Pest Control Advisor

Employment: Regular Full-Time                                FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 
Company: Sun Pacific Farming Cooperative, Inc .     Location: Grapes Field Office 
Enterprise: 130 – Grapes (Central)                            Department: Pest Control 

SUMMARY. The Pest Control Advisor oversees all scouting, pest monitoring, and sampling activities to ensure accurate field intelligence and effective integrated pest management. This role develops pest control recommendations, evaluates pest pressure trends, and ensures full compliance with California DPR regulations. The Pest Control Advisor serves as a primary liaison between field scouts and ranch directors, guiding scouting standards, coordinating treatment strategies, and supporting timely, informed decisions that protect crop health and optimize field operations.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP. The Pest Control Advisor reports directly to the Farm Director of Grapes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. The following job duties and responsibilities are fundamental to the role:

Field Scout Oversight

• Supervise field scouts and ensure proper scouting procedures are consistently followed.
• Review daily field reports submitted by field scouts.
• Conduct daily meetings with field scouts to evaluate progress, address findings, and assign priorities.

Pest Monitoring and Sampling

• Determine sampling protocols and methods based on target pests and field conditions.
• Sample fields for pest and beneficial insects and mites.
• Oversee fungicide schedule, application and management.
• Collect soil, leaf, and plant tissue samples to support pest, nutrient, and plant health assessments.

Pest Management Planning and Recommendations

• Develop pest management recommendations in accordance with California DPR requirements.
• Communicate pest pressure, scouting results, and treatment recommendations to farm managers in a timely manner.
• Coordinate product treatment strategies with ranch managers to ensure proper application timing and crop safety.

Regulatory Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure all pest control activities adhere to DPR regulations and product labeling requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of recommendations, sampling data, scouting summaries, and pest management actions.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required, unless specified otherwise.

• Bachelor’s degree in an agricultural field or equivalent experience preferred.
• Valid California Pest Control Adviser (PCA) License.
• 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.
• Proficiency in MS Office and agriculture-specific software, including strong data management and reporting capabilities.
• 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.Possession of a CDL with a driving record acceptable and insurable under the company’s insurance policy.