The role of the IPM Assistant is to help maintain plant health and sanitization around the facility, by applying systematic approaches to monitoring and scouting crops and by applying preventative and curative measures to correct any disturbances caused by pests, diseases and weeds. This is a full time permanent position.

Van Belle Nursery Youngplants is located in Old Clayburn Village where the scenery is beyond beautiful. At this location we propagate 400+ varieties of plants, many of which are highlighted in our show garden. Van Belle Nursery practices open book management, sharing the financials and giving employees a stake in the outcome through a profit sharing program. We’re committed to the strong culture that has been cultivated through five Core Values: Best Effort, Always Positive, Respect People, Find A Better Way, and Do It Now. Every employee is responsible for protecting and contributing to our culture by living these Values.

Goals for this role:

1. Support IPM Coordinator in the implementation of a successful IPM program and follow allCNCP regulations.
2. Execute and support inspections for exports (scout and spray).
3. Back up IPM Coordinator in maintaining IPM’s responsibilities.

Responsibilities for this role:

1. Plants
   1. Keeping the plants free of pests, diseases, and weeds.
   2. Executing and supporting monitoring/scouting tasks, review and plan outcomes with the IPM Coordinator.
   3. Reviewing and following under the guidance of the IPM Coordinator all the cultural, biological, and chemical control (insecticide, fungicide, herbicide etc.) programs for a wide variety of crops.
   4. Daily executing all the other aspects of the IPM program (export inspections, chemical sprays, biocontrols, weed control programs, and sanitation)
2. People
   1. Being an active backup for the IPM team. 
   2. Maintaining and updating SOPs related to the IPM Program that can be used by other team members
   3. Training FT and PT workers in all IPM tasks.
   4. Be part of Health and Safety Committee.

3. Finance
   1. Maintaining a daily accurate inventory of crop protection equipment and supplies and assisting in purchase decisions.
   2. Helping to establish and monitor the crop protection budget and forecast for all young plant crops.

Work Conditions:

• Be prepared to work additional hours as required; especially during seasonal demands from March through July, spraying duties may need to take place in evenings and weekends
• Employees provide own rain gear, work gloves and safety footwear (per OHS 8.2)
• Agree to follow and demonstrate the company core values
• Work in adverse weather conditions and be physically able to meet demands such as standing for long periods of time, repetitive bending, twisting and pulling
• Van Belle Nursery is a smoke free workplace.

Requirements to apply for this role:

• Post secondary education in Agronomy, Horticulture, Chemistry, Biology, with IPM knowledge or 3 years work experience in IPM
• Preferred minimum one year experience working with nursery or greenhouse crops.
• Must be team and goal oriented; must be able to work in a fast paced, multilingual and multicultural environment
• Must have strong communication skills, strong organizational skills, the ability to work independently, and an attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience in statistical software an asset
• Certified Pesticide Applicator License or willing to obtain it.
• Fluent in English, knowledge or Spanish is an asset.

We Offer

• A positive and dynamic work environment
• A competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
• A company benefit package including extended health, dental and vision coverage
• A company profit share program;
• Additional benefits available after 3 years + of continuous employment.