Principal Agronomist, North America Ag Services

Title: Principal Agronomist, North America Ag Services
Location: Kennewick, WA
About Lamb Weston
We love making fries almost as much as you like eating them! Since the 1950's, Lamb Weston has inspired customers with food they love, trust, and share with families and friends. As a leading global manufacturer of quality frozen potato products with over 9,000+ team members around the world, it's our business to see the possibilities in potatoes and people.
We are looking for team members with an appetite for a challenge! People who are hungry to join a winning team and help us make a difference in the world. When you join Lamb Weston, you join a community with a strong support network and training programs designed to nurture, inspire, and help you grow.
We are driven by a relentless pursuit of results and by people who think creatively and embrace our values of: Integrity, Teamwork, Inclusion, Drive for Results, and Empowerment. Exactly what you'd expect from the most inventive potato company in the world!
Join Lamb Weston! We bring the world together with our fries.
Job Description Summary
As one of the world's leading producers of frozen potato, sweet potato, appetizer and vegetable products, Lamb Weston operates multiple plants throughout North America and works closely with growers to produce a wide variety of high-quality products our customers expect.
We are searching for an experienced and outstanding Principal Agronomist. This position is ideal for a progressive and enthusiastic individual who takes pride in their work and shares the company's commitment to continuous improvement in providing technical support in all aspects of potato production, sustainable agriculture, and storage management for Lamb Weston growers in North America as well as collaborating with markets abroad. In this role, the Agronomist will leverage our North American potato growing experience, expertise and resources in delivering regionally optimized practices and solutions resulting in continuous improvement of potato production cost, quality and sustainability.
Job Description

• Oversee annual Agronomy work plan, including goals and objectives in alignment with the overall department strategic plan
• Collaborate with internal teams, including field operations, new variety commercialization team, ag sustainability and ag sourcing, to develop and execute agronomic strategies that meet overall business goals.
• Report and forecast the agronomy budget, including oversight of resources, monitoring expenses, and optimizing cost-saving opportunities
• Implement crop monitoring systems to optimize yields, input costs, and mitigate risks associated with weather, pests, and diseases annually.
• Analyze agronomic data to determine and develop practices to maintain, restore, and improve proper crop management and systems long-term.
• Utilize models for best growing practices and raw sourcing based on production cost and quality performance data, crop imagery and plant/grower location
• Lead efforts to improve sustainability and environmental stewardship practices within the agronomy department, such as implementing leading practices and optimizing inputs.
• Advise growers on crop management, problems and alternative solutions, provide technical and planning assistance based on data and best growing practices. Specifically, communicate annual benchmark data and drive continuous improvement.
• Support the development and application of locally-optimized variety playbooks and align varieties with growers and farms in each growing region.
• Responsible for facilitating storage trainings and field day activities.
• Provide consistent collaboration with growers, building and maintaining relationships as a trusted expert
• Represent the company in industry forums, conferences, and associations to network with peers and share best practices.
• Act as a liaison in collaboration with university, government extension and industry personnel in North America to gather information and to ensure Lamb Weston is current on the latest technology and methods in potato agronomy.
• Uphold company values and promote a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Approximately 20% travel in North America required with occasional international travel.
• All other assignments and responsibilities as directed by the Director of Ag Services.

Basic & Preferred Qualifications
To successfully perform this job, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soils, Crop Science or a closely related field, Master's degree preferred.
• 4 - 6 years of Agronomy experience, field advisory experience required
• Good knowledge of plant physiology, environmental science, plant pathology, and data analysis is desirable.
• Strong analytical skills and statistical knowledge.
• Proficient with Excel.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, including MRL compliance, and environmental best practices related to agronomy and potato production systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including developing and delivering presentations.
• Excellent problem solving and organizational skills.
• Strong leadership and management skills with demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven track record in establishing strong relationships
• Willingness to travel to field locations and attend industry events regularly
• Valid US driver's license and ability to meet Lamb Weston driving standards

Industry-Competitive Benefits
Coupled with our compensation and bonus incentive programs, our benefits deliver rewards that are market competitive. Some of the most attractive elements of our benefit programs include:

• Health Insurance Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision
  
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health and Dependent Care, and Health Reimbursement Accounts
  
• Well-being programs including companywide events and a wellness incentive program
  
• Paid Time Off
  
• Financial Wellness - Industry leading 401(k) plan with generous company contributions, Financial Planning Services, Employee Stock purchase program, and Health Savings Accounts, Life and Accident insurance
  
• Family-Friendly Employee events
  
• Employee Assistance Program services - mental health and other concierge type services
  

Benefits may vary based on location, job role/level, job status, and/or the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Job Requisition ID: Req-234483
Time Type: Full time
Anticipated Close Date: 05/21/2024
In compliance with applicable state and local laws, Lamb Weston has opted to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation is specific to this position and takes into account a number of variables. Actual compensation may be higher or lower in the range posted based on various factors, including, but not limited to, job duties, experience and expertise. A candidate's work location could also impact the actual compensation being outside of the range to reflect local cost of labor. A reasonable annual estimate of the range for this role based on the variables previously mentioned is: $107,390.00 - $161,090.00
Lamb Weston is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law