1. Custom Spray Operator Dr. Frank Flanders and Asha Wise Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education April 2006 Agricultural Careers

2. Job Duties & Responsibilities Mixing fertilizer and pesticide chemicals Calibrating a sprayer Operating and maintaining equipment and machinery Marketing the business Communicating with customers Bidding for jobs Applying chemical pesticides and fertilizers Record keeping Managing employees Scheduling work crews

3. Qualities and Skills A custom spray operator must be knowledgeable in chemical and fertilizer applications and the crops to which the chemical is applied It is helpful to have a clean driving record and experience operating equipment Computer literacy is important in maintaining accurate records The ability to communicate with customers concerning their needs and concerns is very critical The capacity to work as a team is important because the safety of the operator and those nearby is at stake Problem solving skills are helpful when difficulties arise or when deciding which pesticide or fertilizer to apply

4. Salary In general the salary ranges from $30,000 to $45,000 Salary can be increased by higher education, through years of experience, or by taking ownership of an operation

5. Work Environment Usually work outside May be exposed to hazardous materials Wear masks and other protective gear daily Operate machinery Usual work hours are the normal 40 hours per week but may work more during the peak season

6. Education One can become a custom spray operator with a High School Diploma, but a Bachelor’s Degree With a Bachelor’s Degree ones salary may increase and there are possibilities for future advancement One must receive a license to apply pesticides and fertilizers (The licenses are given on a state level, requirements vary across the nation) Special Requirements

7. Career Resources Professional Organizations Mid America CropLife Associations 11327 Gravois Road, Suite. 201 St. Louis, MO 63126 Internet: http://www.maca.org American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators Internet: http://aapse.org Armed Forces Pest Management Board Internet: http://www.afpmb.org/index.htm