Westbrook Greenhouses, located in Beamsville, Ontario is a leading North American grower and distributor of potted plants. We use an effective combination of human resources and mechanical automation to increase efficiency and reduce our impact on the environment. We’re passionate about enriching people’s lives every day through the beauty of plants.

SUMMARY

The IPM Technician is responsible for all pest scouting activities in Westbrook’s greenhouses. This role ensures timely, accurate tracking of pest levels and biological control activity across all production areas through routine sticky card trapping, systematic crop sampling, and supplemental scouting. The IPM Technician provides Growers with up-to-date information on pest status in their sections, communicates findings regularly, and maintains accurate records in Westbrook’s ERP. In addition, this position supports general growing operations by assisting with spraying, irrigation, and other crop care tasks as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Pest Monitoring and Data Collection

• Conduct regular monitoring of flying insect populations and biological control agents, using a sticky card sampling protocol to estimate pest prevalence throughout the greenhouse;
• Record and track pest counts in Westbrook’s ERP system to support grower decision-making and CFIA regulatory reporting;
• Implement systematic in-crop sampling protocols for pests not adequately monitored by sticky cards (e.g., aphids in kalanchoes, whitefly in poinsettia, spider mites in roses).

Scouting and Problem Identification

• Identify and flag pest “hot spots” or developing problem areas observed during monitoring/sampling activities;
• Communicate emerging pest issues promptly to the Manager, Crop Quality & Innovation and Growers.

Regular Reporting:

• Provide regular daily/weekly communication to Growers on the status of collected pest data and observations.

Biological and Pesticide Controls

• Receive and inspect biological control shipments for quality and accuracy against purchase orders;
• Store and handle biological control agents in accordance with proper storage procedures;
• Distribute and apply biological controls as required within assigned growing areas;
• Provide backup support to Growers for pesticide applications, following all safety protocols.

General:

• Support other growing activities (e.g., irrigation, spraying, crop care) as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Horticulture diploma/degree;
• Minimum 1 year greenhouse experience;
• Grower Pesticide Safety Certificate or willingness to undertake certificate training.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Ability to communicate verbally and written;
• Strong attention to detail and observational abilities;
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills;
• Ability to work independently;
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook);
• Knowledge of insect identification an asset.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Westbrook Greenhouses Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer. We value workplace diversity and inclusion. Our hiring decisions are made on the basis of candidate qualifications, merit and business need. We are committed to providing accessible employment practices in compliance with the AODA. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process by contacting Human Resources.