IPM Specialist

PA Options for Wellness; Duncannon (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

PA Options for Wellness is seeking an IPM Technician to implement and monitor pest control strategies in our cannabis cultivation facility in Pennsylvania. You will work under the Cultivation Manager and ensure compliance with PA Department of Health approved methods while maintaining logs and safety protocols.

The role requires a PA Pesticide Applicator's License within 90 days, basic computer skills, and the ability to work in a team in a physically demanding greenhouse environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• PA Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• 1+ year pest management experience, preferably in a commercial setting.
• Able to work in a team and independently.

Responsibilities

• Daily pest and disease monitoring and scouting.
• Maintain logs for pesticides and preventive agents.
• Mix and apply pesticides and cleaning agents.
• Assist with cultivation tasks as needed.
• Ensure safety protocols and SOPs are followed.

Skills

Pest management

Team collaboration

Communication

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Safety protocols

Education

High School Diploma or GED

PA Pesticide Applicator’s License

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are an employee focused medical cannabis organization dedicated to transforming lives through compassionate care and expert guidance. Our mission is to remove barriers to access, fight the stigma surrounding cannabis, and improve the well‑being of our patients through the power of the plant. With a commitment to education, advocacy, and personalized support, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

Join Our Team Today!

Working under the guidance of the Cultivation Manager, IPM Technicians are responsible for implementing and monitoring PAOFW's strategy for controlling pests by utilizing biological, physical, and chemical treatment methods approved by the PA Department of Health. This position requires candidates to obtain a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator's License within 90 days of employment and is essential for maintaining an operational and compliant grow facility.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Daily monitoring and scouting for pest and/or disease
• Maintain up to date pesticide/preventative agent logs
• Mix pesticide/preventative agent/cleaning agent(s)
• Operating and maintaining sprayers
• Apply IPM product(s)/beneficial bugs to plants
• Coordinate scheduling of pesticide/preventative agent application with cultivation leadership
• Follow PAOFW policy, standard operating procedures, and best practice for assigned tasks
• Adhere to strictest safety protocols as it relates to daily duties
• Uphold quality standards through documented inspection of application process
• Support cultivation operations, as needed, including but not limited to pruning, transplanting/moving plants, harvesting, cloning, cleaning, etc. by maintaining proficiency in all basic cultivation tasks/responsibilities
• Demonstrate regular and on‑time attendance to all scheduled shifts
• Perform other duties as needed

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Possess a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator's License or willing to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• 1+ years of experience in plant pest management, preferably in a commercial setting
• Self‑motivated with the ability to learn, improve, and communicate effectively
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and as an individual contributor
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and problem solving
• Ability to organize and prioritize work in a timely fashion.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office.
• Strong interpersonal skills including listening, negotiation, and conflict management.
• Strong written, verbal, and non‑verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of regulations related to the Pennsylvania medical cannabis program, including the state mandated reporting software, MJ Freeway.

WORK CONDITIONS

This is a labor‑intensive position, working in a greenhouse and manufacturing environment. This position is in an environment that frequently has a strong cannabis odor. This position will frequently be in‑contact with cannabis in its vegetative, flowering, harvested, and cured phases. This position requires frequent direct contact with the cannabis plant before it is cured and contact post‑cure. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:

• Sit, Walk, Stand, Crouch, Stoop, Bend, Reach, and Lift for extended periods of time
• Hold arms above head for extended periods of time to trim plants, hang trellis, and remove leaves
• Use hands and fingers to operate, handle, and/or feel objects, tools, and/or controls; and reach with hands and arms
• Lift and/or move up to 75 pounds in totes or on rolling carts
• Scrub tables, floors, and other surfaces with brushes during remediation
• Operate light machinery including power washers, foam sprayers, and other remediation tools
• Occasionally operate a forklift per standard operating procedure and supervisor direction
• Will be required to wear varying degrees of personal protective equipment for specific tasks (some tasks require partial PPE; some will require full PPE)
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus
• Must be able to work in rooms with temperatures averaging 68 – 82 degrees with elevated humidity levels (45%-70%) and intense bright lights as well as areas with higher‑than‑average CO2 levels. Must be able to work in the dark or altered colored lighting utilizing green uv headlamps.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with team members and leadership through talking and hearing
• The work environment may include exposure to fumes, dust, odors, heights, temperatures, motion, and moderate‑to‑loud noises

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a background check and drug screening prior to their start date. Employment is contingent upon passing these screenings.