Trainer, Custom Applicator - AgVantage FS - Alexander, IA

AgVantage FS is headquartered in Waverly, Iowa with branches in Northern and Eastern Iowa. AgVantage FS has about 400 employees (including seasonal workers) and approximately 23,000 customers. The cooperative does business in agronomy, energy, precision agronomy, and agri-finance. AgVantage FS is part of the GROWMARK System, an agricultural cooperative serving more than 100,000 customers across North America and Ontario, Canada.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Develop, train, coach and certify agronomy applicators across the organization as the subject matter expert for application technology, equipment operation, and regulatory compliance. Ensures consistent agronomic application processes, promotes a culture of safety, and improves operational effectiveness through standardized training programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Develops and maintains a structured applicator onboarding and certification program.

Trains new and existing applicators on dry fertilizer application, liquid fertilizer application, anhydrous ammonia application, sprayer operation and calibration, precision agriculture technology, and equipment maintenance.

Conducts classroom, field, simulator, and hands-on training sessions.

Leads training when new monitors, controllers, or equipment upgrades are introduced.

Leads applicator safety training and annual recertification programs.

Evaluates employee competencies, provides documented assessments, authorizes independent field operations, identifies developmental needs and succession opportunities.

Ensures compliance with EPA pesticide regulations, State applicator licensing requirements, DOT & CDL regulations, OSHA standards, company environmental, health and safety policies.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Devlops standardized best management practices for calibration procedures, mixing and loading protocols, drift prevention, and documentation accuracy.

Train applicators on pesticide lable interpretation and stewardship responsibilities.

Supports and contributes to total company goals and objectives through collaboration efforts and cross training with equipment manufacturers, agronomy professionals, and technology providers.

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

Normally requires Associate’s Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agri Business, or related field or the equivalent thereof, and/or a minimum of 5 years prior work experience to demonstrate advanced custom application of fertilizer, chemicals, and anhydrous application systems.

Must have and maintain a valid Class A CDL and satisfactory driving record with the ability to obtain Tanker and HazMat endorsements.

Must hold and maintain all required pesticide or fertilizer applicator licenses or certifications in states where crop production inputs are applied.  Responsible for renewing licnses or certificiations as required and reporting sttus to manager.

Demonstrated essential abilities business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.

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. 

Ability to work extended hours and on-call as business conditions warrant.

Occasionally exposed or required to:

• Extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, etc.)
• Noisy conditions
• Working conditions may include dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards, requiring utilization of appropriate safety measures
• May be required to work at varying heights
• Lift 51 – 70 lbs.

Ability and willingness to participte 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.