IPM Technician

The IPM Technician supports the facilitys organic Integrated Pest Management program by monitoring plant health, identifying pest and disease risks, and safely applying approved treatments in accordance with state regulations and facility SOPs. This role prepares, mixes, and applies biological controls and compliant chemical agents, maintains sanitation practices across cultivation areas, and ensures precise documentation of all IPM activities. The IPM Technician works closely with cultivation and IPM leadership to promote prevention-first strategies and protect crop quality, yield, and regulatory compliance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES (this list is not all inclusive)

.

Conducts routine scouting to identify pests, disease symptoms, and environmental risk indicators; promptly communicate findings to IPM leadership.

Assists in implementing organic IPM strategies including trapping, biological controls, beneficial insects, natural predators, and targeted spray programs.

Prepares and correctly mixes approved treatment agents according to product labels, SOPs, and DPR guidelines.

Safely applies pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides using sprays, dust, vapors, or soil incorporation while adhering to PPE, REI, and safety rules.

Labels and stores chemicals properly; maintain secondary container labeling and secure storage.

Sets and posts appropriate REI signage in treated areas.

Maintains accurate application logs, treatment records, and compliance forms.

Cleans and sanitizes tools, sprayers, work areas, tables, and hallways to limit contamination and disease spread.

Supports facility-wide sanitation and pest prevention practices, including monitoring exclusion barriers and cleaning schedules.

Inspects, cleans, and maintains IPM equipment and sprayers to ensure safe operation.

Assists with inspections and documentation as needed for internal audits or regulatory visits.

Collaborates with cultivation teams to coordinate treatment timing and avoid crop disruption.

Executes ad hoc projects as assigned by direct supervisor.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strong attention to detail and accuracy in treatment mixing and recordkeeping.

Basic understanding of cannabis industry regulations and willingness to learn DPR standards.

Ability to follow SOPs, safety procedures, and chain-of-command direction.

Problem-solving ability to recognize early pest and plant health indicators.

Reliability and accountability when handling chemicals and treatment schedules.

Effective teamwork, communication, and openness to coaching and feedback.

Flexibility to support cross-department activities when needed.

Commitment to safety-first operations and biosecurity practices.

Demonstrates the ability to be flexible and work effectively across various sectors of the department as needed or requested by a direct supervisor. This includes the capacity to support other departments, ensuring seamless collaboration and responsiveness to organizational needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Constantly: Walking through cultivation areas, standing, grasping tools/sprayers, visual inspections, hand-eye coordination, repetitive motions, communication using radios or verbal updates.

Frequently: Bending, stooping, crouching, reaching overhead, moving hoses/equipment, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs., pushing/pulling carts, working in PPE including respirators.

Occasionally: Climbing short ladders, handling heavier loads with assistance, exposure to warm/humid greenhouse environments, moving across uneven terrain.

Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment and tolerate greenhouse/warehouse temperatures above 75F.

Ability to walk on uneven terrain and move between greenhouse, processing, and office areas.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy and safety.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

High school diploma or GED required; some college preferred.

Minimum 2 years of experience in agricultural or greenhouse pest and disease management preferred.

Familiarity with biological, cultural, mechanical/physical, and chemical pest controls.

Ability to pass respirator fit testing and follow chemical-handling safety standards.

Must be a minimum of 21 years of age per state regulations and pass a criminal background Check.