Who is authorized to supervise non-certified assistants?

• A. An authorized assistant.
• B. A supervisor's trainee.
• C. A certified applicator.
• D. A licensed pesticide dealer.

Answer: (C)

Supervision of non-certified assistants is tied to having demonstrated proper knowledge and authority to oversee pesticide use. In Alberta, that means a certified applicator, since the certificate shows they’ve met the required training and regulatory standards to supervise others, ensure proper label directions are followed, and enforce safety practices on the worksite. A supervisor’s trainee hasn’t reached certification and isn’t authorized to supervise, so they wouldn’t be the appropriate person to oversee others. An authorized assistant likewise lacks the formal certification and governing authority to supervise field operations. A licensed pesticide dealer may be licensed to sell products, but that license does not confer on-site supervision authority for pesticide applications.