Job Summary
The Agronomist is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring agronomic programs that maximize crop yield, crop quality, profitability, and environmental stewardship. This position provides technical expertise and recommendations related to seed fertility programs, crop protection, irrigation management, soil health, nutrient utilization, and integrated pest management.
The Agronomist partners with farm operations personnel to ensure agronomic plans are executed safely, accurately, and efficiently. This role combines crop analysis, field scouting, data analysis, operational support, and regulatory compliance to achieve production goals while promoting continuous improvement throughout the agricultural operation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Safety
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Comply with all company safety policies, procedures, and training requirements.
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Promote and model a culture of safety throughout all agricultural operations.
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Ensure fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other agricultural chemicals are handled, mixed, transported, stored, and applied in accordance with label instructions and all local, state, and federal regulations.
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Utilize and enforce the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during chemical handling, field inspections, and equipment operations.
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Conduct field safety observations and identify unsafe conditions, hazards, or practices requiring corrective action.
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Participate in safety meetings, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
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Understanding of OSHA, EPA, Department of Agriculture, and pesticide regulatory requirements applicable to crop production activities.
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Capable of reading the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) that are involved in chemical use.
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Evaluate weather conditions and environmental risks to minimize spray drift, runoff, and environmental exposure.
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Follow safe operating procedures for equipment used in agronomic operations.
Quality
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Conduct routine crop scouting to evaluate crop health, emergence, stand establishment, weed pressure, insect activity, disease presence, and nutrient deficiencies.
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Support agronomic recommendations designed to maximize crop yield and quality.
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Collect and interpret soil samples, tissue samples, manure analyses, and other agronomic data to support sound decision-making.
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Conduct fertility soil tests, yield goals, crop removal rates, and nutrient requirements.
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Re appropriate seed varieties and hybrids based on field characteristics and production objectives.
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Monitor pesticide, fertilizer, and manure applications to ensure accuracy, effectiveness, and compliance with agronomic recommendations.
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Ensure irrigation practices support optimum crop growth and efficient water utilization.
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Document accurate and timely records of field observations, applications, and agronomic activities.
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Evaluate application performance and adjustments to improve effectiveness and consistency.
Productivity
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Develop annual crop management plans aligned with production goals and operational objectives.
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Analyze yield data, field performance trends, and production metrics to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and profitability.
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Utilize precision agriculture technologies including yield mapping, GPS guidance, variable-rate applications, and agronomic software to improve productivity.
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Coordinate agronomic activities with planting, spraying, irrigation, harvest, and post-harvest schedules.
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Understand the movement of sprayers, spreaders, planters, and application equipment to ensure operational efficiency.
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Assist with planning and forecasting seed, fertilizer, crop protection, and agronomic input requirements.
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Monitor crop development and review based on changing field conditions and weather patterns.
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Support manure nutrient utilization plans to maximize nutrient value and minimize waste.
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Operate agricultural equipment to support critical field operations.
Teamwork and Collaboration
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Work collaboratively with farm managers, equipment operators, feedlot personnel, and leadership teams to achieve operational goals.
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Communicate field observations, crop concerns, operational priorities, and agronomic recommendations clearly and professionally.
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Support coworkers during peak workloads and time-sensitive production periods.
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Develop and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, consultants, contractors, and regulatory representatives.
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Participate actively in meetings and contribute ideas for continuous improvement.
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Demonstrate professionalism, respect, accountability, and a positive attitude in all interactions.
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Assist with feedlot projects, facility maintenance, or other operational needs during non-peak crop production periods.
Attendance and Reliability
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Maintain regular, punctual attendance and dependable work performance.
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Be available to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays during planting, spraying, irrigation, and harvest seasons.
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Demonstrate flexibility to adjust work schedules based on weather conditions, crop needs, and operational priorities.
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Respond promptly to urgent agronomic issues requiring immediate attention.
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Communicate proactively with supervisors regarding scheduling conflicts, delays, or operational concerns.
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Prioritize responsibilities effectively to ensure deadlines and production objectives are met.
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Demonstrate commitment, accountability, and reliability during critical periods of the production cycle.
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Report to work prepared to perform assigned duties and responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
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Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, Agricultural Systems Technology, Agricultural Business, or a related field required.
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Minimum of two (2) years of agronomic experience preferred.
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Experience with crop production systems, and nutrient management preferred.
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Experience with irrigation systems and precision agriculture technologies preferred.
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Experience operating agricultural equipment is highly desirable.
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Commercial Pesticide Applicator License required or the ability to obtain within an established timeframe.
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Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) designation preferred or willingness to pursue certification.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Strong understanding of agronomic principles related to crop production, soil fertility, weed science, entomology, plant pathology, and irrigation management.
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Knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) principles and practices.
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Understanding of environmental regulations governing pesticide applications and nutrient management.
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Ability to review soil analyses, tissue tests, manure analyses, yield maps, and agronomic data.
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Proficiency with precision agriculture technologies and agronomic software systems.
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Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
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Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
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Mechanical aptitude and understanding of agricultural equipment operations.
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Ability to prioritize multiple projects and work independently with minimal supervision.
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Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record required.
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Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred.
Physical Requirements
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Ability to walk fields and uneven terrain for extended periods.
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Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally.
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Ability to climb ladders and agricultural equipment.
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Ability to bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, and perform repetitive movements.
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Ability to work outdoors in varying temperatures, dust, mud, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.
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Ability to sit, drive, and operate equipment for extended periods.
Work Environment
This position functions in an outdoor agricultural setting. The Agronomist may be exposed to dust, chemicals, moving machinery, livestock environments, noise, and varying weather conditions. Seasonal fluctuations in workload should be expected, including extended hours during planting, spraying, irrigation, and harvest activities.
