New PAT Coordinator Responsibilities

As a new Extension Agent with agricultural responsibilities, you have duties as a Private Applicator Training (PAT) Coordinator with the MSU Extension Pesticide Education Program (MSU PEP).

What is a PAT Coordinator?

As a PAT Coordinator you are a local representative of the PAT program in your county or tribe. You are responsible for licensing private applicators, answering licensing questions, offering pesticide education credit opportunities and assisting the public with pesticide and pest management inquiries.

What are the Requirements of a PAT Coordinator?

To become eligible to be a PAT Coordinator in your county or tribe you must follow the training policies set by MSU PEP (outlined below) and obtain your government pesticide license as required by state law. Meeting these requirements will give you access to private applicator information, PAT Funds to support your program locally, and the ability to license private applicators through exams and Initial Private Applicator Trainings.

If you do not meet the requirements set by the state or by MSU PEP within the specified time frame or allow your government license to lapse, you will lose your PAT Coordinator status, and the benefits listed above.

Training Requirements and Timeline

1. PAT Coordinator Orientation

Within your first month as a new Extension agent, you are required to view the New Agent Orientation (1.5 hrs). This training covers the roles and responsibilities of PAT Coordinators. You must also review the  Montana Private Applicator Program Policies and Procedures and the Montana Private Applicator Program MontGuide. Once you have read the above documents and completed the training you will be given access to your county’s PAT funds and monthly Private Applicator reports from the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA).

2. Exam and Licensing Training

View the Exam and Licensing Training (10 min) within three months of your hire date and prior to licensing applicators in your office. This training covers where to find exam materials, rules and requirements for proctoring the exam and other relevant information. Once you have completed the training you may license applicators in your office.

3. Obtain your Government Pesticide License

All Extension personnel who deliver pesticide recommendations, deliver pesticide education presentations, or license private applicators must obtain their government pesticide license within six months of their hire date. As a PAT Coordinator, obtaining your license also allows you to maintain access to PAT Funds and confidential private applicator information.

View detailed instructions on how to obtain your government license.

4. Attend PAT Core Training

Make plans to attend the PAT Core Training held annually. This event trains new PAT Coordinators on pesticide core topics required to host pesticide education events. Once you have attended the training you are eligible to host Initial Private Applicator Trainings in your county or reservation. If you cannot attend your first year, contact Cecil Tharp or Amy Bowser for alternatives.

For Information and Assistance

Please contact Cecil Tharp or Amy Bowser at any time to discuss responsibilities, policies, licensing, or training or to follow up on questions from your local applicators. 

• Cecil Tharp, Pesticide Education Specialist, (406) 994-5067, [email protected]
• Amy Bowser, Pesticide Education Technician, (406) 994-5178, [email protected] 

Accessing PAT Coordinator Resources

Many resources are available for PAT Coordinators on the MSU PEP website accessed using a username and password. Contact Amy Bowser or Cecil Tharp for access.

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