Sustainability Program Lead/Technical Agronomist, AgState - Cherokee

AgState is currently seeking a Sustainability Program Lead/Technical Agronomist for our agronomy department! Are you a hard worker with a desire to learn and grow in your career?   Join our team today!

We are seeking a motivated individual who will be responsible, under the direction of the Director of Precision Ag, for setting strategic direction of sustainable farming efforts within AgState while providing technical agronomic advice for our sales force throughout our market footprint.    At AgState, you will find a team atmosphere committed to safety and excellent customer service and a stable career that offers excellent benefits!

• Masters or PhD preferred in agronomy or closely aligned field.  Minimum of 5 years of field experience.  Individuals with BS degrees who possess extensive industry and field experience will also be considered. 
• Skills in GIS, Agronomy, Business Development, and Project Management.
• Strong Precision Technology Knowledge

Apply online at https://www.agstate.org/careers

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Work in a safe and efficient manner, according to AgState Safety Policy.
• Build capacity and expertise within the precision ag and agronomy sales teams to increase knowledge of agronomic practices and sustainability efforts. 
• Provide sales support by determining appropriate agronomic recommendations and technical positioning for crop protection and plant nutrition/performance products in the trade territory. Serve as primary contact and source of sound, practical, reliable and new agronomic information and opportunities for AgState sellers within our service area.
• Demonstrate work habits that develop, build, and support the team concept within the organization.
• Display an attitude that is focused on improving and serving customers, teammates, and self.
• Support other departments as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Support other departments as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

• (70%) Sustainability Program Lead:
  • Utilize Truterra Inc.’s sustainability offering in order to benefit growers wanting to capitalize on the carbon market for their farm. 
  • Monitor the industry for other potential carbon market programs available to growers that could be utilized by AgState and will recommend them as appropriate. 
  • Coordinate with various local conservation organizations (including AgState Conservation Agronomist) to identify and adopt a system of stewardship practices for eligible growers that improve soil health, protect water quality, and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases as per the requirements of the chosen carbon market program.
  • Utilize Precision Ag data located within AgState’s various programs to assist growers in meeting the requirements of chosen Carbon Market programs and Identity Preserved markets.  Be familiar with how to collect, process and disseminate that data to fulfill program requirements.
  • Work with AgState staff to identify growers already participating AgState’s InSiteCDM program that would be a good fit for the various Carbon Market programs, including Truterra.

• (30%) Technical Agronomist:
  • Attain knowledge of appropriate recommendations and technical positioning for AgState’s preferred agronomic practices and products (crop protection and plant nutrition/performance) used in its regional trade territory.
  • Utilize agronomic expertise and anticipation of agronomic trends to improve market positioning and profitability of proprietary and vended crop protection products and to assist AgState sellers as questions and issues around these products arise . 
  • Assist AgState operations personnel in handling of some claims brought on by perceived issues with AgState’s application of products.