Agronomy Associate - Heritage FS - Herscher, IL

The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably. FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.

At Heritage FS, we take pride not only in our business, but in our people.  We offer a strong benefits package, featuring a defined benefit pension plan and 401k plan, as well as paid vacation and discretionary time for all full-time employees, and support for continuing education.  Heritage FS provides a full range of farm supplies and services, including agronomy, seed, fertilizer, fuel, financing, marketing advice and products.  We also offer a full-line of energy products such as gasoline, ethanol, biodiesel, diesel fuel, propane, and lubricants.

We’re a company with deep roots throughout our territory and we work to honor those communities through our high standards of business and by supporting numerous local events and projects.  We have a culture of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.  As a member-owned cooperative we take great pride in the work we do in our eleven-county territory because we live here, too.  Our customers are our neighbors and we don’t take that lightly.  We know we are stronger by hiring resourceful and considerate members of our communities.

DIVISION:                    Agronomy                                                                             

REPORTS TO:              Department Manager/Location Crop Specialist                  STATUS:  Non Exempt

SALARY/PAY RANGE  $50,000-$55,000                                           

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Training and learning all aspects of the agronomy department, including both sales and operational responsibilities. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Training and learning all aspects of the agronomy department, including both sales and operational responsibilities

Develops territory and competitive analysis to gain knowledge of the marketplace and the competition.

Responsible for meeting goals as established by supervisor.

Learn to create and recommend specific agronomy programs to targeted accounts with goal of increasing agronomy business.

Learn to utilize seed, precision farming technology, finance, and other marketing tools to grow market share.

Work with Crop Specialist on implementing, organizing and completing agronomy projects

Learn how to develop target marketing plans and trains on professional sales techniques, including FS Sales road map, cropping programs, emphasis of appropriate features and benefits, and contact management system when calling on patrons and prospects.

Assists with regular patron meetings on product and technical information to develop customer relationships and drive sales.

Learn to operate application equipment, drive tendering equipment, fill anhydrous ammonia tanks, mix crop protection products, etc.

Works with precision farming and becomes familiar with department programs and procedures.

Provides customer service by scheduling product deliveries and application, soil testing, crop scouting and other programs.

Attend meetings and training sessions requested by company.

Learn and execute Heritage FS software programs ie FieldAlytics, Agvance, SKY, FieldView, myFS Solutions Center and MyFS Agronomy

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum of an Associates’ 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.

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Daily independent travel within the trade area with occasional overnight stays.

Ability to work extended hours as business conditions warrant.

Willingness to obtain a Drone license within first year of employment.

Must be willing to obtain CDL license within first year of employment.

Requires the ability to obtain the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Commercial Applicator certifications to demonstrate agronomy expertise and experience.

Occasionally exposed or required to:

• Extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, etc.)
• Noisy Conditions
• Lift 51-75 Ibs.

We are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law.  In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.