What is a primary duty of a Right-of-Way Pest Control applicator?

The primary duty of a Right-of-Way Pest Control applicator is to apply restricted use pesticides. This responsibility is crucial because such pesticides have specific regulations due to their potential impact on human health and the environment. Applicators must be trained and certified in order to handle these substances, ensuring that they follow legal guidelines and safety protocols which help mitigate risks associated with pesticide use.

In addition to applying restricted use pesticides, an applicator must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the pests being targeted, the methods of application, and the environmental factors that can influence pesticide effectiveness and safety. This knowledge is essential for ensuring that pest management is conducted responsibly and effectively within the right-of-way areas, which often include roadsides, railways, and utility corridors.

Furthermore, proper application minimizes risks to non-target organisms and the surrounding environments, which is critical given the sensitivity of these areas. This role typically does not encompass applying any pesticide without restrictions, conducting pest inspections exclusively, or directly managing pest control employees, although those responsibilities can be part of broader pest control management roles.