Job Description

Crop Scout
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has gone from a futuristic idea to now the only answer to the problem of pest control within the greenhouse vegetable industry. Truly Green Farms is committed to maintaining a healthy crop along with delivering exceptional quality. The person in this position plays an intricate part in achieving these goals.
Reports to: IPM Manager
OPERATIONAL Scouting:

• Develop and carry a thorough, consistent scouting regime

Bio applications:

• Calculate rates required depending on pest pressure

• In coordination with assistant grower/labour supervisor, delegate applications to employees

Spraying:

• Dependent on the area requiring attention, calculate proper rates for application

• Carry out application in coordination with proper individuals (abide by pre-harvest interval and ensure to meet the restricted entry interval)

• Note taking is an important element to understand and track the disease and pest presence in the crop

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

• Weekly meeting with IPM Manager

• Weekly updates to the IPM Manager with direction based on trending pest issues

• Decision-making skills will be required regarding biological and chemical applications

• Keep current via research on present and potential pests

EQUIPMENT

• Magnifying glass

• Greenhouse pest maps (in Priva)

• Scissor cart

• Sticky cards

• Proper certification and PPE when applying pesticides (read labels for proper PPE instructions)

FOOD SAFETY

• Ensure compliance of overall CanadaGAP food safety program by being a good example

• Complete and submit required weekly cleaning & sanitation logs

• Ensure employees have proper materials to comply with food safety rules (i.e. blank copies of proper forms or access to electronic forms)

• Keep food safety forms up to date throughout the year

• Ensure all paperwork/electronic forms pertaining to food safety is submitted

• Notify designated employees of food safety infractions (i.e. knife sanitizing stations)

• Ensure to always wear gloves when handling the product

• Ensure to always wash and disinfect hands after each break

• Ensure equipment is cleaned and sanitized regularly

SAFETY, SECURITY, BIOSECURITY

• Properly and regularly use all safety equipment

• Only operate equipment if properly trained or as required by applicable laws

• Follow safety procedures when cleaning/handling equipment and tools

• Follow the scissor cart operating procedures

• Follow the biosecurity protocols. Always enter the building through the boot-scrubber

• Report all accidents, unsafe conditions, security incidents to management

ATTENDANCE

• Scheduling has been established to ensure that the farm is able to meet the production needs. When an employee is late or does not show up, it is difficult for the remaining staff to carry out their functions properly.

• Arrives at the farm prepared to work for the scheduled starting time

• Works productively through the ending time of the assigned shift

• Follows all break/meal period rules and time off requirements

• Minimizes absences/tardiness; follows appropriate call-in/call-off procedures

UNIFORM

• Wear the uniform designated for their position

• Wear safety shoes

• Maintains a neat, clean, and professional personal appearance

• Keeps fingernails trimmed, clean and free of dirt; gloves are to be worn on the pack line and harvesting

TEAMWORK

• The systems we have set up on the farm make is necessary for employees to work together.

• Work together with other team members to provide the best possible produce

• Display and maintain positive behaviours toward job and company

• Help to create a positive, harassment-free work environment

• Carry out duties assigned and willingly helps other employees when necessary

• Reacts positively when asked to perform a special task or assignment