Herbicide Program Manager

Herbicide Program Manager

VM West, LLC is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Herbicide Program Manager and Herbicide Qualified Supervisor (QS) to ensure herbicide applications are performed safely, effectively, timely, and in compliance with all federal, state, local, and customer requirements.

The Herbicide Program Manager and Herbicide Qualified Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily herbicide operations, supervising and training field personnel, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining accurate application records, and managing customer and landowner interactions. This position serves as the technical and operational leader for herbicide application activities and is expected to demonstrate expertise in vegetation management practices, pesticide regulations, and crew leadership.

Key responsibilities include:

• Direct and supervise herbicide application crews in accordance with project specifications and Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) principles.
• Conduct pre-job planning, tailgate meetings, hazard assessments, and daily work briefings.
• Ensure herbicide applications are performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with label requirements.
• Coordinate daily work activities, equipment needs, and staffing requirements.
• Maintain and operate under all applicable pesticide licenses and certifications.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and customer-specific regulations.
• Interpret and apply herbicide labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), environmental requirements, and treatment prescriptions.
• Maintain complete and accurate pesticide application records and store them physically and within our online system.
• Participate in inspections, audits, and regulatory reviews as required.
• Strive to be audit ready at any time.
• Oversee proper mixing, loading, storage, transportation, and disposal of herbicides and related materials.
• Ensure calibration and proper operation of application equipment.
• Verify herbicide application rates and treatment methods are accurate and compliant.
• Monitor environmental conditions and adjust operations as necessary.
• Maintain inventory levels and records, proper spill containment systems, and implement and maintain proper seasonal storage requirements.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate herbicide technicians and crew members.
• Ensure employees understand safe work practices, regulatory requirements, and application procedures.
• Conduct on-the-job training and competency assessments.
• Promote continuous improvement and professional development among team members.
• Work with the Contracting Department to continue developing team members through herbicide programs, testing, and state requirements.

Required qualifications include:

• Current Qualified Supervisor certification or ability to obtain and maintain required state certifications.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Minimum 3 years of herbicide application experience.
• Minimum 1 year of leadership, supervisory, or crew lead experience.
• Knowledge of herbicide application methods, equipment calibration, vegetation identification, and Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) practices.
• Strong understanding of pesticide regulations and environmental compliance requirements.
• Ability to travel extensively and work away from home for extended periods.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient with technology (tablets, cell phones, laptops) and in Microsoft Suite.
• Strong organizational and record keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Physical requirements include:

• Ability to walk long distances over uneven, steep, rocky, or heavily vegetated terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and high elevations.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 55 pounds regularly.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and operate backpack sprayers and other application equipment.
• Ability to safely climb on and off vehicles, trailers, and equipment.
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, squat, and perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Vegetation management experience.
• Forestry, range management, weed science, natural resources, or related experience.
• Multi-state pesticide/herbicide licenses or certifications.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in herbicide application and integrated vegetation management, preferably in a management role.
• Strong knowledge of herbicide products, application techniques, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective training programs for staff.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel as needed for project oversight and team engagement.