Experimental Production Agronomist

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for overseeing all aspects of production research and experimental production. Duties include inspecting new seed material to guarantee authenticity, managing administrative tasks related to research projects, coordinating work activities with area managers and field personnel, and collaborating with product managers to ensure the feasibility of new materials. Additionally, responsible for updating abstract reports and distributing information to relevant parties on time.

The position is based in Yuma but will need to travel to other locations as needed.

Please note – depending on the time of year, this position is approximately 70% field work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Manage on and off-site experimental production trials and deliver quality data to improve yields and quality in our main crops.
• Create an environment of continuous improvement and creation/implementation of action plans.
• Effectively and regularly communicate with peers and supervisors regarding the status of production research projects, work-related activities, and quality and timeliness of data collected.
• Work with the Experimental Production Manager to coordinate workload to complete objectives and tasks on time.
• Propose improvements to processes that have an impact both at and across sites.
• Supervise employees and third-party personnel as required.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems desirable
• Successful delivery of the role will result in high-quality production trials, implementing trial design aligned with key objectives, high-quality data collection, and data analysis that will enable data-based decisions.
• Role is located in Yuma but supporting other areas like Pacific Northwest, Sacramento Valley, and Santa Clara as needed and could require travel with extended stays up to 2 weeks at a time.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/ SKILLS/ ABILITIES:

• Must possess a strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to receive, conduct detailed analysis and pass on complex data/information.
• A strong understanding of the practices and procedures that impact trial data precision and accuracy.
• History of driving continuous improvement and innovation.
• Strong communication skills and proven ability to work well as part of a team.
• Must be able to work without supervision while traveling to off-site locations to prepare, plant, and accurately collect and manage data obtained from trials.
• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word, Excel, and other standard software.
• Familiarity with various software applications including smartphone apps and other relevant technologies.
• Ability and motivation to learn systems for, data collection/analysis, tracking agronomic practices, and metric and KPI tracking.
• A valid driver’s license

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in an agriculture-related discipline
• In-dept knowledge of agriculture and agronomy practices.

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

• Must have or be willing to obtain a QAL /QAC or PAC Applicator Pesticide License within 6 months of hire.
• 3+ years of experience working in Production, Research, or agricultural-related jobs.

WORKING CONDITIONS/ PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Position requires being able to walk seed production fields in any weather.
• Position may require working 7 days a week during a critical time of year.
• Position requires travel by car/pickup during certain periods of the year.
• Position requires extensive travel during peak times of the year.
• Position requires travel by plane up to 35%
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to work in an environment that can be dirty, humid, and buggy.
• Experience in making public presentations is a plus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Salary: $60,000 – $85,000 per year
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401k program with company match
• Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
• Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
• Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
• Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month after.
• 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
• Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events
• Company provided EAP
• Company provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs & apps