Crop Specialist - Prairieland FS, Inc. - Winchester, 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.

REPORTS TO: Agronomy Manager                                                                                                   STATUS: Exempt

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Assumes responsibility for developing customers through effective marketing of the following products and services: crop inputs, such as fertilizer, crop protection pesticides, seed products, service income, technical services, and ag-finance programs to maximize profitable sales.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Implements marketing plans and develops strategies that generate profitable sales in the assigned territory.
• Utilizes target marketing and professional sales techniques, including the FS sales interview road map, cropping programs, emphasis on appropriate features and benefits, and contact management system when calling on patrons and prospects.
• Develops territory and competitive analysis to maintain current knowledge of the marketplace and the competition.
• Provides value-added agronomic products, services, and recommendations to patrons and prospects.  Schedules product delivery and application to patron locations. Conducts regular patron meetings on product and technical information.
• Provides customer service using soil testing, crop scouting, and other programs to follow up on customer complaints and seek a reasonable “win/win” resolution.
• Ensures customers’ creditworthiness, quotes prices and credit terms, and prepares sales contracts for orders obtained.
• Promotes using 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.
• Responsible for completing and updating profile information sheets on all key accounts and targeted prospects.
• Promotes company credit policy with customers.
• Attains and maintains technical and sales skills to certification standards.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Educations and Experience

Normally, it requires a minimum of an associate degree in agriculture, marketing, or business, or equivalent, and two years or more of related work experience to demonstrate knowledge of production agriculture.

Functional Competencies

• Must have or have the ability to obtain a CDL license with appropriate endorsements and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• Must be able to travel independently and overnight.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable professional certifications associated with the agronomy industry. (i.e., CCA, CCS, CPA, Commercial Applicator w/applicable categories)
• Ability and willingness to work extended hours during peak seasons.

Core Competencies

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

Other Requirements

Occasionally exposed or required to:

• Extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, etc.)
• Noisy conditions
• Working conditions may include dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards with appropriate safety measures
• May be required to work at varying heights
• Lift 51-75 lbs.

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.

Prairieland FS, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, always looking for hardworking individuals to join our team.