Vegetable Pest Control Advisor - Salinas Valley

About the job

The Vegetable Pest Control Advisor oversees pest control operations and provides integrated pest management guidance to support organic and conventional vegetable production.

We're looking for someone who

● Holds a valid California Agricultural Pest Control Adviser (PCA) License

● Has a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences or a related field

● Has 3–5 years of experience in the vegetable industry

● Demonstrates thorough knowledge of agricultural pests, beneficial insects, and control methods in organic and conventional systems

● Understands California DPR regulations, pesticide selection, residue limits, and crop destination requirements

● Is knowledgeable in fertilizer management and product label interpretation

● Has experience supervising and guiding field teams

● Possesses strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills

● Is proficient in Microsoft Office and able to learn internal recordkeeping systems

● Communicates effectively with growers, supervisors, and field teams

● Has a valid driver’s license with a clean DMV record and meets insurance requirements

● Is available for night calls and flexible scheduling during peak season

● Is able to work independently with minimal supervision

● Is willing to participate in required medical exams, drug/alcohol testing, and Cholinesterase monitoring

● Possesses or is able to obtain a Qualified Applicator’s Certification License (preferred)

● Has knowledge of trucks, tractors, spray equipment, calibration calculations, and maintenance needs (preferred)

What you'll do

● Oversee scouting, pest monitoring, and sampling to ensure accurate field intelligence

● Develop pest control recommendations and evaluate pest pressure trends

● Ensure compliance with California DPR and all applicable regulations

● Coordinate treatment strategies between applicators and ranch managers

● Ensure proper application of fertilizers and plant protection products

● Process work orders and complete all required documentation including application records and reports

● Maintain compliance with all pesticide handling, storage, and safety regulations

● Participate in safety meetings and required training programs

● Maintain positive communication with supervisors and growers

● Support operational needs during peak season, including extended hours and variable schedules

● Accurately locate and verify application sites