What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cannabis IPM / Vegetation Specialist position at Processing Dept (Cannabis)?
The Cannabis IPM & Vegetation Specialist is responsible for monitoring, preventing, and managing pests, pathogens, and plant health issues throughout the vegetative growth cycle. This role blends integrated pest management (IPM) protocols with hands-on vegetative care, ensuring plants are strong, clean, and ready to transition into flower.
Key Responsibilities
Integrated Pest Management
- Conduct regular scouting for pests, mold, mildew, and disease across all grow rooms
- Identify and diagnose insects, mites, fungal/bacterial pathogens, and nutrient deficiencies
- Develop, implement, and refine IPM protocols using biological, cultural, and approved chemical controls
- Maintain and release beneficial insects/predatory mites as part of a biocontrol program
- Apply state-compliant pesticides/fungicides per label and regulatory guidelines (where licensed/required)
- Maintain detailed pest pressure logs, scouting reports, and treatment records for compliance audits
- Quarantine and treat incoming clones/mother stock to prevent introduction of pests or pathogens
- Train cultivation staff on early pest identification and sanitation best practices
Vegetative Plant Care
- Oversee plant health during the vegetative stage, including watering, feeding, and environmental monitoring
- Perform transplanting, defoliation, topping, and training (LST/trellising) as needed
- Monitor and adjust irrigation, nutrient regimens, and substrate health in coordination with cultivation team
- Maintain mother plant program: cloning, propagation, and genetic health tracking
- Track plant growth metrics and flag irregularities (stunted growth, chlorosis, root issues, etc.)
- Ensure rooms meet environmental targets (temp, humidity, VPD, airflow, light cycles) to minimize pest/disease pressure
Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain accurate records in seed-to-sale tracking software (e.g., METRC, BioTrack)
- Ensure all IPM activities comply with state cannabis regulations and facility SOPs
- Participate in internal audits and assist with state inspections as needed
Qualifications
- 2 years of experience in commercial cannabis cultivation, with direct IPM and/or vegetative care responsibilities
- Strong knowledge of common cannabis pests (spider mites, thrips, fungus gnats, aphids, russet mites) and pathogens (powdery mildew, botrytis, root rot, hop latent viroid)
- Experience with biological control agents and IPM-based (low-spray/no-spray) growing preferred
- Familiarity with pesticide application regulations and proper PPE/safety protocols
- Working knowledge of plant propagation, cloning, and vegetative training techniques
- Comfortable using seed-to-sale software and maintaining meticulous records
- State pesticide applicator license or willingness to obtain one (if required by state)
- Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to work independently
- Ability to lift 30 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in varying humidity/temperature conditions
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in horticulture, plant science, entomology, or agriculture
- Experience with HLVd (hop latent viroid) testing and remediation protocols
- Familiarity with environmental control systems (e.g., Argus, Priva, TrolMaster)
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18 - $20