Associate Sales Agronomist
Reports To: Regional Sales Agronomist / Agronomy Manager
Job Summary
The Associate Sales Agronomist supports the agronomy sales team by developing agronomic knowledge, building customer relationships, and assisting with the sale of agronomy products and services. This position is designed to provide hands-on training and professional development to prepare the employee for a future role as a Sales Agronomist. The Associate Sales Agronomist works closely with customers, sales staff, and operations personnel to deliver outstanding customer service while supporting the cooperative's mission, goals, and profitability.
Key Responsibilities
Sales and Customer Service
- Assist Sales Agronomists with customer account management and service.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with customers.
- Conduct customer visits and field scouting activities.
- Identify customer needs and recommend agronomic solutions.
- Promote and sell crop nutrients, crop protection products, seed, precision agriculture services, and other agronomy products.
- Assist with preparing sales recommendations and crop plans.
- Support customer retention and business development efforts.
- Participate in customer meetings, field days, and promotional events.
- Maintain regular communication with customers regarding product performance and agronomic recommendations.
Agronomy and Technical Support
- Perform crop scouting and monitor field conditions.
- Collect soil, tissue, and field data for analysis and recommendations.
- Assist with developing nutrient management and crop production plans.
- Stay current on agronomic practices, products, technologies, and industry trends.
- Assist with precision agriculture services, including data collection and analysis.
- Provide technical support to customers and team members as needed.
Operations Support
- Assist with agronomy operations during peak seasons as needed.
- Support product delivery, inventory management, and application scheduling.
- Coordinate with operations personnel to ensure timely and accurate service delivery.
- Maintain knowledge of agronomy equipment and application processes.
- Help ensure quality control standards are met.
Reporting and Administrative Duties
- Maintain accurate customer records and sales documentation.
- Utilize company software and technology platforms to manage customer information.
- Complete required reports in a timely and accurate manner.
- Assist with forecasting, budgeting, and sales planning activities.
- Monitor customer accounts and assist with collections as needed.
Safety and Compliance
- Follow all cooperative safety policies and procedures.
- Promote a culture of safety and regulatory compliance.
- Maintain required licenses, certifications, and training.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Properly use and maintain company equipment and vehicles.
Professional Development
- Participate in training programs designed to develop agronomic, sales, and leadership skills.
- Work toward obtaining and maintaining applicable certifications and licenses.
- Shadow experienced Sales Agronomists and other cooperative personnel.
- Demonstrate initiative in learning cooperative operations and customer service practices.
- Progressively assume greater responsibility for customer accounts and sales activities.
Qualifications
Education
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agriculture, Ag Business, or a related field preferred.
- Relevant agricultural experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
Experience
- Previous agricultural, agronomy, farming, or sales experience preferred.
- Internship or cooperative experience in agronomy is beneficial.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Basic understanding of agronomic principles and crop production practices.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build and maintain customer relationships.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proficient computer skills and ability to learn agronomy software systems.
- Valid driver's license required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain required applicator and industry certifications.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to walk fields and uneven terrain for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to sit, stand, bend, climb, and operate vehicles and equipment as required.
- Ability to work extended hours, evenings, weekends, and seasonal overtime during peak periods.
Work Environment
This position operates in office, field, and agricultural environments. Seasonal demands may require extended work hours during planting, application, and harvest seasons. The Associate
Sales Agronomist is expected to represent the cooperative professionally while maintaining a positive attitude that promotes teamwork, safety, and exceptional customer service.
