Solano Irrigation District, CA
Pest Management Applicator / Lead Pest Management Applicator
Solano Irrigation District, CA, Vacaville, California, United States, 95688
Solano Irrigation District is recruiting for one (1) full-time position to be filled at either the Pest Management Applicator or Lead Pest Management Applicator level, depending on the qualifications and certifications of the selected candidate.
The Pest Management Applicator supports the District's pest and vegetation management programs across canals, pipelines, and facilities. Under general supervision, this role assists with the safe and effective application of herbicides, algaecides, and rodenticides; operates specialized spray equipment; prepares pesticide use reports; and supports in field operations and environmental compliance. This is a technical field position requiring knowledge of pest identification, chemical safety, and equipment operation.
The Lead Pest Management Applicator performs a wide variety of skilled and technical tasks in the implementation of pest management programs. This role leads and trains assigned staff, coordinates daily field operations, ensures regulatory compliance, and maintains detailed records of chemical applications and inventory. The Lead Applicator works closely with the District's Pest Control Advisor (PCA) and Superintendent - Water Operations to execute treatment plans, conduct inspections, and support permit compliance. This position requires advanced knowledge of pest control principles, equipment calibration, and safety protocols.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and thrives in outdoor field environments. They are skilled in identifying weeds and pests, calculating chemical application rates, and maintaining accurate records. The candidate communicates effectively, works collaboratively with team members and the public, and demonstrates flexibility in responding to seasonal demands and operational needs. This role may require participation in weekend duty rotations and attendance at job-related trainings or seminars.
For more information, view the full job descriptions: Pest Management Applicator - Job Description
Lead Pest Management Applicator - Job Description
Salary Information
Pest Management Applicator Salary Range: $32.07 - $43.04 (Range 128 - 136)
Salary placement is based on the number of Qualified Applicator Certificates (QACs) held. Candidates without certifications may be placed at the entry level of the range.
QAC Category A - Residential, Industrial, & Institutional QAC Category B - Landscape Maintenance QAC Category C - Right-of-Way QAC Category F - Aquatic Possession of:
No certifications = $32.07 - $38.99 (Range 128) 1 certification = $32.82 - $39.93 (Range 130) 2 certifications = $33.66 - $40.92 (Range 132) 3 certifications = $34.52 - $41.98 (Range 134) 4 certifications = $35.41 - $43.04 (Range 136) Lead Pest Management Applicator Salary Range: $41.06 - $59.47 (Range 148 - 162)
Salary placement is based on possession of up to three qualifying certifications or credentials. Candidates without qualifying certifications may be placed at the entry level of the range.
QAC Category A - Residential, Industrial, & Institutional QAC Category M - Non-Soil Fumigation California State Water Resources Control Board Level D-2 JPIA Operations Certification Course Completion Class B Commercial Driver's License Possession of:
No certifications = $41.06 - $49.90 (Range 148) 1 qualifying certification = $43.13 - $52.46 (Range 152) 2 qualifying certifications = $45.98 - $55.84 (Range 157) 3 qualifying certifications = $48.90 - $59.47 (Range 162) Qualifications Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities stated above and the ability to perform the duties of the position.
Pest Management Applicator
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent. At least two (2) years of relevant experience in pest management, vegetation control, or a related field. Experience should demonstrate the ability to safely handle and apply pest control chemicals, operate spray equipment, and follow environmental safety protocols. Licenses:
Possession of a valid California Driver License with a satisfactory driving record. Must obtain a California Commercial Driver License Class C with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement within 18 months of hire. Failure to obtain and maintain this license may result in termination. Preferred Qualifications:
Possession of one or more Qualified Applicator Certificates (QAC) issued by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, particularly in Category C is highly desirable. Background or interest in agriculture, environmental science, or pest management is desirable. Lead Pest Management Applicator
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent. At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in pest and vegetation management, including chemical application, equipment operation, and regulatory compliance. Experience should demonstrate the ability to lead field operations, maintain detailed records, and ensure safe and effective treatment practices. Licenses:
Possession of a valid California Commercial Driver License with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement and a satisfactory driving record. Certifications:
Must possess and maintain Qualified Applicator Certificates issued by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation in the following categories:
Category B - Landscape Maintenance Category C - Right-of-Way Category F - Aquatic
Preferred Qualifications:
Additional certifications such as QAC Category A (Residential, Industrial, Institutional), QAC Category M (Non-Soil Fumigation), California State Water Resources Control Board Level D-2, JPIA Operations Certification, and Class B Driver's License may enhance salary placement. Benefits Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) - 5% increase effective December 16, 2025.
Retirement - Solano Irrigation District participates in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).
Classic Members: 2%@60 formula with final compensation based on the highest 36 consecutive months and credit for unused sick leave. Employee contributes 7%. New Members: 2%@62 formula with a 3-year final compensation period and credit for unused sick leave. Employee contributes 6.75%.
Retiree Health Insurance - Employees are eligible for retiree health insurance benefits following 10 years of full-time service.
Deferred Compensation - 457 plan available, with Employer match up to $100 per pay period.
Health Insurance - Plans include Anthem Blue Cross HMO and PPO plans and a Kaiser Permanente plan. The District pays a portion of the premium for employee and dependent coverage.
Dental Insurance - Dental provider is Delta Dental. District pays full premium for both employee and dependents.
Vision Insurance - Vision provider is VSP. District pays full premium for both employee and dependents.
Life Insurance - Benefit is equal to 2x annual base salary rounded to the next higher $1,000, up to a maximum of $300,000. Premium is paid by the District.
Educational Assistance - District reimburses up to $850 per fiscal year for eligible expenses.
Flexible Spending Account - Tax deferred payments for dependent care, health care, and certain benefit premiums.
Vacation and Sick Leave - Vacation is accrued bi-weekly at 80 hours per year during the first year. Employees accrue 12 days of sick leave per year, calculated bi-weekly.
Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays and 2 floating holidays per calendar year.
For a detailed overview of benefits, view the full Benefits Summary. Benefits Summary - General Unit
How to Apply Open Date: October 22, 2025 Final Filing Deadline: November 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM (Pacific Time)
Interested candidates should apply online at https://sidwater.bamboohr.com/careers on or before the final filing deadline. Applications must be submitted through the BambooHR system.
Please note: Paper copies of applications are not accepted.
For any questions, please contact the Human Resources department at hrdept@sidwater.org.
Important: This application must be completed fully and accurately. The District may reject incomplete applications. While resumes may be submitted with the application, they do not replace the requirement to complete all sections.
The Pest Management Applicator supports the District's pest and vegetation management programs across canals, pipelines, and facilities. Under general supervision, this role assists with the safe and effective application of herbicides, algaecides, and rodenticides; operates specialized spray equipment; prepares pesticide use reports; and supports in field operations and environmental compliance. This is a technical field position requiring knowledge of pest identification, chemical safety, and equipment operation.
The Lead Pest Management Applicator performs a wide variety of skilled and technical tasks in the implementation of pest management programs. This role leads and trains assigned staff, coordinates daily field operations, ensures regulatory compliance, and maintains detailed records of chemical applications and inventory. The Lead Applicator works closely with the District's Pest Control Advisor (PCA) and Superintendent - Water Operations to execute treatment plans, conduct inspections, and support permit compliance. This position requires advanced knowledge of pest control principles, equipment calibration, and safety protocols.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and thrives in outdoor field environments. They are skilled in identifying weeds and pests, calculating chemical application rates, and maintaining accurate records. The candidate communicates effectively, works collaboratively with team members and the public, and demonstrates flexibility in responding to seasonal demands and operational needs. This role may require participation in weekend duty rotations and attendance at job-related trainings or seminars.
For more information, view the full job descriptions: Pest Management Applicator - Job Description
Lead Pest Management Applicator - Job Description
Salary Information
Pest Management Applicator Salary Range: $32.07 - $43.04 (Range 128 - 136)
Salary placement is based on the number of Qualified Applicator Certificates (QACs) held. Candidates without certifications may be placed at the entry level of the range.
QAC Category A - Residential, Industrial, & Institutional QAC Category B - Landscape Maintenance QAC Category C - Right-of-Way QAC Category F - Aquatic Possession of:
No certifications = $32.07 - $38.99 (Range 128) 1 certification = $32.82 - $39.93 (Range 130) 2 certifications = $33.66 - $40.92 (Range 132) 3 certifications = $34.52 - $41.98 (Range 134) 4 certifications = $35.41 - $43.04 (Range 136) Lead Pest Management Applicator Salary Range: $41.06 - $59.47 (Range 148 - 162)
Salary placement is based on possession of up to three qualifying certifications or credentials. Candidates without qualifying certifications may be placed at the entry level of the range.
QAC Category A - Residential, Industrial, & Institutional QAC Category M - Non-Soil Fumigation California State Water Resources Control Board Level D-2 JPIA Operations Certification Course Completion Class B Commercial Driver's License Possession of:
No certifications = $41.06 - $49.90 (Range 148) 1 qualifying certification = $43.13 - $52.46 (Range 152) 2 qualifying certifications = $45.98 - $55.84 (Range 157) 3 qualifying certifications = $48.90 - $59.47 (Range 162) Qualifications Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities stated above and the ability to perform the duties of the position.
Pest Management Applicator
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent. At least two (2) years of relevant experience in pest management, vegetation control, or a related field. Experience should demonstrate the ability to safely handle and apply pest control chemicals, operate spray equipment, and follow environmental safety protocols. Licenses:
Possession of a valid California Driver License with a satisfactory driving record. Must obtain a California Commercial Driver License Class C with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement within 18 months of hire. Failure to obtain and maintain this license may result in termination. Preferred Qualifications:
Possession of one or more Qualified Applicator Certificates (QAC) issued by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, particularly in Category C is highly desirable. Background or interest in agriculture, environmental science, or pest management is desirable. Lead Pest Management Applicator
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent. At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in pest and vegetation management, including chemical application, equipment operation, and regulatory compliance. Experience should demonstrate the ability to lead field operations, maintain detailed records, and ensure safe and effective treatment practices. Licenses:
Possession of a valid California Commercial Driver License with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement and a satisfactory driving record. Certifications:
Must possess and maintain Qualified Applicator Certificates issued by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation in the following categories:
Category B - Landscape Maintenance Category C - Right-of-Way Category F - Aquatic
Preferred Qualifications:
Additional certifications such as QAC Category A (Residential, Industrial, Institutional), QAC Category M (Non-Soil Fumigation), California State Water Resources Control Board Level D-2, JPIA Operations Certification, and Class B Driver's License may enhance salary placement. Benefits Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) - 5% increase effective December 16, 2025.
Retirement - Solano Irrigation District participates in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).
Classic Members: 2%@60 formula with final compensation based on the highest 36 consecutive months and credit for unused sick leave. Employee contributes 7%. New Members: 2%@62 formula with a 3-year final compensation period and credit for unused sick leave. Employee contributes 6.75%.
Retiree Health Insurance - Employees are eligible for retiree health insurance benefits following 10 years of full-time service.
Deferred Compensation - 457 plan available, with Employer match up to $100 per pay period.
Health Insurance - Plans include Anthem Blue Cross HMO and PPO plans and a Kaiser Permanente plan. The District pays a portion of the premium for employee and dependent coverage.
Dental Insurance - Dental provider is Delta Dental. District pays full premium for both employee and dependents.
Vision Insurance - Vision provider is VSP. District pays full premium for both employee and dependents.
Life Insurance - Benefit is equal to 2x annual base salary rounded to the next higher $1,000, up to a maximum of $300,000. Premium is paid by the District.
Educational Assistance - District reimburses up to $850 per fiscal year for eligible expenses.
Flexible Spending Account - Tax deferred payments for dependent care, health care, and certain benefit premiums.
Vacation and Sick Leave - Vacation is accrued bi-weekly at 80 hours per year during the first year. Employees accrue 12 days of sick leave per year, calculated bi-weekly.
Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays and 2 floating holidays per calendar year.
For a detailed overview of benefits, view the full Benefits Summary. Benefits Summary - General Unit
How to Apply Open Date: October 22, 2025 Final Filing Deadline: November 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM (Pacific Time)
Interested candidates should apply online at https://sidwater.bamboohr.com/careers on or before the final filing deadline. Applications must be submitted through the BambooHR system.
Please note: Paper copies of applications are not accepted.
For any questions, please contact the Human Resources department at hrdept@sidwater.org.
Important: This application must be completed fully and accurately. The District may reject incomplete applications. While resumes may be submitted with the application, they do not replace the requirement to complete all sections.