About the Role
We are looking for a knowledgeable and motivated Plant Health Specialist to join our Plant Health team. This position plays a key role in protecting and improving the health, quality, and production of specialized crops across our nursery locations.
The Plant Health Specialist will work closely with Production, Plant Health, Maintenance, Sales, and other teams to identify crop health concerns, develop effective treatment programs, monitor plant health, and help implement solutions that support high-quality nursery production.
This is a hands-on position for someone who enjoys working both in the field and with technical plant health programs. The ideal candidate brings strong agricultural knowledge, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively with employees, leaders, and industry professionals.
What You'll DoPlant Health & Chemical Applications
- Develop, implement, and maintain crop-specific application programs for:
- Insecticides, miticides, and molluscicides
- Fungicides and bactericides
- Herbicides
- Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs)
- Nutritional amendments
- Media wetting agents
- Anti-transpirants
- Assist with the development and implementation of plant health trials.
- Research new products, technologies, and application methods to improve plant health and production.
- Research and evaluate new and improved spray systems and application techniques.
- Ensure applications are performed safely, effectively, and in accordance with applicable regulations.
Crop Scouting & Diagnosis
- Support and maintain comprehensive crop scouting programs.
- Monitor crops for:
- Insects and mites
- Snails and other mollusks
- Bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases
- Weeds
- Vertebrate pests
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Identify and diagnose crop health issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Monitor crop conditions and proactively identify potential plant health concerns.
Equipment & Application Systems
- Work with Plant Health employees to properly calibrate spray and application equipment.
- Partner with the Maintenance Department on the maintenance and major repair of application equipment.
- Help evaluate equipment and application systems to improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
Water & Crop Management
- Work with Production teams to monitor and adjust water usage based on crop requirements.
- Assist in developing appropriate crop production recipes and cultural practices.
- Partner with Production to troubleshoot plant health and crop quality issues.
- Work with Sales to address production-related quality concerns and troubleshoot plant-related issues.
Compliance, Documentation & Administration
- Maintain a strong focus on safety in all job responsibilities.
- Maintain a valid Private Pesticide Applicator License as required.
- Accurately record all EPA-registered pesticide applications.
- Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in accordance with federal and state requirements.
- Maintain required plant shipping certifications.
- Ensure appropriate posting of pesticide applications in common areas.
- Ensure "No Entry" signs and cones are posted when required.
- Maintain accurate chemical inventory records.
- Maintain accurate and organized plant health documentation.
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
- Support the training of employees in basic Continuous Improvement/Lean methodologies.
- Collaborate with leaders throughout the company to identify, prioritize, and implement Continuous Improvement/Lean opportunities.
- Share knowledge and best practices with Plant Health employees and other nursery teams.
- Maintain effective communication with internal teams and industry peers.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
What We're Looking ForRequired Knowledge & Skills
- Knowledge of agricultural and nursery production practices.
- Knowledge of plant health, pest management, and crop production principles.
- Ability to identify and diagnose common plant pests, diseases, weeds, and nutritional issues.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work effectively.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with employees, leaders, customers, and industry professionals.
- Ability to read, understand, and follow verbal and written instructions.
- Basic computer skills and the ability to maintain electronic and written records.
- Ability to demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and customer service.
- Ability to obtain and maintain required licenses and certifications.
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to:
- Work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wet, and humid environments.
- Work around agricultural chemicals, fumes, airborne particles, insects, and other agricultural hazards.
- Work around moving mechanical equipment, including forklifts, tractors, and other agricultural machinery.
- Tolerate the noise associated with agricultural and nursery equipment.
- Climb onto and down from equipment.
- Lift up to 30 pounds.
- Walk, stand, bend, reach, and move throughout nursery operations.
- Occasionally sit at a desk or computer terminal to enter, review, and maintain information.
- Use a telephone and communicate effectively in person and electronically.
Why Join Our Team?
As a Plant Health Specialist, you'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the health and quality of our crops while working alongside experienced agricultural professionals. This role offers a combination of hands-on field work, technical plant health management, research, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration.
If you're passionate about agriculture, enjoy solving complex crop health challenges, and want to contribute to continuous improvement in a dynamic nursery environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today to join our Plant Health team!
Pay: From $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
