Plant Health Care Manager

Description

Plant Health Care Manager

Position Summary

The Plant Health Care (PHC) Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, management, growth, and performance of Cagwin & Dorward's Plant Health Care Division. This role oversees all Plant Health Care Technicians and related operations throughout the company, ensuring the delivery of high-quality plant health care services through integrated pest management (IPM), fertilization programs, disease management, and proactive plant health solutions.

The PHC Manager is responsible for developing treatment programs, managing personnel, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining equipment and inventory, supporting business development efforts, and partnering with Branch Managers, Tree Care Managers, and Account Managers to grow the company's Plant Health Care services. This position serves as the technical expert for plant health care and is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and profitable operations.

Competitive base salary plus a generous commission opportunities for high-performing leaders who drive revenue growth and operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop all Plant Health Care Technicians.
• Establish performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching and training.
• Conduct field inspections, ride-alongs, and quality audits.
• Participate in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts.
• Assist with employee performance evaluations and corrective action when necessary.
• Foster a culture focused on safety, professionalism, continuous improvement, and customer service.
• Identify staffing needs and recommend workforce planning initiatives during peak seasons.

Plant Health Care Operations

• Manage and oversee all plant health care services including:
• • Fertilization programs
  • Insect and disease management
  • Soil health improvement programs
  • Tree and shrub injections
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
  • Preventative plant health treatments
• Develop treatment recommendations and prescription programs for clients.
• Ensure proper diagnosis of plant health issues, pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, and disease concerns.
• Monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust recommendations as needed.
• Ensure all applications are performed according to label requirements and regulatory standards.
• Evaluate and implement new products, equipment, and treatment methodologies.

Business Development & Client Relations

• Work closely with Branch Managers, Account Managers, and Tree Care Managers teams to identify and develop PHC opportunities.
• Conduct site visits and provide professional plant health consultations.
• Prepare estimates and treatment recommendations for clients.
• Support sales efforts and assist in growing PHC revenue across all branches.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing clients and identify opportunities for additional services.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for plant health care programs and recommendations.

Scheduling & Resource Management

• Plan and coordinate technician schedules and workload distribution.
• Ensure efficient routing and deployment of personnel, vehicles, and equipment.
• Manage inventory levels for fertilizers, pesticides, application equipment, and safety supplies.
• Maintain departmental budgets and monitor material usage.
• Oversee equipment maintenance schedules and replacement planning.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) requirements.
• Maintain accurate spray records, treatment logs, inventory records, and regulatory documentation.
• Ensure all employees follow company safety policies and industry best practices.
• Conduct regular safety meetings and field inspections.
• Monitor licensing and certification requirements for department personnel.
• Ensure proper storage, handling, transportation, and application of pesticides and fertilizers.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Track departmental performance metrics and key performance indicators.
• Review job costing, labor utilization, production efficiency, and profitability.
• Approve departmental purchases and expenses within authorized limits.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for company leadership.
• Maintain accurate records of treatments, equipment, certifications, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Plant Health Care, Arboriculture, Tree Care, Landscape Maintenance, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Extensive knowledge of:
• • Plant identification
  • Tree and shrub health
  • Insect and disease diagnosis
  • Pesticide applications
  • Fertilization programs
  • IPM practices
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Valid California Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.

Preferred

• ISA Certified Arborist certification.
• Qualified Applicator License (QAL) preferred.
• Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) considered.
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) preferred.
• Experience managing commercial landscape clients.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and operational planning.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, kneel, squat, bend, and climb for extended periods.
• Ability to inspect properties and treatment sites in varying terrain conditions.
• Ability to safely operate and demonstrate the use of PHC equipment.
• Ability to occasionally perform field work alongside technicians.

Working Conditions

• Primarily performed in outdoor environments.
• Exposure to weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, wind, dust, pollen, and chemicals.
• Exposure to noise and hazards associated with landscape maintenance and tree care operations.
• Travel between branches and job sites throughout the service area may be required.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Night and weekend work may be necessary to support client requirements and operational needs.

Success Metrics

The PHC Manager will be evaluated on:

• Safety performance
• Revenue growth of PHC services
• Gross margin performance
• Employee retention and development
• Client retention and satisfaction
• Regulatory compliance
• Quality control and treatment success rates
• Equipment and inventory management
• Department productivity and efficiency