Niagara, Ontario, Canada (On-site) OR Leamington, Ontario, Canada
Responsibilities
Field & Crop Monitoring
- Conduct regular greenhouse inspections to monitor pest, disease, and beneficial insect activity.
- Identify pest species and life stages using field guides, keys, and microscopes.
- Assess crop health and evaluate potential pest impact.
- Map scouting data and produce detailed reports for growers.
IPM Strategy Development
- Develop tailored IPM programs based on grower needs and crop conditions.
- Recommend biological control agents, cultural practices, and non‑chemical solutions.
- Interpret data from IPM Scouts and translate findings into financial risk assessments.
- Forecast biological control needs for clients.
Grower Support & Training
- Provide training to growers and staff on IPM practices and beneficial insect use.
- Conduct on‑site demonstrations, workshops, and educational sessions.
- Offer ongoing support to ensure successful implementation of IPM strategies.
- Meet weekly with growers and IPM leads to review progress and challenges.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Work closely with R&D teams to stay updated on new pest management solutions.
- Assist with trials conducted at greenhouse facilities.
- Participate in industry events and networking opportunities.
- Track infestations back to their source and recommend remediation practices.
Relationship Building
- Build strong rapport with Head Growers, Assistant Growers, IPM Managers, and Scouts.
- Communicate preventative measures such as banker plants, trap plants, conservation strategies, and biocontainment.
- Support growers in making financially sound decisions regarding pest management.
Requirements
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Entomology, Plant Science, Agronomy, or related field.
- Minimum 6 years of experience in pest management, IPM leadership, or greenhouse production.
- Proficiency with microscopes and diagnostic tools for pest identification.
- Strong understanding of IPM principles and biological control.
- Ability to identify greenhouse pests and beneficial insects across life stages.
- Knowledge of fertilizers, pesticide impacts, and sublethal effects on biologicals.
- Understanding of crop health, pest dynamics, and financial implications of pest issues.
- Ability to calculate biological release rates based on pest/biological reproduction and environmental conditions.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data reporting tools.
- Ability to build rapport with growers, IPM teams, and greenhouse leadership.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel.