Associate Pest Control Agronomist

Description

Job Title:Associate Pest Control Agronomist
Location: California Ranches - Fresno
Department: Farming
FLSA Status: Exempt
We are a global leader in food & beverage ingredients. Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage manufacturers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is all part of the delight. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable and transparent supply. Supplying products and ingredients at scale is just the start. We add value through our unique, complementary portfolio of natural, delicious and nutritious products. With our fresh thinking, we help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet consumer expectations. And whoever were with, whatever were doing, we always make it real.
Position Summary
Reporting to Pest Control Advisor (PCA), the Associate Pest Control Agronomist will be responsible for the fertility and health of our permanent plantings with focus on almonds and other tree nuts. In this role the employee will be responsible for monitoring all pests and writing Pest Control recommendations to address the pest issues. Time will be spent out in the orchard monitoring crops and directing the spray team personnel. The Associate Pest Control Agronomist will be responsible for communicating with Ranch Managers, Ranch Foreman and the Agronomy team on pest issues. This position will require extensive travelling to all ofi ranches routinely in central California to provide on-site pest management and support to the operations.
The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving skills, with the ability analyze available information, take appropriate partners and identify/implement solutions to support the harvest.
Position Responsibilities

• Conduct regular field audits at all California ranches to ensure control of insect and disease pests.
• Partner with and interact with Ranch Managers and the Agronomy team on pest problems and identify proposed solutions.
• Conduct insect, weed and disease monitoring and reporting. Publish results to leadership as needed.
• Perform detailed field reports and manage permanent record keeping.
• Set pest traps and building pest observation/trap counts, report on findings.
• Set up and execute research trials as directed by agronomy team.
• Facilitate new technology implementation and maintenance. Act as a subject matter expert for the ranch teams.
• Ensure continued knowledge of new agri-chemicals and pesticide laws and regulations. Share information with ranch teams to ensure compliance.
• Implement Pest Control measures though use of economic injury levels and integrated pest management.
• Supervise spraying crew required.
• Ensure spraying and chemical distributions are done in a safe manner at all times.
• Provide pesticide safety training as needed.
• Support Chemical inventory and purchasing.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• A Bachelors degree inAgriculture Science, or related field is required. Candidates may substitute four (4) years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• One to Two (1 -2) years agriculture experience or related experience preferred.
• Pest Control Advisor (PCA) and Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) certification or tracking to complete within the next 12 months is required.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal is required.
• Ability to exercise effective judgement and creativity to changing needs and situations related to Pest Control is required.
• Ability to work independently and with internal and external partners is required.
• Ability to research and analyze information and use said research to suggest solutions is required.
• Proficient computer skills are required including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be available to work extended hours to support the Harvest season as required.
• Valid CA Driving License and good driving record is required.
• Bilingual in Spanish both written and verbal is strongly preferred.
Ability to travel extensively to the various Ranches in Central California is required.

The pay for this role in the state of Californiaranges from $61,000 - $79,000 and is based on the position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within that range may be determined based on candidate experience, qualifications and/or other determining factors.
Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: US-Talent.Acquisition@ofi.com
At ofi, we celebrate our diversity. Olam Americas Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.