GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.
See what it's like to work at GROWMARK: https://youtu.be/CSVMnKCySsY
PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT
Responsible for the advanced technical support of the crop protection products, seed product lines, and crop nutrients including in-field support, communications, and development and implementation of technical training of agronomic topics.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Prepare and present, formal education programs designed to enhance expertise in practical, environmentally sound techniques on agronomic topics including crop protection, plant growth and development, and soil fertility.
Provide in-field diagnostic support to member cooperatives and stay current on in-field concerns and agronomic issues.
Plan, coordinate, and participate in technical training schools, print materials, and other activities for member cooperatives and stay current on technical developments through regular contact with university and industry specialists.
Identify, clarify, and define applied research needs for farmers, marketing managers, and GROWMARK Agronomy Marketing; Develop MiField and AgValidity protocols and assist in data collection, management, and dissemination of information through the MiField trial book.
Answers member cooperative and GROWMARK Agronomy technical questions, as they pertain to all agronomic issues via in-person, telephone, e-mail, or other electronic support avenues.
Support GROWMARK’s involvement in agriculture programs with Corporate and Government Affairs.
Maintain product-related technical and operational communications to member cooperatives and GROWMARK staff through bulletins, newsletters, fact sheets, and other appropriate support resources.
Offer guidance to GROWMARK Agronomy Divisions pertaining to shifts in products or future opportunities; directs the development of recommendations for existing and new agronomic products.
Serve as a primary liaison for GROWMARK on agriculture with land grant colleges, state universities or other educational institutions.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS
Maintains public and business visibility by participating in professional society activities, meetings, and committees; develop and maintain professional relationships among associations, groups, agencies, and institutions that have an active interest in agriculture.
Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
A Masters in agronomy is required (PhD preferred), and 3 years or more of agronomic technical support related work experience.
Prefer a background in corn, soybean, small grains, and forage production. Proficient or ability to become proficient in cotton and peanut production.
Currently holds or has the ability within 12 months to become a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA).
Prefer an understanding of GROWMARK Agronomy.
Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.
Strong communication skills including written, verbal, and presentation.
Must have a valid driver’s license and passport with the ability to work extended hours and travel independently overnight.
Frequently exposed to extreme weather conditions and required to lift 21-50 lbs.
Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position.
We are an equal opportunity employer, including protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment may be contingent upon receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.
