PRECISION AG COORDINATOR
Company: Southern States
Location: Richmond
Posted on: October 1, 2024
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Job Description:
General Summary Provides sales support and technical assistance
on the implementation and delivery of Southern States Cooperative
(SSC) Precision Agriculture Programs at customer farming and
production sites. Learns and develops technical knowledge of GPS
(Global Navigation Satellite System), GIS (Geographic Information
System), crop consulting, field scouting, and data management. May
perform designated field operations to build relationships and
sales. Essential Job Functions Learn and develop technical skills
and knowledge of precision ag tools, resources, program
administration, fertilization calculation and other formulations.
Team with SSC counterparts to develop field scouting and crop
consulting techniques. * Coordinate plans to develop the precision
ag program within assigned territory. Regularly communicate with
SSC counterparts (sales, corporate office, local facilities) and
management to identify potential customer farmers and producers.
Assist with marketing precision ag programs. * Meet with customer
farmers and producers to provide information on SSC precision ag
services. Utilize effective communication skills to explain the
benefits and technical aspects of precision ag tools, data
gathering, and delivery directly to the production site. Identify
customer priorities, production challenges and goals to use in
formulating a customized site plan. * Effectively utilize GPS and
GIS and related tools to map the customer site and integrate grid
and contour soil sampling results. Continually monitor soil
properties, growth conditions, irrigation, crop stress, yield, and
other factors to develop customized production operations plans. *
Implement data management for record keeping. Analyze, interpret,
and manage customer data through the use of precision ag systems
and databases. Compile data in a timely manner to provide customers
with real-time advice and recommendations based on accurate and
actionable information. * Regularly communicate with customers
regarding their site operations. Implement nutrient management
plans and variable rate application of lime, nutrients, and other
crop treatments. Assist customers with resolving issues and
concerns. Escalate complex issues to appropriate counterparts and
managers. * Assist with providing precision ag training to SSC team
members at local service, coop, and agronomy facilities.
Effectively communicate technical information to individuals and
small groups. * Promote the SSC brand and business philosophy in a
positive and customer-focused manner throughout the local community
and sales region. Participate in local community meetings (grower
meetings, local government, and extension meetings) to network,
develop business relationships, and promote SSC precision ag
programs. Demonstrate professionalism at all times in communication
and appearance. Wear approved SSC uniform/attire and operate a neat
and well-maintained vehicle. * Develop awareness of industry
trends, improvements, regulations, and updates to SSC products and
services. Utilize a variety of resources to meet development
planning and continuing education requirements, including:
professional organizations, seminars, conferences, training
courses, self-study, and on-line tools. * Perform work safely as to
not cause harm to yourself, customers, co-workers, equipment, or
inventory. Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
Operate all equipment according to SSC policy and government
regulations. Comply with OSHA regulations, Southern States
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards, work rules and
policies. * Perform all other job functions as assigned. A
combination of completed coursework and relevant experience may be
considered in lieu of degree. Education: Bachelor's Degree in
Precision Ag Technology, Plant & Soil Sciences, Agribusiness, or
related field Experience:Up to one (1) year of experience in the
agricultural industry with knowledge of best practices related to
farming and crop production. Previous Southern States work
experience a plus. Certification & Licensing: Requires valid
Driver's License Requires Certified Crop Advisor (or ability to
obtain) May require Commercial Driver's License Requirements * This
position requires the safe operation of a motor vehicle to perform
essential job functions and mandatory compliance with the SSC motor
vehicle safety policy * Able to learn and develop technical skills
for use of precision agriculture tools, equipment, and systems,
including GPS and GIS * Able to learn and develop fertilization
calculation and other formulations * Able to learn and effectively
apply knowledge of field scouting and crop consulting * Able to
learn and effectively apply knowledge of farm management and crop
production best practices to identify needs and advise customers on
customized production operations * Able to work both independently
and as part of a team to execute area precision ag sales * Able to
communicate clearly and professionally * Able to consistently
demonstrate customer-focused interpersonal skills and business
savvy * Able to develop and maintain productive business
relationships with area farmers and agricultural community members
* Able to perform data analysis and formulate recommendations with
accuracy and attention to detail * Computer literacy to utilize
precision ag data management systems and MS Office products * Able
to effectively multi-task and prioritize * Able to work extended
hours to meet business demands * Able to meet travel requirements
for designated sales territory * Able to speak, read, write the
English language in a proficient manner Work Environment Essential
job functions are performed in a variety of environments, including
on-site at customer sites, SSC local facilities, and an office
setting. May regularly work outdoors unprotected from weather
conditions and subject to seasonal temperatures and humidity. May
require the frequent operation of a SSC motor vehicle for travel
purposes. Travel requirements vary based on location and growing
season. Frequent exposure to hazards, including: * Odors, fumes and
hazardous chemicals associated with dry and liquid fertilizers,
soil nutrients, crop protectants, fuel, and other agricultural
products and equipment * Dust, dirt, allergens, insects, pests and
other factors associated with inspection of farming and crop
production sites * Products, supplies, and tools with sharp edges
or containing hazardous materials * Moving mechanical parts and
vehicles, vibrations and electric current * Noise levels where
hearing protection is optional per PPE Plan Schedule requirements
are largely determined by area sales strategy. Ability to travel
during adverse weather conditions may be required. Extended hours
may be required at various times including peak growing season.
Physical Activities & Requirements Physical activities may vary
based on location. * Continuously bend and stoop; manual dexterity
(fingers and hands), handle and utilize repetitive hand motion with
products, soil/plant material, and various tools including
computers; utilize eye/hand coordination; twist back and neck.
Pull, push, lift, carry up to 30 pounds. * Frequently balance,
climb, and crouch; drive motorized vehicles; reach with arms and
hands for extended periods; sit for extended periods; stand and
walk for extended periods, at times may be on concrete or outdoors
on uneven surfaces. Pull, push, lift, carry 30-50 pounds. *
Occasionally kneel and stack. Pull, push, lift, carry over 50
pounds, may be assisted. Must be able to communicate with customers
and counterparts in-person and via telephone regarding the daily
business of sales, operations, products, services, and safety. Must
be able to maneuver over uneven terrain while inspecting customer
farming and production sites. Must be able to utilize vision and
touch to diagnose problems and recommend solutions. Must be able to
utilize hearing and vision to operate equipment including a motor
vehicle. Specific vision abilities required by this position
include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral
vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Tools &
Equipment Specialized tools and systems related to precision
agriculture, including GPS, GIS, and soil sampling tools. Seed,
fertilizer, crop protectant, soil nutrients, and other tools,
equipment and products as determined by specific location
requirements. SSC passenger motor vehicle, telephone, hand held
radio, computer, printer, scanner, copier, fax machine, writing
instrument, reports, logs, spreadsheets. Commercial motor vehicle
use may be required. Southern States Cooperative is an Equal
Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals
based on their race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic
origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual
orientation, gender identity, veteran status, family medical
history or genetic information, or any other status protected by
federal, state or local laws, or regulations. Equal Opportunity
Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled
Keywords: Southern States, Harrisonburg , PRECISION AG COORDINATOR, Other , Richmond, Virginia
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