Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Lead

At State Flower, we grow our cannabis hydroponically and indoors, feeding our flowers a proprietary blend of bio-mineral nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. Because we are small, our team touches each plant constantly pruning, supporting the canopy and ensuring nurture at every level. Come join us in cultivating some of the finest cannabis in California!

All benefits-eligible employees are provided the following benefits:

• Employee Discount (all employees eligible)
• Paid-Time-Off (varies by State, please ask your Recruiter for more info)
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• 98Point6 (remote primary care)
• 401k with 4% matching (100% vested immediately)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness Program

Physical Requirements:

• Stand constantly
• Walk frequently
• Reach and twist/turn with hands and arms
• Climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus

Environmental Factors:

• This position requires working in an environment that has a high amount of plant matter and pollen. Areas of the facility reach high/low temperatures with high humidity levels. Employees may have exposure to conditions such as dust, plant matter, and particles that affect the respiratory system, eyes, or skin, depending on department job assignments.  Employees are required to wear protective gear and have the option to wear eye and ear protection. Certain areas of the facility use harsh chemicals for cleaning such as bleach and can have repetitive movements. Employees should be comfortable and capable of working under all of the above conditions.

Position Description

• The IPM Lead is responsible for carrying out tasks in a manner that follows the company’s Standard Operating Procedures to support the cultivation facilities Integrated Pest Management plan.  The IPM Lead will also be expected to assist the Cultivation Associates with plant maintenance, and everyday cultivation tasks as needed. The Lead will be held accountable for the IPM team's effort and will be responsible for leading by example.

Responsibilities

• Follow all SOPs, verbal directives, and policies when performing daily operational duties and fully comply with state regulations
• Acquire a proficient knowledge of plant diseases, insects, and fungi, as well as plant treatment options 
• Follow detailed IPM plans and timelines for plant production from beginning to end of crop cycles (clone to harvest)
• Perform routine monitoring, scouting, and documentation of plant population in all stages of plant development for problems revolving around insect pests, pathogens, viruses, etc.
• Obtain a private pesticide applicators license
• Act as a Team Lead and lead by example for the rest of the Pest Management team 
• Annually complete a respirator fit test with a certified physician if needed 
• Apply crop protection agents under the direct supervision
• Document application of crop protection agents (Biological Control Agents, Pesticides, etc.) in accordance with California regulations
• Identify and execute preventative maintenance and elimination of all types of pests and pathogens
• Maintain and clean the PPE needed for all IPM duties (e.g. Respirators, Foot-baths, Tyvek Suits/Chemical Jackets, etc.)
• Maintain/clean equipment (hand pump sprayers, heavy duty sprayers, etc.) under the direction of a certified pesticide applicator
• Assist with cleaning rooms after harvest and preparing for room re-loads
• Performs cultivation tasks as assigned
• Sweep, mop, and assist with cleaning tasks daily.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management methods and the ability to identify pests and pathogens specific to Cannabis
• Knowledge of growing practices, such as cloning, transplanting, pruning, training, watering, etc.
• Ability to execute techniques accurately and consistently
• Good documentation, inventory, and organizational skills
• Ability to keep to a tight schedule
• Ability to maintain excellent punctuality and attendance
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent verbal interpersonal communication skills to interact with team members
• Basic weights and measurements skills, ability to operate a scale