IPM Strategy Lead for Crop Production

Corteva Agriscience; Salinas (PR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Vylor, Inc. is seeking an IPM Specialist to develop and implement integrated pest management strategies across our seed production operations.

You will lead pest-monitoring programs, supervise seasonal employees, and ensure compliance with EPA and WPS standards while optimizing crop protection and seed quality. Fluency in English and Spanish is required; Bachelor's or Master’s in Agronomy or related field plus 3 years of relevant experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Entomology, Plant Protection, Agricultural Sciences, or related field preferred
• 3 years of experience in agricultural research, seed production, or commercial farming operations
• Experience with pesticide applications, scouting programs, and resistance management strategies preferred
• Supervisory or team leadership experience
• Ability 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 required
• Excellent 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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Pest monitoring

Pesticide stewardship

Team leadership

Data interpretation

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Agronomy/C Crop Science/Entomology or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Power Apps

Job description

Vylor, Inc. is seeking an IPM Specialist to develop and implement integrated pest management strategies across our seed production operations.

You will lead pest-monitoring programs, supervise seasonal employees, and ensure compliance with EPA and WPS standards while optimizing crop protection and seed quality. Fluency in English and Spanish is required; Bachelor's or Master’s in Agronomy or related field plus 3 years of relevant experience preferred.