Crop Defenders Ltd. is a pioneering biological crop protection company dedicated to producing and supplying ecological alternatives to pesticides for consumable crop growers. Our mission is to improve the lives of millions by enabling growers to produce ecologically grown crops that are safer for farmers, consumers, and the ecosystem. We provide the best tools, solutions, and exceptional customer service to ensure growers can cultivate healthy crops safely and cost-effectively, thereby protecting millions of consumers from the harmful effects of pesticide residues.

Transform sustainable farming by joining the Crop Defenders team today

Job Title: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Consultant
Location: Essex County
Extended health benefits after the probationary period
Two weeks of paid vacation
Opportunities for professional development and growth
Supportive and dynamic work environment

Job Mission:
Assist greenhouse growers in maintaining healthy, pest-free crops by conducting thorough field inspections, identifying pest issues, and recommending sustainable pest management solutions.

Job Description and Competencies

FOCUS:

• Conduct regular field inspections of greenhouse crops to monitor for pest activity.
• Identify and document the presence of pests, diseases, and beneficial insects.
• Assess crop health and potential pest impact.
• Accurately identify pest species and life stages using field guides, keys, and microscopes.
• Develop and recommend integrated pest management (IPM) strategies tailored to each grower's needs.
• Advise on the use of biological control agents, cultural practices, and other non-chemical pest control methods.
• Receive data from IPM Scouts and relate findings in terms of financial risk assessment and impact.
• Provide training to growers and their staff on IPM practices and the use of beneficial insects.
• Conduct on-site demonstrations and workshops to educate growers on pest management techniques.
• Offer ongoing support and advice to growers to ensure successful implementation of IPM strategies.
• Work closely with the Crop Defenders R&D team to stay updated on the latest pest management solutions and research.

ATTITUDE:

• Keen-eyed and attentive to detail.
• Friendly and professional demeanor.
• Confident and observant in multiple areas.
• Comfortable discussing financial impacts and risk assessments with customers.
• Passionate about sustainable agriculture and ecological pest management.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:

• Strong knowledge of integrated pest management principles and practices.
• Ability to identify common greenhouse pests and beneficial insects with their different life stages.
• Intermediate knowledge of fertilizers and chemical control of bios, and understanding of the impact of pesticides on different life stages of biologicals.
• Understanding of sublethal impact of pesticides on biologicals.
• Knowledge of crop health, pest dynamics, and the financial implications of pest problems.

DISTINCTION:

• Provide comprehensive reports for growers, including pest identification, severity, and recommended actions.
• Build and maintain relationships with growers, discussing financial impacts and assisting them in making the best decisions financially.
• Capable of building rapport with the Owners/GM, Head Grower, Assistant Grower, and IPM Managers.

COMPREHENSION:

• Understanding of the different damages that can occur (not just pests).
• Know the general layout of the facility itself (houses, rows, bags, plants per bag, etc.).
• Able to calculate rates of biologicals based on comparative reproduction of both pests and biologicals and accommodate temperature and humidity of the greenhouse for the next few days.
• Understands the current clean-out practices and their positive or negative effect on carry-over pests.
• Knowledge on how to track infestations back to the source and practices that can be done during or after clean-out to remediate those areas.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITY:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with data collection and reporting software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to educate and train others effectively.

COMMUNICATION:

• Understands and communicates the importance and processes related to different preventative measures, including banker plants, trap plants, host experience, conservation of biologicals, etc.
• Understands and communicates about the importance and processes related to biocontainment.
• Communicate effectively with growers, team members, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Win grower's trust and impress them with consistent performance.
• Meet with the grower and the IPM lead weekly.
• Participate in industry events and networking opportunities to promote Crop Defenders’ IPM solutions.

DOABLES/ EFFORT/ ACTIVITY:

• Scouting, mapping, scout reports.
• Visual inspection of plants.
• Identification of pests.
• Forecasting needs of clients for the different biologicals (internal and external).
• Assisting with trials conducted at the facilities.

DELIVERABLE/ RESULTS:

• Capable of building rapport with the Head Grower, Assistant Grower, IPM Manager, IPM technician, and Head Scouts.
• Capable of building emotional connection with the IPM manager/Assistant grower in a way that they provide sales to the non-CDL portion when asked.

Key Criteria/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Entomology, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in pest management, as an IPM Lead OR grower, or a related role.
• Proficiency in using microscopes and other diagnostic tools for pest identification.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to client sites as needed.

A special note before you apply:

We are replacing Hierarchy with Self-managed teams where the authority is distributed instead of centralized to managers in traditional organizations. Before applying for the job, you need to consider if this type of management system matches your personal values.

Also, we are designing a culture of high engagement and productivity in Crop Defenders. If you can commit to and live with the following core values, then you are the type of person who will be successful and help our company thrive. If you feel this level of engagement is not right for you or that you’re not willing or able to participate with us at this level, we are not a good fit for you.

We understand that not every person is ready for this level of performance, and we appreciate the honesty of those who decide this is not the right place for them. On the other hand, you would make an ideal candidate to join our company if you are willing to commit to the following principles:

1. Truthful and trustworthy.
2. Reliable and dependable.
3. Humble and has the courage to be vulnerable.
4. Have each other’s back to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts.
5. Care intensely for collective interest over your personal interests.
6. Hold yourself and others accountable to the highest standards.
7. Embrace and drive change.
8. Create scalable systems and processes for continuous improvement.
9. Empower others.
10. Deliver results and show an internal drive for productivity and positivity.
11. Mindful of the energy you bring to or drain from others.
12. Have a value-adding and NOT a value-extracting mindset.

We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to the Crop Defenders team

Let's Make a Positive Difference in the World Together