IPM Technician

At Smith Gardens, our business is growing: Growing annuals and perennials, growing our relationships with partners, growing our love of gardening, and growing our team’s passion and expertise in horticulture—all for the benefit of the consumers who love to garden.

Whether we are out in the greenhouses or working in the office, our Smith Gardens team is dedicated to delivering the healthiest plants on the market for the biggest impact on our partners’ shelves and in our customers’ gardens.

One of our Core Values is People: “We value and respect all people. We are focused on developing teams and growing the potential of individuals.” We encourage personal growth and continued education so that each member of our Smith Gardens family succeeds. We take as much care cultivating the ecosystem of our offices as we do our gardens. Achieving the quality we strive for in our products and culture is truly a team effort, and every role is vital.

Nurturing growth, collaboration and community is in our nature. Put down roots at any of our five locations and unearth your full potential.

We have an exciting opportunity for an IPM Tech to join our Production Department. The IPM Technician is responsible for managing pests in the greenhouses, fields, and non-crops areas. The IPM Technician coordinates pest information with the growing team and applies pesticides and beneficial biologicals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Complete spray applications (pesticides, fungicides, herbicides) and beneficial biological releases.
• Collect scouting data from sticky cards and visual observation of the crops.
• Plan and direct action to be taken to keep plants and property clean.
• Ensure that chemical application equipment is operating correctly.
• Take monthly inventory of chemicals and enter adjustments into Sage.
• Regularly meet with Assistant Head Grower to review crop health and department needs.
• Meet with vendors, consultants, and technical advisors to ensure we’re on the leading edge of IPM.
• Develop and train growing team on IPM practices including spraying, scouting, pest ID.
• Stay current with changes in laws and regulations as it applies to WPS and pesticide worker and handler safety to ensure WPS compliance and pesticide safety site wide.
• Operate mobile equipment including sprayer, golf cart, stock chaser.
• Keep work areas clean and organized.
• Conduct yourself with a high level of integrity, adhering to Company standards and values.
• Promote a safe work environment, upholding company safety policies and procedures.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

COMPETENCIES:

• Articulating ideas, providing direction, and fostering open dialogue among team members and stakeholders.
• Building strong relationships, promoting teamwork, and leveraging diverse skills for collective success.
• Pursuing personal and professional growth, encouraging learning in others, and adapting to industry changes.
• Foster and promote a safety culture.
• Efficiently manage time and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Able to work independently, self-motivated, and flexible.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• 1-2 years of experience in a horticultural setting perferred.
• Must be 18 years old.
• A valid Pesticide Applicator’s License must be obtained within 90 days of starting this position and kept current.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and strong analytical skills.
• Solid understanding of basic mathematical concepts.
• Able to communicate in English both verbally and in writing, in person and via phone or radio.

PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS:

• Able to be cleared to wear a full-face and half-mask respirator and wear additional PPE including Tyvek suit, boots, goggles, and chemical-resistant gloves.
• Work long hours as needed, including weekends and holidays.
• Continuously walk, stand, squat, kneel (and remain working below knee-level) as well as reaching overhead, and from side to side for long periods of time; including time spent in PPE.
• Work indoors and outdoors, in seasonal temperatures and conditions.
• Lift up to 50 pounds in an environment that is often hot.

BENEFITS:

• Medical/Dental/Vision insurance and Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) with employer contributions
• 401K retirement plan options with employer match
• Paid holidays
• Paid Time Off- Full-time employees accrue immediately!
• Annual Profit share
• Generous Employee Flower/Plant Discount Program
• Development opportunities
• Paid Time off for volunteering and community service
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness program
• Fun employee events throughout the year

PAY RANGE: $20 - $22 per hour

Pay rate is determined by various components including, but not limited to, experience, skills, qualifications, relevant education, certifications, seniority, and location. The pay rate is one component of the total compensation package. Other rewards vary by position and location.

To learn more about our company & view a more detailed job description, visit our website at smithgardens.com/careers.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Smith Gardens provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.