Pesticide Control Advisor

Position: PCA Advisor

Job Summary: The Pest Control Advisor advises and oversees the pest control business while utilizing sound Integrated Pest Management practices in organic and conventional vegetable production.

Responsibilities:

• Oversees all scouting, pest monitoring, and sampling activities to ensure accurate field intelligence and effective integrated pest management. 
• Develops pest control recommendations, evaluates pest pressure trends, and ensures full compliance with California DPR regulations.
• Serves as a primary liaison between applicators and ranch managers, coordinating treatment strategies, and supporting timely, informed decisions that protect crop health and optimize field operations.
• Insures Proper application of fertilizer and plant protection products
• Processes work orders against scheduled dates and times
• Complies with all applicable laws and regulations at all times
• Follows all of Crop Care safety rules
• Properly completes necessary paperwork (application records, shipping papers, driver daily report, and all info on work order)
• Participates in blood testing and/or alcohol testing when scheduled
• Attend all required safety training meetings.

Qualifications:

• Must have a PCA License.
• Have a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Sciences or related field.
• Must have worked in the vegetable industry for 3-5 years.
• Valid California Agricultural Pest Control Adviser (PCA) License, required.
• Thorough knowledge of agricultural pests and their control in organic and conventional systems, required.
• Computer literate with good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software and ability to learn internal record keeping and data collection software.
• Attention to detail, thoroughness, and good analytical skills are a must.
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management.
• Must be available for periodic night calls to guide night foreman
• Must have a valid Driver’s License with a clean DMV driving record and meet insurance requirements.

Skills and Abilities to Include:

• Knowledge of agricultural production methods, pest and beneficial insect identification, pesticide use, fertilizer management, and product label interpretation.
• Understanding of pesticide selection based on crop destination, residue limits, and California DPR regulatory requirements.
• Strong leadership abilities with experience supervising, motivating, and guiding field teams.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills for pest identification, treatment strategies, and field-level problem solving.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced farming environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for conveying scouting results, analyses, and recommendations.
• Ability to work long hours, weekends, and variable schedules in outdoor farming conditions to support operational needs.
• Knowledge of agricultural production methods, pest and beneficial insect identification, pesticide use, fertilizer management, and product label interpretation.
• Understanding of pesticide selection based on crop destination, residue limits, and California DPR regulatory requirements.
• Curious, highly focused, tedious personal nature with the ability to interact with farmers
• Knowledge of trucks, tractors, spray equipment and maintenance needs
• Knowledge to keep PCB in compliance with county and state regulations
• Hazmat and Tank vehicles
• Must possess or obtain the Qualified Applicator’s Certification License
• Must be familiar with and follow all laws, regulations, and safety rules governing pesticide application, handling, and storing materials
• Must comprehend and have experience with basic measurements and calculations for calibration (gallons per acre, and acres per tank)
• Must have working knowledge of all application equipment
• Must possess a clean DMV record
• Ability to work with minimum supervision 
• Ability to accurately locate application sites
• Must complete bi-annual medical exams
• Must participate in a DOT random selection drug and alcohol testing
• Must participate in a 30 day blood testing for Cholinesterase Monitoring
• Must be able to work odd hours during peak season (6-7 days, 9-14 hours, depending upon crew assignment; may be day or night)

Job Requirements:

• Maintain positive Communication with supervisor and grower

• Strong time management skills with initiative to set appropriate priorities 

• Personable mannerisms with grower and fellow employees

• Consistent detail orientation with a wide range of responsibilities

Position Type/ Expected Hours of Work:

Position is full time between 40 to 50 hours per week. Overtime may be required if job duties demand. Position is Seasonal and will end in November, resume in the spring.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit, use hands to fingers, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, talk and hear, bend, crawl and climb.
• Must be able to work while walking on uneven ground or during wet, slippery, muddy conditions.
• Ability to stand and walk as well as regularly lift and/or move up to seventy (70) pounds
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions and high noise levels

Equal Employment Employer:

The Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, pregnancy or any other factor that may be protected by law. This policy extends to all employees and includes all aspects of the employment relationship.