Jorge Armando Contreras Salazar
Agroecological Engineer
San Luis Potosi
Summary
Agroecological Engineer with international experience in crop production, pest management, and food safety. Skilled in leading phytosanitary programs, ensuring compliance with SQF, HACCP, and GAP standards, and collaborating with R&D and technical teams. Strong communication in English and Spanish, ERP proficiency (SAP, Dynamics), and a focus on sustainable, high-performance agriculture.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Product Application Test Lab Technician
Viscofan USA
10.2024 - Current
- Collaborated cross-functionally with R&D and engineering teams to support product innovation, troubleshoot process deviations, and refine manufacturing parameters.
- Supervised pilot-scale production processes to ensure compliance with operational protocols, product specifications, and regulatory standards for safety and efficiency.
- Executed validation protocols for novel raw materials and process modifications, contributing to scale-up feasibility and process optimization.
- Oversaw food safety and quality control procedures aligned with SQF and HACCP standards, including environmental monitoring and critical control point verification.
- Compiled technical documentation and performed statistical analysis of process data to support continuous improvement initiatives.
Head of Phytosanitary Department
Ozblu Sun Farms
03.2024 - 10.2024
- Directed integrated pest and disease management strategies across 77 hectares of high-value blueberry crops, ensuring phytosanitary compliance and minimizing crop loss.
- Designed and implemented fumigation schedules based on pest pressure, phenological stages, and agrochemical efficacy, optimizing resource use and field performance.
- Coordinated field operations including scouting, treatment applications, and efficacy evaluations, ensuring alignment with GAP and export standards.
- Delivered technical reports to senior management detailing pest trends, treatment outcomes, and regulatory updates, managed agrochemical inventory and procurement workflows.
Field Agronomist – Christmas Tree Production
BUSCO LLC
08.2021 - 01.2024
- Conducted field visits regularly to monitor crop progress, identify issues early on, and provide expert guidance for optimal growth conditions.
- Directed phytosanitary and herbicide application programs across large-scale conifer plantations, ensuring compliance with USDA export protocols and phytosanitary certifications.
- Managed seasonal field maintenance activities including pruning, fertilization, and irrigation scheduling to optimize tree quality and uniformity.
- Oversaw palletized tree harvesting, grading, and logistics operations, coordinating with supply chain teams to meet international shipment deadlines and quality benchmarks.
Pest and Disease Supervisor
Finka Ahuehuetes
06.2020 - 07.2021
- Led agrochemical application teams in a controlled-environment greenhouse, implementing IPM strategies and real-time pest monitoring systems.
- Maintained optimal pollination rates through bumblebee colony management, contributing to fruit set consistency and yield performance.
- Participated in PRIMUS GFS audits and BUMA (Buen Manejo de Agroquímicos) training, ensuring compliance with food safety and agrochemical handling standards.
Sales Promoter – Crop Protection Division
Bayer Crop Science
01.2019 - 05.2020
- Delivered technical field support to growers, advising on pest and disease management solutions tailored to regional crop profiles.
- Promoted new agrochemical products through demonstration plots, field trials, and agronomic workshops, driving product adoption and customer engagement.
- Provided feedback to product development teams based on field performance and grower insights, contributing to market strategy refinement.
Cultural Labor Supervisor
Ganfer San Jose
04.2018 - 12.2018
- Coordinated weekly operational plans for cultural labor activities in a High-Tec Greenhouse, including tomato harvesting, pruning, and canopy management, ensuring alignment with crop phenology and production goals.
- Enforced compliance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) among labor teams, supporting audit readiness and worker safety.
- Administered food safety protocols within the greenhouse, including sanitation procedures, traceability systems, and environmental monitoring.
- Contributed to the achievement of SQF Level 3, GAP, and HACCP certifications through documentation control, staff training, and process standardization.
- Supervised open-field planting and interplanting operations, optimizing plant density and crop rotation strategies.
Greenhouse Intern – Medium-Tech Facility
Agrizom S.C.
01.2018 - 03.2018
- Executed cultural tasks including defoliation, pruning, and harvesting of solanaceous crops, supporting plant health and yield optimization.
- Monitored and adjusted electrical conductivity (EC) and pH levels in fertigation systems to maintain optimal nutrient delivery.
- Assisted in greenhouse infrastructure maintenance, including replacement of polyethylene coverings and structural repairs.
- Prepared fertigation solutions based on crop stage and nutrient requirements, contributing to precision agriculture practices.
Social Service – Experimental Field
INIFAP (National Institute for Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research)
06.2016 - 07.2017
- Contributed to a Conservation Agriculture research project focused on sustainable maize production, incorporating reduced tillage, residue management, and crop rotation strategies.
- Conducted field trials and data collection on soil health, plant performance, and input efficiency under conservation practices.
- Developed and defended a thesis project on Conservation Agriculture as part of undergraduate degree requirements, integrating field data analysis and literature review.
- Supported agronomic evaluations and technical reporting for experimental plots, collaborating with researchers.
Education
Agroecology Engineer -
Universidad Autonoma De San Luis Potosi
San Luis Potosi, S.L.P., Mexico 05.2001 -
Skills
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Crop Production & Field Trials
Soil Health & Conservation Agriculture
Greenhouse & Open Field Management
Food Safety Standards (SQF, HACCP, GAP)
Post harvest Handling & Quality Control
Team Coordination & Cross-functional Collaboration
Customer Service & Warranty Resolution
Training & Supervision of Field Teams
Problem Solving & Process Optimization
Adaptability in Multicultural Environments
Diplomatic Conflict Resolution
Timeline
Product Application Test Lab Technician
Viscofan USA
10.2024 - Current
Head of Phytosanitary Department
Ozblu Sun Farms
03.2024 - 10.2024
Field Agronomist – Christmas Tree Production
BUSCO LLC
08.2021 - 01.2024
Pest and Disease Supervisor
Finka Ahuehuetes
06.2020 - 07.2021
Sales Promoter – Crop Protection Division
Bayer Crop Science
01.2019 - 05.2020
Cultural Labor Supervisor
Ganfer San Jose
04.2018 - 12.2018
Greenhouse Intern – Medium-Tech Facility
Agrizom S.C.
01.2018 - 03.2018
Social Service – Experimental Field
INIFAP (National Institute for Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research)
06.2016 - 07.2017
Agroecology Engineer -
Universidad Autonoma De San Luis Potosi
05.2001 -