Agronomist - Term Position (Meota, SK)

Simplot Canada (II) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the J.R. Simplot Company. The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held organization, with roots firmly planted in agriculture and agriculture-related businesses. The J.R. Simplot Company is a true farm-to-table company with operations that touch every aspect of agriculture, including seed production, farming and ranching, plant sciences, fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, commercial product development, and distribution.

Summary

This is an term positon that supports customers and location employees with agronomy services and product recommendations that are the best decision for the highest level of crop production to the benefit of Simplot customers and the company.

Key Responsibilities

Area Agronomy Support

• Deliver agronomy services to Simplot locations as required by locations and provide technically sound agronomic advice
• Increase Simplot overall expertise in soil management & plant health
• Work with Area Location Managers to provide the opportunity for agronomy services to customers
• Have an ongoing communication with several key customers, in cooperation with Area Location and Account Managers, to demonstrate continuity and consistency
• Contribute to and be familiar with Simplot strategies for:
  
  • Macronutrients
  • Micronutrients
  • Herbicide rotations
  • Fungicide
  • Field verified demonstrations
• Attend (on behalf of Simplot) local information meetings and in-season tours and bring the knowledge back to our entire team
• Be open, available, and approachable
• Work with other Area Agronomists one on one to develop approach methods and techniques
• Set aside time for joint farm meetings with Area Agronomy Lead and Account Managers
• Participate in school and community education programs as appropriate and directed by Agronomy Lead
• Identify profit opportunities for Agronomy/product programs
• Support customers and suppliers through prompt and detailed investigation of product inquiries
• Lead in the development and facilitation of training programs for location employees in agronomy, in cooperation with Agronomy Lead
• Learn and understand the products and services Simplot provides
• Build confidence and experience in technical skills while sharing best practices with the entire agronomy team
• Keep current on industry trends and technology – transfer this knowledge to both the agronomy team and customers
• Attract quality Agronomy Team members to Simplot
• Ensure Simplot are maximizing the potential to have Agronomy support on as many fields as possible
• Approach the Ag industry and community in a professional manner such that Simplot maintains a presence as the leader in our market
• Assist Area Agronomy Team to complete accreditation in compliance with company policy
• Support the Account Managers and Location Managers complete accreditation in compliance with company policy
• Oversee the entry of Area scouting data into system for permanent archive on the customer account
• Promote, and coordinate agronomy services for customers (ie. Crop scouting, soil sampling, etc.)
• Assist in agronomy where necessary and appropriate

Research and Product Development Support

• Work closely with Agronomy Lead in the development of Area field research program to learn protocols and ensure requirements are followed.
• Support plan for all Area summer tours, winter meetings, and events that showcase Simplot in field knowledge in cooperation with Agronomy Lead and other Agronomists.
• Understand and execute checklists for developed for Agronomists, Location Managers and Account Managers to develop consistent and effective in field demonstrations and agPROVE trials
• Work closely with Marketing and e-Business Manager to execute marketing tasks for promotions to ensure strong brand presence and farmers attendance at events.

Customer Service Rep

• Provide sales function to key customers and walk in customers when appropriate
• Oversee and maintain their assigned customer records on database
• Learn and ensure compliance with company customer management standards
• Ensure highest level of customer service for any customer when appropriate
• Ensure proper completion of credit applications
• Pursue new accounts in line with corporate direction when opportunity is presented

Operations Assistant

• Assist in coordinating and executing product movement
• Assist in loading and unloading of product form customers or from suppliers
• Assist operations employees with various tasks, especially in busy season and especially when a customer needs to be served
• Be prepared to fill in in the instance of operational shortfalls.

Simplot Growers Solutions Member

• Contribute to and maintain a positive attitude in the workplace
• Work to eliminate swearing and gossip in the workplace
• Keep and maintain confidentiality of all customers and Simplot business
• Ensure all licenses are up to date and in compliance with provincial and municipal regulations
• Read Simplot Employee Playbook, including annual updates
• Help with any special projects as required
• Be familiar with and live the values that are defined by the Simplot
• Continually develop leadership and business skills
• Approve, attend and contribute to community activities when appropriate
• Set, maintain, and live high ethical and moral standards
• Pleasantly greet customers and suppliers
• Fill in for all roles when needed with appropriate skills and talents
• Support safety practices and initiatives as set by safety officer and ensure safe driving habits
• Maintain and tidy up office and yard
• Demonstrate respect and courtesy for all employees, customers, suppliers, and community

Expectations

• Simplot Agronomy is one of our primary differentiators. This position is critical to our customers and locations, and we expect the highest level of professionalism and agronomy expertise.
• Simplot profitability comes from our ability to deliver products and services that meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. We expect our Agronomists to lend a hand to operations employees to ensure the highest level of satisfaction for customers when the need is there.
• Technology and solutions are provided in the form of products. Even though our agronomy employees are not required to be primary sellers, we expect them to conduct sales tasks and even complete sales when appropriate.

Key Skills and Capabilities

• Cooperation & Teamwork
• Customer Service
• Communication
• Development & Continual Learning
• Job & Technical Knowledge
• Judgement
• Organization & Time Management
• Reliability
• Problem Solving

Qualifications and Requirements

• Diploma or Degree from a recognised institution and, or related field experience with emphasis on soil science, plant science, and crop production.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.
• Past industry experience is a valued asset.
• Desire for a P. Ag or A.T designation required. If already held it is a valued asset.

Physical Demands

• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
• Manual labour including crop scouting and soil sampling.
• Agri-Industry Hours - overtime, as required.

Work Environment

• Indoor and outdoor setting
• Interacts with upper and middle management, employees, and clients.
• Repetitive work.

Job Requisition ID: 26403

Travel Required: Less than 10%

Location(s): SGS Retail - Meota SK

Country: Canada

** Simplot Canada (II) Limited is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.**

If you require technical assistance, please email us at careers.contact@simplot.com.