Intigrated Pest Manager

The Opportunity

Lake Leaf is a leading cultivator of high-quality cannabis products, dedicated to sustainable practices and innovation in indoor cultivation. We are committed to producing premium cannabis while maintaining environmentally responsible operations. We are seeking a knowledgeable and experienced Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Manager to join our team and ensure the health and vitality of our crops.

The IPM Manager will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management program for our indoor cannabis cultivation facility. This role involves monitoring plant health, identifying pest and disease issues, and implementing effective control strategies to ensure optimal plant growth and yield. The IPM Manager will work closely with the Cultivation Leaders to maintain a clean and pest-free environment, adhering to all regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

What You Get to Do

• Program Maintenance: Work with growers to maintain IPM program tailored to the specific needs of indoor cannabis cultivation, focusing on prevention, monitoring, and control of pests and diseases.
• Monitoring and Identification: Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Use appropriate diagnostic tools and techniques to identify issues accurately.
• Control Strategies: Develop and apply effective biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical control strategies to manage pest populations and minimize crop damage. Ensure all methods are compliant with state and federal regulations.
• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of pest and disease occurrences, control measures applied, and the effectiveness of interventions. Use data to refine and improve IPM strategies over time.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the cultivation team to educate and train staff on IPM practices and protocols. Foster a culture of proactive pest management and environmental stewardship.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all IPM activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including pesticide application and safety protocols.
• Research and Development: Stay informed about the latest IPM technologies, products, and methods. Evaluate and integrate new approaches to enhance the effectiveness of the IPM program.
• Reporting: Provide regular reports to management on pest and disease trends, IPM program performance, and recommendations for improvements.

IPM Manager's Specific Responsibilities:

• Set and maintain IPM schedules and assign corresponding labor assistance.
• • Adhere to and execute scheduled IPM applications.
• Set, assign and maintain daily tasks for IPM Management and/or Team:
• • Understand specific deadlines and milestones to best determine the course of action and required labor for each phase of production.
• Provide Monthly, weekly, and daily assignment updates and direction for each team member.
• Create Custom Tasks as needed to work on the fly based on daily monitoring and observation.
• Review overall strain performances to implement the best course of action to maintain plant health and facilitate high yield performances.
• Work closely with Management to review data analytics to determine the best course of action needed to maintain high yields and overall performance throughout each aspect of production.
• Work closely with METRC Team to ensure total adherence of state rules and regulations within METRC Additives and Reporting.
• Perform daily plant IPM maintenance and stage work including.
• Review, assess and coordinate grow supplies and equipment ordering and deliveries.
• Develop and maintain on-going plant health protocols for entire facility including:
• • Monitoring and adjustment of applicable nutrients and other additives.
• Daily plant maintenance procedures and protocols.
• Scout and identify the following issues in each plant throughout all stages of production:
• • Toxicity.
• Deficiencies.
• Pest infestations.
• Pathogens.
• Plants that need to be removed/destroyed.
• Daily monitoring and adjustment of all environmental controls including:
• • Temperature.
• Humidity levels.
• Air flow.
• Feeding regiments and results.

What We Look for in a Person

• Serves and develops others by building relationships.

• Fosters an inclusive workplace where inclusion and individual differences are valued.

• Collaborates across boundaries to achieve common goals.

• Aligns organizational objectives and practices with Mille Lacs Band traditions or interests as appropriate.

• Sets direction and influences others to translate vision into action.

• Demonstrates drive for continued personal and professional growth.

What We Offer You

• We have a fun, energetic personality and are adventurous, creative, and open minded.

• We strive to lead through our seven (7) values in all that we do. (Wisdom, Love, Respect, Truth, Humility, Bravery, and Honesty)

• Our foundation of Servant Leadership is a philosophy that embodies and fosters empowerment, decision-making and engagement across all levels of the organization.

• We are a career accelerant, which means developing our Associates is one of our main priorities.

• We provide a space for Associates and others to bring who they are to work and impart a sense of purpose.

• A variety of competitively priced health benefits insurances, parental leave, holidays, and PTO

What Qualifies You

• Must be 21 years of age or older

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, Entomology, or related field and/or combination of experience/training that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the above duties. Advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in IPM, preferably in an indoor agricultural setting.

• Experience with cannabis cultivation is a strong advantage.

• In-depth knowledge of pest and disease management principles, including biological control agents and organic IPM practices.

• Familiarity with regulatory requirements related to pesticide use and safety in cannabis cultivation.

• Have/obtain Non-Commercial Pesticide Application License

Must Haves

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively train and collaborate with team members.

• Must be able to follow instructions unsupervised and has ability to concentrate on each task

• Must be reliable and able to maintain IPM schedule and application plan.

• Accurate data-entry and record keeping, both hard copy and digitally.

• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and time management abilities

• Ability to stand, sit, kneel, and lift equipment or plants up to 50 lbs. for extended periods.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.

• Preferred knowledge of cannabis law, pest management, and/or horticulture.

• Reside within a distance that allows for a regular on-site presence.

Work Environment

• Indoor cultivation facility with controlled temperatures and humidity levels.

• Exposure to strong odors and varying noise levels.

• Frequent use of chemicals and pest management equipment.

• Compliance with strict hygiene and sanitation standards.

• Collaborative team environment with communication between multiple departments.

• Adherence to safety protocols to maintain a clean and safe workspace