Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Team Lead

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY :

The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Team Lead is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive organic IPM program to support optimal crop health and yield across greenhouse operations. This role focuses on long-term prevention, early detection, control, and eradication of pests and diseases through environmentally responsible practices. The IPM Team Lead works closely with cultivation and compliance leadership to ensure practices are aligned with regulatory standards set forth by the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) for cannabis. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills to effectively lead a team of IPM Technicians while collaborating across departments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES .

• Lead the implementation of a comprehensive, facility-wide organic IPM program in collaboration with cultivation and operations management by identifying and mitigating potential risks to crop production as well as verification of pests and disease infestation trends.
• Identify pest and disease threats through regular scouting and environmental monitoring, and adjust strategies based on real-time data and seasonal trends.
• Precisely times and executes treatment protocols to address emerging pest or disease pressure.
• Develop, document, and maintain an up-to-date IPM manual, including SOPs, treatment protocols, and organic input usage guidelines.
• Manage, train, and mentor the IPM team to ensure safe, compliant, and effective application of all treatments, including foliar sprays, drenches, and biological controls.
• Coordinate daily and weekly IPM application schedules, ensuring minimal disruption to cultivation workflows.
• Partner with compliance to maintain all required records, including pesticide use logs, application reports, SDS documentation, and REI postings.
• Submit monthly Pesticide Use Reports (PUR) to Monterey County by the 10th of each month and act as the primary point of contact during Agricultural Commissioner inspections and must have a PAC license.
• Train all current and new IPM members on safety protocols and required Handler training along with scheduling fit tests.
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate biological control agents, beneficial insects, and other organic inputs in consultation with internal teams and external advisors.
• Conduct experimental IPM trials to support continuous improvement in pest and disease prevention practices.
• Perform and coordinate water, soil, and plant tissue sampling to inform pest and disease risk assessments.
• Oversee the cleaning, maintenance, calibration, and safe storage of all IPM-related equipment and sprayers.
• Track inventory of IPM supplies and submit weekly requisitions to the Purchasing Coordinator to ensure continuous program operation.
• Analyze scouting and treatment data to generate actionable insights and present findings to the management team.
• Support cross-training efforts and create a culture of pest and disease awareness among cultivation staff.
• Maintain a clean and organized IPM workspace, always adhering to hygiene and safety protocols.
• Stay current with changes in local, state, and federal pesticide regulations and organic cultivation best practices.
• Executes Ad Hoc Projects as assigned by direct supervisor.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES

o Exercise discretionary authority.

o Communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences, cross functional / departmental.

o Use initiative and independent judgment appropriately.

o Interpret, understand, and comply with complex statues, ordinances, regulations, standards and laws.

o Analyze and evaluate information accurately and to express ideas clearly when providing oral and written reports or recommendations on administrative, financial, and technical issues.

o Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, customers, other governmental agencies, community members, and the public.

o Understanding of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations as they pertain to the industry, personnel law, safety regulations, local municipal codes, and organizational rules, regulations, directives and standard operating procedures.

o Exceptional conflict resolution skills and the ability to de-escalate situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, OR REGISTRATIONS