Technical Services Specialist - OHP

ZipRecruiter; Newport Beach (CA); Remote; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Technical Services Specialist to lead technical projects in the plant health sector. This role involves collaborating with teams to develop and deliver technical information, managing research activities, and providing support to customers in the Nursery, Greenhouse, and Cannabis markets. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in marketing and sales, excellent communication skills, and a passion for plant health solutions. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will contribute to innovative solutions and impactful partnerships.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Insurance

Company Vehicle

Health Savings Account (HSA)

401(k) with Employer Match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Paid Vacation and Holidays

Wellness Program

Qualifications

• 5+ years in marketing, research, or sales of plant control products.
• Strong knowledge of growing systems and cultural practices.
• Detail-oriented and self-motivated with effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical projects and deliver briefings to customers.
• Collaborate with teams to educate customers and boost sales.
• Manage research budgets and oversee product research activities.

Skills

Marketing

Sales

Research

Interpersonal Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a Related Field

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Word

Job description

Job Description

AMGUARD Environmental Technologies (AMGUARD), a business unit of American Vanguard Corporation specializing in professional and specialty solutions, is seeking a Technical Services Specialist for its OHP-branded ornamental, greenhouse, and Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA) technical solutions team. OHP is a recognized leader in developing innovative synthetic and biological technologies for these specialized markets.

The Technical Services Specialist will lead and support the creation and management of technical projects, protocols, and data to develop products and technical information. This information will be disseminated to the OHP team, partners, customers, and growers in the Nursery, Greenhouse, CEA, and Cannabis markets. The role will primarily focus on entomological and pathological issues but will also involve work across all segments of OHP’s plant health & production portfolio, including insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, PGRs, and specialty products.

OHP continuously aims to expand its portfolio through strategic partnerships, label expansions, improved formulations, and robust in-house R&D initiatives. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a professional with strong technical, sales, marketing, and business development skills to join the team.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assist and develop the OHP technical department in coordination with the Technical Director, R&D teams, and Amguard & Amvac's direction.
2. Collaborate with TSMs in their territories to educate customers and conduct product demonstrations to boost sales.
3. Develop and deliver technical briefings (written and oral) to team members, customers, and industry audiences, including bulletins, presentations, articles, videos, demonstrations, website content, and training sessions.
4. Review and edit technical bulletins and marketing literature to ensure clarity and technical accuracy.
5. Onboard and train new and existing team members on technical information and products.
6. Build and maintain a network of academic, distribution, and grower partners for research and project support.
7. Work with marketing and technical staff to review and update technical information and marketing materials annually.
8. Maintain a database of research projects related to OHP products, cooperator details, and market segments.
9. Create, review, and distribute technical information to stakeholders.
10. Collaborate with the Technical Director, regulatory staff, and R&D teams on product registrations, labels, permits, and updates.
11. Help prepare and review regulatory documents and label compliance information.
12. Assist in developing research protocols aligned with regulatory and R&D needs for product registration and expansion.
13. Provide technical support to team members, customers, and growers, including answering questions and supporting field trials.
14. Support sales with education, demonstrations, and technical assistance.
15. Manage research budgets and expenditures within company guidelines.
16. Explore new applications and technologies to expand product use, including drones, robotics, and low-volume sprayers.
17. Participate in industry events, conferences, and societies to stay current and network.
18. Maintain relationships with academic and industry researchers and cooperators for technical projects.
19. Represent OHP and AMGUARD at trade shows and conferences.
20. Oversee department expenses and cooperator payments.
21. Develop protocols for data generation and product registration support in collaboration with regulatory and R&D teams.
22. Manage product research activities, including sample logistics.
23. Stay informed about market competition, industry trends, and opportunities.
24. Build relationships with distributors and technical departments to enhance product distribution and sales nationwide.
25. Organize training programs, field days, and seminars to promote product awareness and usage.
26. Provide strategic advice and support for operations and product development aligned with channel partners’ goals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in marketing, research, or sales of insect, weed, and plant disease control products/services in Nurseries, Greenhouses, CEA, or Cannabis markets.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with all management levels.
• Knowledge of growing systems and cultural practices, with effective communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and adaptable.
• Ability to make quick decisions and pivot as needed.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 60%.
• Position based remotely within the continental US with access to an airport.
• Valid US driver’s license and ability to pass background checks.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life).
• Company vehicle provided.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with discounts.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Wellness program.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. AEP is committed to diversity and inclusion.