About Our Company Lipman Family Farms is North America's largest open-field tomato grower and a leading supplier of fresh vegetables to retailers, foodservice providers, and wholesale customers across North America. Family-owned for over 75 years, we are committed to producing safe, high-quality food while investing in our employees, innovation, sustainability, and the communities where we live and work. At Lipman, our mission is simple: Good from the Ground Up. Position Summary The Crop Protection Assistant I supports the Crop Protection team through field scouting, pest and disease monitoring, sample collection, research trial support, and accurate field data reporting. This position spends the majority of time working outdoors at production farms and plays a critical role in identifying crop health concerns early, assisting with integrated pest management (IPM) programs, and supporting agronomic decision-making. During the off-season, the role assists with scouting activities at northern farming operations, research projects, and seasonal planning initiatives. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in agriculture, Plant Science, Agronomy, Crop Protection, Biology, or a related agricultural field OR high school diploma/equivalent with relevant agricultural production, crop scouting, or science-based work experience. Ability and willingness to work extended seasonal hours, including up to 60 hours per week during peak production. Willingness to travel to other Lipman farming operations as business needs require. Available to participate in emergency response activities during weather events or other operational emergencies. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions while communicating effectively with supervisors and farm management. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced agricultural environment. Driving Qualifications Valid U.S. driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Ability to safely operate company vehicles on public roadways and agricultural farm roads. Ability to drive safely in uneven field conditions. Ability to operate both automatic and manual transmission vehicles. Ability to safely drive in both forward and reverse while maneuvering in confined farm environments. Ability to safely connect, disconnect, tow, and maneuver trailers used for crop protection equipment and field operations. Ability to perform routine vehicle inspections and report maintenance concerns. Preferred Qualifications Previous crop scouting experience. Experience working in commercial agriculture. Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Bilingual English/Spanish. Experience using GPS mapping or agricultural data collection software. Recommended Updates to Essential Duties and Responsibilities Collect, label, document, and prepare soil, leaf, water, nematode, insect, and plant tissue samples for laboratory analysis. Assist in the setup, monitoring, maintenance, and documentation of crop protection research trials. Maintain accurate electronic field records and ensure timely submission of scouting reports, observations, photographs, and research data. Follow all company food safety, workplace safety, environmental, and biosecurity policies and procedures. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong observational skills with the ability to identify abnormalities in crop health. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy when collecting and recording field data. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook). Ability to learn agricultural software, GPS mapping, and crop management systems. Strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to prioritize multiple field assignments while meeting reporting deadlines. Problem-solving and analytical skills. Ability to work effectively with farm managers, supervisors, researchers, and other team members. Basic understanding of crop production, plant health, insects, weeds, and plant diseases preferred. Additional Physical Requirement Recommendations Ability to frequently enter and exit trucks and utility vehicles. Ability to climb in and out of farm equipment as needed. Ability to safely traverse uneven terrain, muddy fields, irrigation ditches, and rough farm roads. Ability to distinguish colors for accurate identification of insects, diseases, and plant abnormalities. Ability to occasionally work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays during critical production periods. Additional Work Environment Recommendations Exposure to agricultural chemicals after appropriate re-entry intervals. Exposure to biting insects, snakes, wildlife, pollen, and other environmental conditions common to agricultural operations. Travel Requirements Frequent travel to Lipman farming operations throughout Southwest Florida with periodic travel to seasonal operations in South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Overnight travel may be required.

Primary Location Naples, FL Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Referral program Vision insurance

Experience:

operate a manual transmission vehicle: 1 year (Preferred) operate an automatic transmission vehicle: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

Spanish (Preferred)

Location:

Naples, FL 34114 (Preferred) Willingness to travel: 50% (Required)

Work Location:

In person