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Plant Protection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pest Control Advisor

Salinas, CA · On-site

$21 - $27.50/hr

... plant protection products ● Process work orders and complete all required documentation including application records and reports ● Maintain compliance with all pesticide handling, storage, and ...

Outreach Specialist

Olympia, WA · Hybrid

$50K - $67K/yr

The Opportunity The Plant Protection Division supports the agriculture industry and protects the environment and consumers by protecting agriculture and the environment from insect, weed, and ...

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Pest Control Advisor

Salinas, CA · On-site

$150K - $185K/yr

... plant protection products ● Process work orders and complete all required documentation including application records and reports ● Maintain compliance with all pesticide handling, storage, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Plant Protection information

See salary details

$33K

$58.5K

$85.5K

How much do plant protection jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant protection in the United States is $58,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Plant Protection vs Pest Control Technician?

AspectPlant ProtectionPest Control Technician
CertificationsPlant Health Certifications, Pesticide Applicator LicensePesticide Applicator License, State-specific Certifications
Work EnvironmentNurseries, farms, greenhouses, agricultural settingsResidential, commercial, industrial buildings
Industry UsageAgriculture, horticulture, landscapingPest management, extermination services

Plant Protection focuses on safeguarding crops and plants from pests, diseases, and environmental stress, often working in agricultural or horticultural settings. Pest Control Technicians primarily target pest eradication in buildings and urban environments. While both roles involve pesticide application and require similar certifications, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

What is plant protection?

Plant protection refers to the practices and methods used to safeguard plants from pests, diseases, weeds, and other harmful organisms that can reduce crop yield and quality. This field involves the use of biological, chemical, and cultural techniques to prevent or control infestations and infections. Professionals in plant protection work to ensure healthy plant growth, food security, and sustainable agricultural production while minimizing environmental impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant protection specialist?

To thrive as a Plant Protection Specialist, you need expertise in plant biology, pest management, and agricultural science, often supported by a relevant degree in agronomy, horticulture, or plant pathology. Familiarity with field monitoring tools, GIS software, pesticide application equipment, and certifications such as a pesticide applicator license are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help in diagnosing problems and advising farmers or stakeholders. These skills ensure healthy crops, regulatory compliance, and sustainable agricultural practices.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in plant protection, and how can they be addressed?

Plant Protection specialists often encounter challenges such as managing resistance to pesticides, keeping up with emerging pests and diseases, and implementing sustainable pest control methods. Staying informed about the latest research, collaborating with agronomists and extension agents, and utilizing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are effective ways to address these challenges. Regular field monitoring and continuous professional development also help Plant Protection professionals adapt to changing agricultural environments and maintain crop health.
More about Plant Protection jobs
What states have the most Plant Protection jobs? States with the most job openings for Plant Protection jobs include:
Infographic showing various Plant Protection job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,511 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Protection and Control Supervisor (PJM, MISO, ISONY, NEISO)

Vistra Energy

Eddystone, PA • On-site

$125K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Vistra rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

If you have what it takes to become part of the Vistra family and would like to start a promising career with a global leader, take a look at the exciting employment opportunities that are currently available and apply online.

Job Summary

Protection and Control Supervisor responsible for leading a team of P&C Technicians in supporting the Vistra generation fleet. Scope includes: NERC PRC-005-06 compliance, troubleshooting protective relays, breaker/transformer control circuits, sync circuits, protective relay communications, alarms, CT/PT verifications, AVRs, DFRs, and other measurement and metering devices. Performing upgrade projects, supporting Engineering, and developing team members.

Job Description

Job Summary

  • Provide Protection and Control (P&C) leadership, P&C Subject Matter Expert (SME) and support for Fossil Generation, including:

  • Improve operation and maintenance of plant protective relaying and metering, troubleshoot emergent problems, provide field oversight, project management, SME guidance and assistance for P&C upgrades and capital improvement projects.

  • Direct, develop, and support a staff of P&C technicians and 3rd party resources.

  • Interface with Fossil Generation plant personnel, Engineering, Power Optimization Center, and 3rd party vendors and contractors.

  • Provide P&C services to multiple operating regions within Luminant generation

  • Develop relationships based on trust, accountability, and providing a quality service.

  • Flexible Power Plant location

  • 20% travel

Key Roles & Responsibilities

  • Serves as the primary client contact in providing Protection and Control services, including but not limited to 24x7 emergency support to Generation sites on a wide variety of equipment.

  • Provides guidance to the plant regarding evaluation of protective relaying systems and metering maintenance, techniques, tools, and standards.

  • Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with management, plant and mine site organizations, support personnel, vendors and contractors.

  • Identifies, qualifies and coordinates industry contacts to supply supplemental P&C services.

  • Provides training/consultation services on request to Fossil Generation Plant personnel on P&C applications, software, and hardware.

  • Provides technical, safety, HPI training, counseling, guidance, and technical and administrative direction for the P&C Technicians to establish the strategies, tactics, techniques, and standards pertinent to data acquisition, monitoring, and assessing the condition of power plant relaying and mining systems and equipment.

  • Establishes priorities, coordinates and schedules P&C resources to provide timely, cost- effective services.

  • Develops and implements procedures to assist all generating facilities to remain NERC and regional compliance.

Education, Experience, & Skill Requirements

  • BS in Electrical engineering or related field and 3-5 years of P&C experience or

  • Associate of Science degree or technical degree in related field such as (Electrical Power and Controls, Instrumentation Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology) and 7-10 years of relevant experience in the P&C field or

  • 10-15 years of related technical experience in P&C and a strong working knowledge of electrical system protection

  • Must have excellent people skills and self motivated

  • Proficient with MS Office, and relay related software

  • Minimum of 2 years of supervision experience preferred

  • Works with minimal supervision

Annual pay range between $125k-135k depending on skills/experience. This role is also eligible for annual bonus of up to 15%, up to 4% profit sharing, up to 6% dollar-for-dollar match toward the employee's 401k, and medical/dental/vision benefits for the employee and their dependent family members.

Key Metrics

Foster and demonstrate a safe work culture

Provide quality P&C service

Employ HPI and error reduction practices

Develop and maintain a qualified technical staff and qualified external resources

Develop and maintain positive relationships with management and plant staffs

Consistently provide responsive 24x7 service

Provide required tools and equipment

Effectively manage a department budget

Demonstrate a positive, action oriented, professional service leadership style

Job Family

Plant Operations

Company

Luminant Generation Company LLC

Locations

Beverly, OhioOhio
We are a company of people committed to: Exceeding Customer Expectations, Great People, Teamwork, Competitive Spirit and Effective Communication. If this describes you, then apply today!
If you currently work for Vistra or its subsidiaries, please apply via the internal career site.

It is the policy of the Company to comply with all employment laws and to afford equal employment opportunity to individuals in all aspects of employment, including in selection for job opportunities, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service, protected veteran status, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance submitting an application or would like to request an accommodation, please email usatassistance@vistraenergy.comtomake a request.


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