Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Officer

Horticultural Consultancy & Agribusiness

Core tasks

Monitoring and identifying plants pests and disease.
Checking spray systems functioning.
Investigating the chemical structure and function of living cells in plants and microorganisms.
Investigating the effects of environmental factors on plant grown such as rainfall, temperature, sunlight, soil, topography, and disease.
Studying the forms and structures of plant tissues by systematic observation, dissection, and microscopic examination.

The Career Pathways

An integrated pest management (IPM) officer is responsible for controlling plant diseases and pests using a non-conventional approach.

IPM involves strategic releasing of beneficial insects to naturally control pests along with organic spray applications. It relies heavily on monitoring plants and planning ahead to control pests in a timely manner.

The benefit of IMP is that it doesn’t use harsh chemicals to control plant pests and disease, instead it looks closely at their lifecycle and uses natural predators to prevent and eradicate.

Certificate III in Rural and Environmental Pest Management

Certificate IV in Pest Management

Olivia De La Mare

"Working in sustainable and organic horticulture is even more special because you're really doing something for how the world's going to end up."

"Horticulture is in place to feed people… and you never really realise it until you see the amount of fruit that comes off the crop."

Horticultural Consultancy & Agribusiness

Watch the interview