Plant Health Care (PHC) Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

About Us:
RTEC Treecare is a trusted provider of professional tree care and plant health services throughout Northern Virginia and the greater DC area. Since 1996, we have focused on sustainable arboriculture, environmental stewardship, and science-based care that helps trees and landscapes thrive.

We are looking for a Junior Plant Health Care Technician to join our team in Falls Church, VA. This is a hands-on entry-level to early-career role for someone interested in plant health care, arboriculture, and environmentally responsible landscape care. If you enjoy working outdoors, are eager to learn, and want to grow your career in tree and plant health, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

• Perform routine treatments including fertilization, pest management, and disease control under proper supervision
• Assist senior PHC Technicians with inspections, applications, advanced treatments, and client service visits
• Monitor tree and shrub health and report concerns or treatment needs to senior technicians or management
• Apply pesticides, fertilizers, and treatment materials safely according to label instructions and company procedures
• Support Integrated Pest Management programs through observation, documentation, and follow-up service tasks
• Maintain accurate records of treatments, materials used, and site observations
• Operate, clean, and maintain PHC equipment, tools, supplies, and company vehicles
• Communicate professionally with clients during service visits as needed
• Follow all safety, PPE, pesticide, and compliance procedures in the field

Requirements:

• 0-2 years of experience in plant health care, arboriculture, lawn care, landscaping, horticulture, environmental work, or a related field
• Interest in tree and shrub care, plant health, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices
• Willingness to learn plant identification, pest and disease recognition, treatment methods, and safe application procedures
• Comfortable working outdoors and performing physical tasks in varying weather conditions
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to safe work practices
• Positive attitude, strong communication skills, and ability to work well as part of a team
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License a plus, but not required
• ISA Arborist Certification is a plus, but not required

We Offer:

• Competitive pay with opportunities for performance-based increases
• Benefits package including health insurance, paid time off & holidays, and Simple IRA after tenured time
• Paid training and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Support in developing technical skills, licensing, and plant health care knowledge
• Career advancement into senior Plant Health Care roles or other arboriculture specialties
• A dynamic work environment that values safety, quality, sustainability, and continuous improvement