Description of Job

Main Duties:

• assess the health of lawns (may include trees and shrubs) and determine required applications;
• use broadcast spreaders, pressurized hoses from truck-mounted tanks, and hand and backpack spraying equipment to apply fertilizers, pesticides and other lawn care products;
• operate riding and push mowers, aerators and trimmers;
• discuss mowing and watering practices, weed and insect control and other cultural practices with clients.

Health and Safety Hazards

Potential hazards include improper handling of chemicals, accidents while using equipment and injuries from repeated lifting of heavy equipment.

Biological:

• allergic reactions to weeds and pollen;
• diseases from ticks such as Lyme Disease;
• diseases from exposure to animal or bird droppings such as Hantavirus from mice droppings and Histoplasmosis from pigeon droppings.

Chemical:

• exposure to fertilizers may cause breathing irritation or skin irritation such as dermatitis;
• exposure to insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides may cause health effects particular to each pesticide.

Ergonomic:

• carrying and lifting heavy loads and awkward body postures such as bending, kneeling or stooping can cause back strain;
• awkward, repeated or forceful movements may cause repetitive strain injuries.

Physical:

• high noise levels from motorized equipment can contribute to hearing loss;
• prolonged or repeated exposure of unprotected skin to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause sunburns and increase the risk of skin cancer;
• prolonged exposure to heat and humidity can cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration.

Safety:

• slips, trips and falls on wet or slippery surfaces can cause strain, sprains and other injuries;
• risk of cuts and amputation of hands and feet from equipment with moving blades/wires.