hoses, containers, tools, and PPE. • Ability to work outdoors in Florida heat, humidity, rain, direct sunlight, dust, vegetation, insects, and changing weather conditions. • Ability to wear required PPE and safely operate vehicles and equipment for extended periods. Work Environment This is a field-based position that requires regular travel between active project locations throughout Florida. Work is primarily performed outdoors and may involve exposure to herbicides, vegetation, uneven ground, moving equipment, traffic, electrical infrastructure, and extreme weather conditions. Employees must follow all QE Solar safety procedures and site-specific requirements. Physical Requirements The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. • Regularly lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment weighing up to 75 pounds. • Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, climb, and work in physically demanding positions. • Safely operate welding, fabrication, diagnostic, and mechanical repair equipment. • Work around moving equipment, machinery, fuels, oils, heat, noise, dust, and other field or shop conditions. • Work indoors and outdoors in Florida heat, humidity, rain, and changing weather conditions. • Wear required personal protective equipment. • Travel locally to job sites and respond to field equipment needs as required. Benefits QE Solar offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that may include: • Medical, dental, and vision insurance • 401(k) retirement plan with company match • Paid time off • Paid company holidays • Company-provided tools or tool allowance, where applicable • Company-provided uniforms and personal protective equipment • Training and professional-development opportunities • Career advancement opportunities Statement to all Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations: QE Solar accepts resumes only from contracted recruiting agencies with formal service agreements. Please do not send unsolicited resumes or outreach emails to our QE Solar employees, hiring managers, or team members without expressed consent or contract for services. QE Solar is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes or services. About QE Solar