Associate Sales Agronomist

Summary: 

Learning and development role to be able to execute key competencies that are required to be a successful sales agronomist, while also helping in other parts of our business at the same time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Learn how to manage, maintain, and prioritize a list of customers and prospects to identify the best opportunities for growth.
• Learn to maintain and increase sales with existing customers and gain business from new customers.
• Understand how to document and submit sales call information in CRM (Customer Relationship Management System).
• Train & teach farmer owners and co-workers about technology products used to provide value to an operation.
• Observe and demonstrate how to provide a consistent communication channel between customers and location personnel in order to set proper service expectation levels, resolve problems and scheduling issues.
• Work with a Sales Agronomist advising customers on the proper use of products and equipment.
• Participate in technical, sales, and other types of training.
• Learn how to schedule timely soil samples, soil nitrate tests, plant tissue analysis, soybean cyst samples and yield checks for present and new customers.
• Assist a Sales Agronomist make sales calls and recommendations for present and potential customers regarding fertilizer, chemicals, seed, tillage practices, crop consulting, etc.
• Collaborate with other departments and/or locations to identify potential benefits to the customer from other company programs.
• Work with customers, suppliers, and management to resolve product/service complaints fairly and equitably. 
• Understand and learn how to make sound agronomic recommendations to customers by presenting solutions, products, services, and/or concepts in order to maximize returns for the customers.
• Understand and learn how to maintain sales contracts.
• Assist in developing account plans that include strategy and tactics for achieving desired customer results.
• Learn and understand how to help Location monitor projected sales in order to monitor inventory needs.
• Work with Sales Agronomist in managing sales in order to achieve target margins and product mix.
• Assist in periodically forecasting sales volumes for inventory planning and budget projections.
• Assist with monitoring and evaluating potential accounts receivable risks on current and potential customers in order to minimize the company’s accounts receivable risk exposure.
• Complete your IA/NE CCA certification.
• Complete your certifications for pesticide licensing including the Core, 1A-Weeds, 1B-Insects, 1C-Diseases, and 4-Seed Treatment.
• Must be willing to travel to and work in other Heartland Co-op locations/regions for extended periods of time.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and commercial insurability at all times.
• Other duties as assigned by Management.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here 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 is frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must 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 frequently required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk, hear, taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Employee is exposed to long seasonal work hours.

PCP Level: 3

Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly.

Competency:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical - Collects and researches data. 
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner. 
• Customer Service - Responds to requests for service and assistance.
• Oral Communication - Responds well to questions.
• Change Management - Builds commitment and overcomes resistance.
• Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.                                     

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or two to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Ability:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.  Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.  Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.

Math Ability:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, and ratios.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to define problems collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagramm form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing, accounting, and precision ag software.

Certificates and Licenses:

Obtain/maintain a CCA certificate as well as any other appropriate certifications.  Complete certifications for pesticide licensing including the Core, 1A-Weeds, 1B-Insects, 1C-Diseases, and 4-Seed Treatment. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and commercial insurability at all times.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.