Pros
If you like being outside, doing cardio, and driving, this job'll be perfect for you. Weekend overtime is completely optional, and not really emphasized as long as you make good on your stops during the rest of the week. The job is very solitary, and you almost will never be bothered by anyone while out in the field. So you'll enjoy it if that sort of work environment suits you.
Cons
Outdated/Poorly coded software that gets in the way of work. -For one example the company provided GPS is so out of date, that it still features roads that have been inaccessible for years -Sometimes I can't even clock-in in the morning because of software issues. -Furthermore with scheduling is done automatically by a computer system, and often sets you up on routes that are total nonsense (Imagine driving an hour for just 1 stop) or drives you around in circles. Complete disconnect between the Sales and Lawn Tech departments -Sales will often make promises or examinations that range between exaggeration to outright lies; causing no end of problems to the people who actually have to go take care of the lawns and talk to customers. Customer to Lawn Tech ratio -Because of how successful the sales team is at selling our services, regardless of how many lawn techs are actually available to work, customers will often experience delays and postponements simply because we don't have enough lawn techs to take care of them all in a timely manner. Which of course leads to frustration on the customer's end; and which often is directed at whichever tech is on site at the time . Nonsensical Expectations -Every stop has a set expected duration with regards to how long you are expected to take when treating the property. These durations are also taken into consideration when the system sets up your daily schedule. -The problem is that 90% of these "time limits" are completely outside the realm of reality, and you will occasionally find yourself at stop rated for [20 minutes] that actually take [an ENTIRE hour] to complete. -Because of these time restraints, lawn techs often feel compelled to rush through customer's lawns without doing thorough treatment; as one is reviewed poorly if all of the daily assigned stops are not completed. Very little oversight on rookie lawn techs after they're done with training -Aside from the Sales team, the worst adversary to veteran lawn techs are rookies who do poor work; sometimes damaging their lawns in the process. Because veteran lawn techs often have to clean up after them. Not to mention all the stories of rookies who just leave flags without actually treating the lawn. [[To be fair, I believe that training needs to be a lot more comprehensive, as we're not even taught about diseases, only how to use the applicators. I also think that the aforementioned time restraints lead to rookies delivering less than stellar service because of the emphasis put on completion over quality.]] Old Equipment -Self explanatory. The trucks are well maintained given their age, especially if you regularly do checkups on them. Yet with how old they are, undoubtedly comes numerous problems; and the lack of mechanics working at the branch means you might not be able to use your truck for several weeks if something breaks down.
