Plant Health Care (PHC) Technician

Job Title : Plant Health Care (PHC) Technician

Company : C&A Arborists, Inc.

Location : New Buffalo, MI (and surrounding Southwest Michigan/NWI areas)

Job Type : Full-time, year-round (seasonal slowdowns may occur)

Compensation : $ 24- $27 per hour

About Us

C&A Arborists, Inc. is an owner-operated tree care company serving rural and residential properties, with a mission to provide full-service arborist solutions from our certified, tight, knit crew. Offering services from strategic pruning to landscaping to emergency storm clean-up and removal, everything we do centers on a commitment to holistic tree and plant care, and client education toward environmental preservation.

C&A Arborists Position Description

We are looking for a Plant Health Care Technician to join our tree care team in New Buffalo. You will diagnose, treat, and monitor trees, and shrubs for insects, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Work is performed using sprayers, soil injectors, and tree injection system. You will be the face of C&A Arborists on client properties — educating homeowners and keeping their treescapes healthy.

What You’ll Do

· Identify and diagnose plant health issues (insects, fungi, nutrient problems) on trees, and shrubs.

· Mix and apply fertilizers, pesticides, and growth regulators according to label instructions, state laws, and safety protocols.

· Operate and maintain spray equipment, injection gear, and company vehicles (truck, spray rig, portable sprayers).

· Communicate with clients before and after treatments — explain what you did, why, and what they should expect.

· Complete daily records of treatments, observations, and product usage.

· Work with our arborists and crew leaders to coordinate treatments with pruning, removals, and other jobs.

· During slower seasons, help with stump grinding, ground crew work, wood pickup, fleet maintenance, and other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Required

· Genuine love for being outdoors — you don’t mind rain, heat, or muddy boots.

· Ability to lift 50–80 pounds regularly and walk on uneven ground.

· Valid driver’s license (clean record required to drive company trucks).

· Willingness to learn and follow all safety and environmental rules.

Preferred but not required:

· Background in horticulture, forestry, landscaping, or plant science.

· Michigan pesticide applicator license (or ability to get within 90 days).

· Experience with tree/shrub ID, turf diseases, or plant physiology.

Training & Certifications (provided by us)

· C&A Arborists PHC Tech training program (hands‑on, on‑the‑job).

· Tree First Aid, CPR, and defensive Driving.

· We will help you get your state pesticide license if you don’t already have it.

Pay & Benefits

· Pay range: $24 – $27 per hour, based on experience.

· Benefits eligible after six months.

· 401(k) with company matching.

· Michigan Paid Sick Leave

· Other benefits – health stipend

Schedule & Physical Demands

· Typical shift: 8–10 hours, Monday–Friday (some weekends possible during peak season).

· Must be able to work in all weather conditions typical of Southwest Michigan (humid summers, cold winters).

· You will be on your feet, walking properties, carrying equipment, and driving between jobs (up to 25% travel within our service area).

Application Questions

1. Are you able to lift 50–80 pounds on a regular basis?

2. Are you allergic to bee or other insect stings? (We need to know for safety.)

3. Do you have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record?

4. Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? (We cannot sponsor work visas at this time.)

To Apply

Send your resume, application question responses, and references to [email protected]

C&A Arborists, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Pay: $24.00 - $27.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid training

Work Location: In person