IPM Senior Technician
Location: Windsor, ON
About Crop Defenders Ltd:
Crop Defenders Ltd. is a pioneering biological crop protection company dedicated to producing and supplying ecological alternatives to pesticides for consumable crop growers. Our mission is to improve the lives of millions by enabling growers to produce ecologically grown crops that are safer for farmers, consumers, and the ecosystem. Through continuous innovation in product development, operational optimization, and trusted partnerships, we help growers across North America adopt sustainable practices that support food security and environmental health.
Job Purpose:
The Senior IPM Technician plays a critical leadership role in executing and embedding our full-cycle A–Z Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system at client sites. This role combines advanced scouting and bio-application responsibilities with on-site coaching and process oversight. As a change agent and field expert, the Senior IPM Scout ensures seamless implementation, scouting accuracy, and outbreak prevention through rigorous process adherence and knowledge transfer.
Key Responsibilities:
A–Z IPM System Implementation
Lead the on-site execution of the A–Z IPM protocol, ensuring adherence to all modules including scouting, thresholds, cleanouts, bio applications, spray optimization, and more.
Conduct implementation audits to identify and close gaps through on-the-spot training and coaching.
Provide structured feedback to the IPM Consultant or Customer Success team on risks, non-compliance, and systemic challenges observed in the field.
Lead the on-site execution of the A–Z IPM protocol, ensuring adherence to all modules including scouting, thresholds, cleanouts, bio applications, spray optimization, and more.
Conduct implementation audits to identify and close gaps through on-the-spot training and coaching.
Provide structured feedback to the IPM Consultant or Customer Success team on risks, non-compliance, and systemic challenges observed in the field.
Scouting & Biological Application
Conduct detailed greenhouse inspections with high accuracy, identifying pests, diseases, and physiological issues across a range of crops.
Scout large crop areas efficiently and apply biological control agents to target zones.
Guide and verify junior scouts' reports to ensure data reliability and consistency.
Evaluate effectiveness of bio-control applications and recommend improvements based on observations.
Conduct detailed greenhouse inspections with high accuracy, identifying pests, diseases, and physiological issues across a range of crops.
Scout large crop areas efficiently and apply biological control agents to target zones.
Guide and verify junior scouts' reports to ensure data reliability and consistency.
Evaluate effectiveness of bio-control applications and recommend improvements based on observations.
Pest & Crop Health Reporting
Submit accurate and insightful scouting maps and written reports.
Communicate trends, anomalies, and findings to the IPM team, including root causes and contributing conditions.
Capture high-quality images for internal documentation and training purposes.
Submit accurate and insightful scouting maps and written reports.
Communicate trends, anomalies, and findings to the IPM team, including root causes and contributing conditions.
Capture high-quality images for internal documentation and training purposes.
Diagnosis & Strategy Support
Diagnose pest damage, disease symptoms, and distinguish from environmental or nutritional stresses.
Contribute to ecological strategy development, including use of banker plants, trap crops, and microclimate adjustments.
Support strategy validation and mid-cycle adjustments in partnership with the IPM Consulting team.
Diagnose pest damage, disease symptoms, and distinguish from environmental or nutritional stresses.
Contribute to ecological strategy development, including use of banker plants, trap crops, and microclimate adjustments.
Support strategy validation and mid-cycle adjustments in partnership with the IPM Consulting team.
Training & Capability Building
Train junior scouts and farm personnel on identifying pest behavior and implementing IPM steps correctly.
Use field-based demonstrations, checklists, and visual tools to deliver practical knowledge effectively.
Share feedback with Crop Defenders’ R&D and training teams to improve support materials and protocols.
Train junior scouts and farm personnel on identifying pest behavior and implementing IPM steps correctly.
Use field-based demonstrations, checklists, and visual tools to deliver practical knowledge effectively.
Share feedback with Crop Defenders’ R&D and training teams to improve support materials and protocols.
Trialing & Customer Engagement
Participate in field trials and evaluations of new IPM strategies or tools.
Share trial outcomes with growers in a clear and actionable manner.
Maintain strong, trust-based relationships with growers through professionalism and consistency.
Participate in field trials and evaluations of new IPM strategies or tools.
Share trial outcomes with growers in a clear and actionable manner.
Maintain strong, trust-based relationships with growers through professionalism and consistency.
Forecasting & Planning
Monitor and anticipate pest and beneficial insect trends based on scouting data, crop stage, and environmental factors.
Collaborate with the IPM team to adjust treatment schedules and focus areas seasonally.
Maintain awareness of greenhouse layout and crop cycles to optimize coverage and scout planning.
Monitor and anticipate pest and beneficial insect trends based on scouting data, crop stage, and environmental factors.
Collaborate with the IPM team to adjust treatment schedules and focus areas seasonally.
Maintain awareness of greenhouse layout and crop cycles to optimize coverage and scout planning.
Key Requirements:
3–5 years of IPM field leadership experience in greenhouses, with a strong focus on biological control and team management.
Proven experience in implementing full-cycle IPM programs (beyond basic scouting).
Confident in coaching and training others on-site and enforcing SOPs.
High proficiency in interpreting pest thresholds, treatment protocols, and product impacts (both biological and chemical).
Strong communicator with a passion for teaching and helping others improve.
Comfortable using digital tools for reporting, data collection, and team collaboration.
Educational background in entomology, horticulture, or agricultural sciences strongly preferred.
Physically able to scout 10–15 km per day in a greenhouse environment.
Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to multiple client sites as required.
3–5 years of IPM field leadership experience in greenhouses, with a strong focus on biological control and team management.
Proven experience in implementing full-cycle IPM programs (beyond basic scouting).
Confident in coaching and training others on-site and enforcing SOPs.
High proficiency in interpreting pest thresholds, treatment protocols, and product impacts (both biological and chemical).
Strong communicator with a passion for teaching and helping others improve.
Comfortable using digital tools for reporting, data collection, and team collaboration.
Educational background in entomology, horticulture, or agricultural sciences strongly preferred.
Physically able to scout 10–15 km per day in a greenhouse environment.
Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to multiple client sites as required.
Core Values:
A special note before you apply:
We are replacing hierarchy with self-managed teams where authority is distributed instead of centralized. Before applying, please reflect on whether this structure aligns with your personal values. We are building a culture of high engagement and performance at Crop Defenders. If you are driven by ownership, collaboration, and accountability, you’ll thrive here. If not, we respect your honesty in recognizing this is not the right fit.
Ideal candidates will align with these values:
1. Truthful and trustworthy
2. Reliable and dependable
3. Humble and courageous
4. Collaborative and team-oriented
5. Altruistic and selfless in priorities
6. Committed to high standards
7. Embraces change
8. Process- and improvement-minded
9. Empowers others
10. Driven and productive
11. Mindful of impact on team energy
12. Focused on creating value
Benefits:
● Comprehensive health and dental coverage
● Opportunities for professional development through training and certification
● A collaborative, mission-driven environment
● The chance to contribute to global food security through sustainable agriculture
Join Our Team:
If you’re an experienced scout ready to lead in the field, support others, and contribute to ecological crop protection at a higher level, we invite you to apply for the Senior IPM Scout role at Crop Defenders Ltd.