IPM Technician I

The IPM Technician is expected to assist the Cultivation teams with plant maintenance (ie; plant moves, plant work with Mom, Veg and Flower teams), and everyday cultivation tasks as needed. Other responsibilities of this role include:

Production Operations

• Perform routine monitoring, scouting, and documentation of plant population in all stages of plant development for problems revolving around insect pests, pathogens, viruses, diseases, etc.
• Identify and execute preventative maintenance and elimination of all types of pests and pathogens.
• Maintain up-to-date pesticide/preventative agent spray and drench logs.
• Operate, maintain and clean equipment (hand pump sprayers, Fox Hydraulic Sprayers, Backpack Sprayers, etc.) for spraying and drenching purposes.
• Document IPM products and employ beneficial bugs onto plants.
• Perform mixture of pesticides, preventative agents, and cleaning agents.
• Adhere scheduling of applications set by the IPM Manager.
• Follow detailed IPM plans and timelines for plant production from beginning to end of crop cycles (clone to harvest).
• Maintain sanitation standards in IPM spaces, flower rooms, and hallways.
• Complies with and understands company operations, policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to meet business needs.

Compliance and Safety

• Maintain and clean the PPE needed for all IPM duties (Footbaths, Scrubs /Chemical Jackets, etc.)
• Apply crop protection agents under the direct supervision/direction of a certified pesticide applicator.
• Document application of crop protection agents (Biological Control Agents, Pesticides, etc.) in accordance with NJ regulations.
• Comply with company and product label safety procedures and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Safely handle and apply sanitizing, foliar and preventative chemical sprays.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring assigned team members are following OSHA regulations, organization standards and legal regulations.
• Ensure all assigned staff maintain required OSHA and pesticide credentials.
• Remain engaged with company continuous improvement and occupational safety initiatives such as the Safety and Risk Management working group committee.
• Annually complete a respirator fit test with a certified physician as needed.

Quality Control

• Perform daily audits of grow rooms to maintain optimal growing conditions.
• Follow all SOPs, verbal directives, and policies when performing daily operational duties and fully comply with state regulations.
• Uphold quality standards by conducting and documenting follow-up inspections.
• Utilize and maintain production data files, records, and reports.
• Assist in conducting internal audits and inspections to verify compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the quality assurance team to implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with other cultivation teams to coordinate production activities and achieve production targets.
• Communicate effectively with team members to ensure clear understanding of tasks and expectations.
• Support a positive and inclusive work environment, fostering teamwork and mutual respect among colleagues.
• Provide training and guidance to new team members, sharing knowledge and best practices for cannabis cultivation operations.

Education and Experience

• 2 years' experience
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or 2 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience in pest control or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management methods and the ability to identify pests and pathogens specific to Cannabis
• Proficient knowledge of plant diseases, insects, and fungi, as well as plant treatment options.
• Knowledge of growing practices, such as cloning, transplanting, pruning, training, watering, etc.
• Excellent verbal interpersonal communication skills to interact with team members
• Flexibility with hours and days – must be available to work weekends, holidays, and overtime when necessary (4am to 12:30pm M-F and some weekends)
• Experience in medical cannabis industry is desirable, but not required.
• Ability to prioritize safety practices and follow standard operating procedures.
• Ability to take direction and complete daily tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Communicate fluently in English (verbal and written).
• Ability to execute techniques accurately and consistently.
• Ability to maintain excellent punctuality, attendance, professional, and able to communicate clearly with your managers and other staff.
• Ability to perceive and meet the needs of team members and management.
• Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
• High level of efficiency, patience, and flexibility.
• Must be able to pass a Respirator fit test with the ability to wear a respirator during parts of the day (this means you must be clean-shaven). Facial hair is allowed as long as it does not protrude under the respirator seal, or extend far enough to interfere with the device's valve function.

Computers and Technology

• Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, Teams

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in a busy cannabis nursery facility, consisting of indoor conditions and extreme fluctuation of room temperatures and elevated humidity levels. The cultivation areas are loud due to fans and filtration systems.

Work may require prolonged sitting/standing, some bending, stooping and stretching. Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate; farm equipment, off road/road vehicles, a computer, greenhouse monitoring tools, telephone, calculator and other equipment. Requires normal range of hearing. Requires close vision with the ability to see color and adjust focus. Requires lifting up to 50 pounds regularly and push/pull up to 50 pounds also use assistance (multiple people, forklift, dolly, etc.) when lifting/moving over 100 pounds. Exposure to possible allergens, irritants (organic and chemical), and loud noises. Work may require to be under bright LED lights as well as dark rooms with a headlamp. Work may require working in areas with higher-than-average CO2 levels.

The IPM(Integrated Pest Management) Technician is responsible for implementing Integrated Pest Management strategies to control and prevent pest infestations in the cultivation facility. This role will conduct inspections, identify pest problems, implement appropriate control measures directed by cultivation manager, and educate cultivation team members of pest management practices.