Agronomist

PowerPollen is seeking to hire a skilled field agronomist with a deep appreciation for the critical role that agriculture plays in feeding our world. This opportunity at PowerPollen will boost your agronomy tool kit to cutting-edge levels through the use of our proprietary tools for pollen storage and delivery.

Job Purpose

The Agronomist position will provide high level agronomic guidance internally to PowerPollen as well as to PowerPollen customers that will provide the greatest opportunity and optimal results. Support the continued progression of PowerPollen’s biological and agronomic customer offerings and results.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate and provide recommendations to PowerPollen internal teams and customers on best practices/strategies to optimize all aspects of PowerPollen technologies and processes to achieve optimal efficiency, effectiveness, and outcomes in customer fields.
• Manage customer expectations and fosters positive long-lasting relationships provide maximum value for both the customer and PowerPollen.
• Contribute insight and support to PowerPollen’s own internal efforts toward scaling, process improvement, and technology advancement.
• Scout, collect, analyze, and interpret field data to provide high level agronomic recommendations and decisions regarding value opportunities of PowerPollen in customers fields.
• Understand agronomic and environmental conditions as well as the forecasted implications to the crop.
• Provide recommendations to internal PowerPollen teams and customers to enable value capture from field opportunities.
• Evaluate customer product information and collect data on crop performance in varying locales and make planting recommendations to customer where PowerPollen can bring the most value.
• Use electronic equipment and company proprietary software to record notes on agronomic developments in a timely manner.
• Lead efforts in harvesting and collecting samples for analysis.
• Determine feasibility of applying varying scientific concepts to insight new inventions, processes, and procedures.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and communications to share results and recommendations internally as well as externally.
• Engage in the development, implementation, execution, and improvement of SOPs and protocols.
• Be familiar with and follow all PowerPollen safety protocols and any additional customer safety practices and encourage others to do the same.
• Drive company owned and leased vehicles safely, at times towing a trailer.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences with 2-5 years agricultural field experience in research or seed production.
• Master’s degree in biological sciences preferred.
• Possesses a high level of critical thinking and strong understanding of agronomic practices and the seed industry.
• Experience in maize seed production is a plus.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protection of PowerPollen critical and proprietary assets including systems, processes, equipment, and knowledge.
• Prior experience supervising teams, including employees and contracted labor preferred.
• Strong technical aptitude and familiarity with software systems.
• Knowledgeable of job and ag-related safety regulations and protocols.
• Familiarity with the seasonality of agriculture and commitment to in-season time requirements.
• Willingness to cross-train for other jobs within the organization as needed.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods.
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record.

Working Conditions

This position requires working in fast-paced diverse environments that include the office, indoor lab/mobile lab conditions, and outdoor agricultural field conditions. Field conditions include high heat and humidity, insect exposure, uneven terrains, and work areas around active agricultural equipment.

Frequent travel with extended ‘away from home period expected. Estimated 30-40% with periods of extended travel e.g. 2-3 weeks at a site, possibly on short notice. Performing research and production activities. Travel includes both domestic U.S. and international travel.

Physical Requirements

The position involves physical activity including lifting objects up to 50 pounds, walking on uneven terrain, ability to tolerate heat and humidity conditions typical of agricultural outdoor field conditions in summer, with extended hours that will vary with crop development in different locales.

PowerPollen® is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).