What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supervisor, IPM position at Sunset?
We are seeking a IPM Supervisor who will be responsible for the managing of the greenhouse's integrated pest management strategies at our farm in Coldwater, Michigan. In this role you will supervise a team of scouts and ensure we continuously adhere to food safety, health and safety and all other legislative requirements. This position reports to our General Manager.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Daily supervision of the scouts monitoring and scouting of pest and disease in the Greenhouse.
- Adhering to and supervision of IPM protocols.
- Compiling IPM and conventional reports for growers’ review.
- Monitoring efficiencies of control measures.
- Supervision of proper management and distribution of bios (live insects or mites).
- Management coordination on biological programs and implementation.
- Verification of pest and disease infestation trends.
- Maintaining up-to-date records.
- Planning, organizing, training and assigning scout duties as required.
- Planning the sprays to do according with the weekly pest and disease pressure of the greenhouse.
- Place weekly orders of Bios according with the weekly pest pressure of the greenhouse.
- Maintain strict control of the bio cost budget and the chemical cost budget.
- Place orders of the chemicals that will need to be sprayed according with the weekly pest and disease pressure of the greenhouse.
- Constantly research new chemical options to use in the greenhouse.
- Work in conjunction with the Food safety department to get approval for new chemical options.
- Food Safety Paperwork.
- Knowledge of all Food Safety protocols.
Education/Background Requirements:
- Degree or diploma in Horticulture/Agriculture preferred.
- Previous experience with IPM in a greenhouse environment.
- 3 Years’ experience of managing a team of 3 or more
- Ability to manage multiple production teams under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Proven leadership experience in a Team setting
- Excellent critical and analytical skills
Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
- Communicate effectively and professionally, both oral and written with the ability to foster positive relationships
- Spanish is an asset
- Proficient with MS Office Products
- Ability to prioritize and deal with competing demands while considering the full business impact
- Strong organizational, interpersonal and time management skills.
- Knowledgeable of hydroponic vegetable pests and disease identification.
- Spray license required.
- Knowledge of chemical and pesticide management.
- Horticultural background knowledge and knowledge of hydroponic greenhouse operations.
Working Conditions:
- Position requires sitting, standing, walking and bending on a regular basis.
- Must be able to lift 30 pounds. Limited kneeling, squatting and crawling required
- Greenhouse environment where the temperature may reach 100°F and background noise approaches 70 dcbs.
- Seasonal work - long hours during busy seasons, shorter hours in slow seasons. Ability to work extra hours as needed to address emergency situations and complete bio program and sprays.
- Rotating evenings, weekends, & holiday responsibility.