AGRONOMY APPLICATOR

It is Centra Sota Cooperative’s vision to improve lives and create a more vibrant future for farmers, families, and communities in central Minnesota. We are a people-focused cooperative offering honest and helpful information, innovative products, and exceptional service from a reliable team of experts who care. 

Position Summary: It is the primary responsibility of this role to accurately apply plant nutrients and crop protection products to customer’s fields according to specifications set by our Crop Advisors and customers and to service and maintain our application equipment.  This person must be customer service orientated with a mechanical aptitude and excellent attention to detail. 

Essential Functions: (The responsibilities of this role include but are not limited to the following)

• Applies fertilizer and chemicals accurately, in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements and the customer’s crop plan.
• Responsible for proper calibration of fertilizer and spraying equipment.
• Communicates with customers and employees in a manner that will create support and loyalty CSC.
• Assists operations/sales staff with providing outstanding customer service to our patrons. 
• Responsible for all in house maintenance of our application, spraying and Nh3 equipment, trucks, pickups, etc. Possible tasks include simple maintenance such as oil, greasing, and similar tasks and more in-depth repairs including welding and rebuilds. 
• Assists location management with regular facility and equipment maintenance as needed. 
• Assist with facility housekeeping to maintain a clean and orderly facility.

• Attend safety and related job trainings as they become available

• Provide backup for other operations staff as needed.
• Demonstrate a commitment to doing what’s right, a solid work ethic, a strong sense of ownership, a passion for agriculture, and genuine respect for others
• Practice safe behavior while following all safety policies
• Observe and enforce all company policies
• Perform other duties as assigned

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

• High school diploma and Vocational/Technical training in equipment operation and maintenance
• Strong team work and listening skills
• Good interpersonal skills, being approachable and tactful, with an ability to interact effectively and professionally with employees and customers
• Customer service oriented and understands when to provide feedback to management so they may appropriately resolve conflict, problem solve and manage difficult situations with customers
• Resourceful, self-starter who works well with minimal supervision
• Results-oriented, accurate and thorough with a commitment to accountability
• Excellent, effective oral communication skills
• Mechanical aptitude necessary
• General understanding of basic mathematics (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing) and an ability to perform these operations using units of weigh measurement, volume and distance. 
• Proficient computer skills with the ability to learn other key operational computer programs
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to remain flexible in a rapidly changing environment.
• Must maintain current custom applicator’s license
• Comply with Centra Sota’s driver qualification requirements and Drug and Alcohol Policy

• Maintain a valid class B CDL with Tanker and Hazmat endorsements and the required DOT medical certification. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience demonstrating the ability to do the job
• Knowledge of agronomy related products, services and equipment
• Prior experience in an agricultural environment

Physical Demands:  The demands described are representative of those to be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time as well as use hands or fingers to reach or handle, and to talk or hear. The employee is often required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. All vision abilities are required to encompass close-up and distant work. Must be able to tolerate and endure extended seasonal hours and maintain alertness to meet deadlines.

Work Environment:  The environment described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to machinery and moving parts, airborne particles including grain dust and hazardous materials or fumes, which will require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The noise level in some of the work environments may require the use of hearing protection. The employee will be exposed to the outdoors and extreme changes in climate. 

Disclaimer: This job description is not a complete description of responsibility, but reflects the general duties, qualifications and requirements necessary to perform this job. Centra Sota Cooperative reserves the right to revise the job description as circumstances warrant.