Agronomy Associate I - Prairieland FS - Greenview, IL

At Prairieland FS, you have the opportunity to make an immediate impact. Working with the industry's top professionals, you'll develop new expertise through varied job experiences and company-sponsored training programs. And you'll be recognized and rewarded for your contributions. Plus, FS believes in attracting and retaining diverse talent. You can contribute your unique experiences and background to build a community that fosters mutual respect and meaningful relationships.

Agronomy Associate I

PAY RANGE: $56,000 - $61,000 / year

Compensation is determined based on your experience and qualifications.

In addition to base pay, you may be eligible for overtime, commission, performance-based increases, and bonuses.

REPORTS TO: Area Agronomy Marketing Manager STATUS: Exempt

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Trains and works to generate profitable sales in the assigned territory through sales support and customer service, accurate record keeping, providing value-added agronomic products, services, and recommendations, ensuring an excellent experience for customers, and promoting sales growth through company marketing programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Works to meet customer service expectations through the direction of a Crop Specialist and Location Manager. Develop cropping programs emphasizing accurate record keeping, tracking of customer programs, and using digital systems to enhance customer experience.
• Develops territory and competitive analysis to maintain current knowledge of the marketplace and the competition.
• Participates in or conducts sales interviews, identifies customer needs, and offers value-added agronomic products, services, and recommendations to patrons and prospects. Assists with regular patron meetings on product and technical information.
• Provide customer service by scheduling product deliveries, applications, soil testing, crop scouting, and other programs. Follows up on all customer complaints and seeks a reasonable “win/win” resolution.
• Ensures customers’ creditworthiness, quotes prices and credit terms and prepares sales contracts for orders obtained. Promotes the use of credit programs as a sales tool and helps provide the required information to establish credit.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for maintaining the assigned vehicle according to company standards, adhering to the uniform policy, and maintaining the appropriate professional image.
• Ensures field signs are displayed on all customers’ fields to promote FS products.
• Complete and update profile information sheets on all targeted prospects.
• Collects for sales of all assigned products according to company credit policy.
• Develops technical and sales skills in accordance with certification standards.
• 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

Education and Experience

Normally requires an associate degree in agriculture, marketing, or business-related discipline or the equivalent thereof, and 1 - 2 years or more of business-related work experience and/or training or equivalent to demonstrate the ability to generate sales in an assigned territory.

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Crop Science, or a related field.
• Two (2) years or more of business-related work experience or training, or equivalent, demonstrating the ability to generate sales in an assigned territory and experience in agronomy or a related field.
• Advanced knowledge of agronomic principles and practices.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and develop actionable recommendations.
• Proficient in precision agriculture tools, techniques, and agricultural management software.

Functional Competencies

• Proven professional communication, persuasion, and customer service skills.
• Proven team-building skills and the ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated planning, organization, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use the computer and “attention to detail” skills and use the computer to enhance business processes.

Core Competencies

Demonstrated core competencies, including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision-making, and skill development.

Other Requirements

• Normally requires obtaining the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Commercial Applicator certifications to demonstrate agronomy expertise and experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Physical ability to perform extensive fieldwork and operate agricultural equipment.
• Ability to work extended hours as business conditions warrant.
• The role may require occasional travel to other company locations or industry events, with the ability to travel independently and stay overnight as needed.
• Ability and willingness to participate in required training, including education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training related to the position’s requirements.

Physical Demands

Lifting/Carrying                                Frequency                            Pushing/Pulling                                 Frequency 

Under 10 lbs.                                       Frequently                            Under 10 lbs.                                      Frequently 

11-20 lbs.                                            Frequently                            11-20 lbs.                                             Frequently 

21-50 lbs.                                             Frequently                            21-50 lbs.                                             Frequently 

51-100 lbs.                                           Occasionally                        51-100 lbs.                                           Occasionally 

Over 100 lbs.                                       Not Applicable                    Over 100 lbs.                                       Not Applicable 

Twisting/Turning                                Frequency                           Driving                                                  Frequency 

Bend                                                      Frequently                            Automatic Trans                                 Not Applicable 

Climb                                                     Frequently                            Standard Trans                                    Frequently 

Crawl                                                     Frequently 

Kneel                                                      Frequently                            Elements                                              Frequency 

Reach Outward                                   Frequently                            Exposure to Cold                                Frequently 

Reach Over Head                                Frequently                            Exposure to Heat                                Frequently 

Reach Over Shoulder                         Frequently                            Exposure to dust, dirt, debris           Frequently 

Sit                                                           Frequently                            Exposure to chemicals                      Frequently 

Squat                                                     Frequently                            Exposure to high noise levels          Frequently 

Stand                                                     Frequently                            Working from heights                        Frequently 

Walk-Normal Surfaces                     Frequently 

Walk-Slippery Surfaces                    Frequently                              Other 

Walk-Uneven Surfaces                     Frequently                              Keyboard/Ten Key                              Frequently 

Fine Dexterity                                      Frequently 

Handling (grasping, holding)            Frequently 

Repetitive Motion – Hands               Frequently 

Repetitive Motion – Feet                  Frequently 

BENEFITS

We offer health, vision and dental insurance, as well as a 401(k) and pension program.

EMPLOYEE MISSION STATEMENT

Prairieland FS, Inc. strives to provide a Total Rewards package that delivers exceptional pay for exceptional performance, recognizes your dedication to our mission, and helps us attract and retain the highest caliber of talent.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

Issue Date: 09/01/2025

Job Title: Agronomy Associate I

We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.

Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.