Agronomist

Conservation Agronomist - $1500 Sign-on BONUS!

Job Type: Full-time - Salary

Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm *Extended hours during peak seasons

OBJECTIVE: The Conservation Agronomist will work with landowners, and farmers across Iowa to execute conservation and agronomy technical assistance delivery increasing active farmer participation and successful engagement in programs and projects that improve production, profitability, and natural resource outcomes.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
• STD/LTD Benefits
• Medical/Child Care Flexible Spending
• 401k w/company match, Pension Plan
• Paid Time Off/Holidays
• CDL Reimbursement

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as a conservation and agronomy technical specialist providing technical assistance to GEC farmer customers, and landowners for designated projects across Iowa to include:
  • Identification of appropriate in-field and edge-of-field agronomy and conservation practices for soil and water resource management practices and systems to address resource concerns, farmer/landowner goals, and watershed project goals.
  • Execution of on-farm research, including collection of data and management information.
  • Monitoring agronomic and conservation practice performance for continual improvement.
  • Connecting farmers and landowners with financial assistance and securing necessary technical design standards for practice application.
  • Build relationships and assist with watershed project development and coordination and serve as a technical agronomy and conservation liaison between watershed coordinators and GEC.
  • Build relationships and coordinate projects with project sponsors and a variety of audiences in the ag retail territory including farmers, landowners, GEC Staff, CCA's, USDA Service Center personnel, local partners, and other commodity organizations.

• Participate in partner meetings, trainings, events, and field days.

COMPETENCIES

• Practical understanding and application of agronomy and environmental science
• Prioritizing and organizing work
• Establishing relationships
• Customer service
• Evaluating and implementing ideas
• Navigating organizations
• Acting as a champion for change
• Communicating effectively
• Strong understanding of:
  • agricultural industry and the ag retail system
  • cropping systems
  • conservation delivery systems
  • promotion of conservation practices
• Capable of working in a team environment while working independently to achieve specific project deliverables

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 2+ years of crop production/agronomy related skills
• Valid driver's license required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; drive long distances; walk in fields and uneven terrain; collect water samples from streams, tile outlets, and other water sources; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment will vary.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.