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
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.
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.
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
Nearest Major Market: Springfield
Job Segment:
Testing, Scientific, Sales Support, Technology, Engineering, Customer Service, Sales