Ipm manager

The Lawncare Production Manager is responsible for leading and managing the daily operations of the Lawncare Division, ensuring the safe, efficient, and profitable delivery of turf management, fertilization, weed control, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) services across a portfolio of commercial properties. This role serves as the bridge between company leadership and field execution, overseeing Lawncare Technicians, coordinating production schedules, maintaining regulatory compliance, and ensuring exceptional service quality and client satisfaction.

The ideal candidate combines strong turfgrass and horticultural expertise with proven leadership, operational planning, safety management, and customer service skills. Success in this role is measured by production efficiency, property quality, employee development, safety performance, and client retention.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations & Production Management

Scheduling & Workforce Management

• Direct daily scheduling and routing of Lawncare Technicians to maximize productivity and service efficiency.
• Monitor labor utilization, production rates, and route performance to ensure budgeted goals are achieved.
• Coordinate seasonal application programs including fertilization, weed control, insect control, disease management, aeration, overseeding, and soil amendments.
• Adjust schedules based on weather conditions, treatment timing requirements, and client priorities.

Quality Assurance & Turf Health

• Conduct routine property inspections to evaluate turf quality, plant health, and service standards.
• Ensure all treatments are applied according to company specifications and industry best practices.
• Diagnose turfgrass diseases, insect infestations, weed pressures, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Develop and implement effective treatment recommendations using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all pesticide and fertilizer applications comply with state and federal regulations.
• Maintain accurate Pesticide Application Records (PARs), treatment histories, and regulatory documentation.
• Oversee chemical storage areas to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Stay current on licensing requirements, product labels, and industry regulations.

2. Leadership & Team Development

Team Management

• Recruit, onboard, train, and develop Lawncare Technicians and future team leaders.
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide coaching to improve employee effectiveness.
• Develop technical training programs focused on turf management, plant health, equipment operation, and customer service.

Safety Leadership

• Lead and enforce all safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular safety meetings and field audits.
• Ensure proper use of PPE, chemical handling procedures, and application equipment.
• Investigate safety incidents and implement corrective actions when necessary.

3. Equipment, Fleet & Asset Management

Equipment Oversight

• Monitor the operational readiness of spray rigs, spreaders, application equipment, vehicles, and trailers.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance schedules with the company shop and equipment vendors.
• Minimize downtime through proactive equipment inspections and repairs.
• Ensure all fleet assets are maintained in a clean, safe, and professional condition.

Inventory & Chemical Management

• Manage inventory levels of fertilizers, pesticides, seed, chemicals, and application materials.
• Coordinate purchasing and delivery of materials required for daily operations.
• Monitor product usage and assist with inventory control and cost management initiatives.

4. Client Relations & Business Support

Client Service

• Serve as a primary escalation point for service concerns and technical lawncare questions.
• Conduct property visits with clients to review turf performance, address concerns, and recommend solutions.
• Build strong relationships that promote client satisfaction and retention.
• Respond promptly to service requests and operational issues.

Enhancement Opportunities

• Identify opportunities for additional lawncare, turf renovation, aeration, seeding, and plant health services.
• Partner with Account Managers and Branch Leadership to develop service recommendations and proposals.
• Support branch growth through increased service quality and client engagement.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Review daily production reports, technician notes, and service documentation.
• Utilize company software to monitor labor, routing, production metrics, and property records.
• Track departmental KPIs including labor efficiency, callback rates, client retention, service completion, and safety performance.

Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in commercial lawncare, turfgrass management, horticulture, or related green industry operations.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Experience managing fertilization, weed control, and pesticide application programs.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of:
• Turfgrass management
• Weed identification and control
• Insect and disease management
• Fertilization programs
• Soil health and nutrient management
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Commercial lawncare operations

Licensing & Certifications

• Valid FL Driver's License with acceptable driving record.
• FL Commercial Pesticide Applicator License preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required pesticide licensing.
• CDL preferred but not required.
• Industry certifications such as FNGLA, CLT, or turfgrass certifications are a plus.

Technology

• Proficiency using smartphones, tablets, and production management software.
• Ability to utilize routing, scheduling, and reporting tools.

Core Competencies

Leadership

• Strong people-management and team-development skills.
• Ability to motivate employees and drive performance.

Problem Solving

• Ability to quickly diagnose turf-related issues and operational challenges.
• Sound decision-making skills in fast-paced environments.

Communication

• Professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, technicians, and leadership.

Financial Awareness

• Understanding of labor budgeting, production efficiency, inventory control, and profitability drivers.
• Ability to manage resources to maximize operational performance.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to routinely lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, walk extensive properties, and work outdoors for extended periods.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions throughout the year.
• Ability to work around bees, poison ivy, pollen, thorns, chemicals, and other environmental risks.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Compensation Package
• Performance-Based Bonus Opportunity
• Affordable Health Insurance with Vision and Dental Options
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 9 Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Company Vehicle (if applicable)
• Professional Development and Licensing Support
• Advancement Opportunities Within the Organization

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as business needs require.