Agronomy Integrated Pest Management Specialist

Vylor, Inc.; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Four weeks of paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Competitive retirement plan

Job summary

Vylor, Inc. in Salinas, CA, is seeking an Agronomy Integrated Pest Management Specialist to lead IPM strategies across crops and seed production. You will supervise seasonal staff, integrate biological controls with agrochemicals, and monitor pest populations to keep pressures below economic thresholds.

The role requires a bachelor’s (or higher) in agronomy or related field, 3+ years in research or farming, and fluency in English and Spanish. Regional travel and extended hours expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Entomology, Plant Protection, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in agricultural research, seed production, or commercial farming operations.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish is required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor IPM strategies that combine biological, cultural, mechanical, manual, and chemical controls.
• Oversee field teams and evaluate seasonal staff who apply insecticides using backpacks.
• Integrate biological control agents with agrochemical applications for effective pest control.
• Monitor pest populations through regular field scouting and surveillance activities.
• Ensure pesticide applications comply with label requirements, EPA regulations, and WPS.
• Analyze field data and advise timely pest management actions based on crop stage and priorities.
• Evaluate treatments within 24–48 hours and suggest corrective actions as needed.

Skills

Pest monitoring

IPM strategies

Leadership

Spanish

English

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Entomology, Plant Protection, Agricultural Sciences, or related field

Master's degree in related field (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Power Apps

Job description

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of AgricultureAt Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer, Brevant, and Hoegemeyer, delivering performance farmers rely on.Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.We are seeking an Agronomy Integrated Pest Management Specialist. The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring integrated pest management strategies to protect crop productivity, support seed production objectives, and ensure sustainable agricultural practices. This role combines biological, mechanical, cultural, and chemical control methods to maintain pest populations below economic thresholds while ensuring compliance with EPA, Worker Protection Standard (WPS), environmental regulations, and company standards.The IPM Specialist provides technical leadership in pest monitoring, pesticide stewardship, insect resistance management, employee supervision, and field operations to maximize seed quality, delivery, and operational efficiency.Responsibilities - What You’ll Do:Supervise the successful implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that combine biological, cultural, mechanical, manual, and chemical control methods.Supervise and evaluate the quality, productivity, efficiency, and performance of seasonal employees in charge of the execution of insecticide applications using backpacks.Integrate biological control agents with agrochemical applications to improve pest control effectiveness and promote sustainable production practices.Monitor pest populations on reproductive stages of all crops through regular field scouting, evaluations, and surveillance activities.Maintain pest pressure below established economic thresholds with a special focus on reproductive stages with the main objective of producing high-quality seed.Analyze field data and recommend timely pest management actions based on crop growth stage, pest pressure, and operational priorities.Ensure pesticide applications comply with label requirements, company procedures, EPA regulations, and WPS standards.Evaluate treatment performance and effectiveness within 24 to 48 hours after application and recommend corrective actions when control objectives are not achieved.Optimize pesticide use by determining appropriate products, application timing, rates, and frequency for each location.Ensure employees use the proper nozzles, tips, needles, and application equipment to maximize efficacy and coverage.Evaluate new technologies, biological controls, and pest management tools to improve program effectiveness.Participate in field trials and research activities related to pest management and resistance mitigation.Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, application effectiveness, and sustainability performance.Qualifications- What You’ll Need:Bachelor's or master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Entomology, Plant Protection, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field preferred3+ years of experience in agricultural research, seed production, or commercial farming operationsExperience with pesticide applications, scouting programs, and resistance management strategies preferred.Supervisory or team leadership experienceAbility to interpret pest monitoring data and make timely decisions.Must be proficient using Microsoft Office programs, Power Apps, and other local software. Skills using technology and managing electronic devices and computer equipment.Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish is requiredExcellent leadership, communication, and creativity skills, especially attention to details.Willing and able to work extended hours, second shift, weekends, and holidays as business needs dictate.Valid PR driver's license, category 4 preferred.Willing and able to occasionally lift, push, or carry up to 20-50 lbs. of weight.Must be capable of working in varied ergonomic and in extreme environmental conditions for extended periods of time. ***Please note there is no visa sponsorship or relocation assistance provided for this role.Benefits – How We’ll Support You:Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skillsBe part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better placeHealth benefits for you and your family on your first day of employmentFour weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidaysExcellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and fatherFuture planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement programLearn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva BenefitsCheck out life at Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.Corteva announced to separate our current advanced seed and genetics business to establish a standalone company, operating as Vylor, Inc. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to legal requirements and board approval. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the separation, you would be an employee of Vylor, Inc. and your employment would be governed by Vylor, Inc. employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by Vylor, Inc. at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.