Agronomist

JCS Family Farms is a 5th generation family farm located in Iowa City, IA producing specialty corn and soybeans. We are seeking a full-time agronomist to join our growing team! JCS Family Farm offers Health Insurance, an IRA with a 3% Company Match, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays!

This multi-functional role is responsible for crop production in a high-volume, low-cost manner, creating outputs/yields of an acceptable quality, according to defined specifications. This position provides recommendations for input purchases as well as crop planning and will also be responsible for research and development of best practices.

Hours: Typical hours are 7am – 5pm, however, additional hours may be required during peak seasons.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in agronomy, genetics, soil conservation, plant science, horticulture, plant physiology, soil fertility or related degree is preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in working in the field (in an Operational or Agronomist Capacity) preferable in any of the following crops: specialty corn and non-gmo soybeans.
• Experience working with Pivot Irrigation, including basic maintenance and repair of Valley Irrigation equipment.

Responsibilities Include:

• Manage logistics and timing of sprayer applications and chemical mixing efficiently during peak seasons. Communicate sprayer maintenance and service requirements to Shop Manager.
• Identify worthwhile field trials and coordinate with field operations team to successfully implement trials and follow through harvest to evaluate outcomes.
• Lead all efforts as it relates to irrigation on the farm while working with team members to ensure successful use of pivots and coordination with Shop Manager for timely repair to prevent equipment downtime.
• Conduct and record all soil testing. Maintain all soil testing and record keeping data, create requested reports and prescriptions. Investigate problem sources (poor soil and water) and determine effects.
• Identify contaminated or degraded soils and develop plans that improves their biological, chemical and physical properties.
• Crop scout for weeds, insects and diseases and schedules irrigation for optimal field yield. Recommend treatments for weeds, insects, and diseases.
• Assists with data collection and planter performance and makes recommendations.
• Assist General Manager with agronomic cost budgeting, monitoring, and reconciling.

Certifications/Licensures:

• Ability to obtain and maintain Iowa Pesticide Applicators license, required.
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Certification is a plus.
• Valid Driver’s License, required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Iowa City, IA 52240: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Agronomy: 3 years (Preferred)
• Pivot Irrigation: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Iowa Pesticide Applicator License (Preferred)
• Certified Crop Advisor (Preferred)
• Drivers Lcense (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000