What are the responsibilities and job description for the Agronomy Field TecH position at Reiter Affiliated Companies?
Essential Functions:
Field Trialing/Data Collection:
- Field Trialing/Data Collection:
- Brainstorm with local operations/ranch management on strategic field trials and regular field monitoring likely to have a substantial effect on farm/plant performance.
- Work together with operations and support groups (if necessary) to assure proper setup and execution of trial data.
- Set up field equipment as required for site testing.
- Collect and/or help to organize the collection of relevant field and environmental samples (e.g. soil, tissue, water, air, fertility, pest presence, yield, etc.).
- Following proper protocol, train personnel in collection methods and deliver samples (as necessary) to lab(s).
- Record and/or catalog data.
Data Analysis, Presentations and Education/Training
- Organize and analyze relevant data and lab results.
- Prepare findings and conclusion in easy to under reports, presentations and/or educational materials.
- Coordinate and help prepare for presentations and training sessions (both formal and informal).
Understudy and Development
- Assist in the documentation of best practices.
- Conduct insect or plant disease surveys.
- Examine crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
- Own your development:
- Assist in relevant projects of interest and shadow positions such as ranch managers, product managers, agronomists, etc. to round out skills and prepare for continued development and a long, rewarding career.
Other duties assigned
Follow all company policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.
Alternative / Other Duties
- Organic Inputs production and coordination (only applicable to smaller districts in specific geographies)
Knowledge, Skills and abilities
Knowledge
- Understanding of basic farming principles and/or agronomy – berry production and substrate farming a plus
- Agricultural software applications, equipment calibration, and medium and plan testing
- Substrate plant rotation/hibernation
- Substrate/soil drip irrigation, nutrient chemistry, and pesticides
Skills
- Analyze data and make qualified judgements on results
- Communicate fluently and proficiency (verbal, written, and presentation) in English and Spanish. Knowledge of additional languages maybe useful.
- Persuade, guide, influence and negotiate through expertise and when necessary direct action to be taken
Abilities
- Apply research protocols, collect data using computers and be proficient with computer applications including spreadsheets, email and internet.
- Demonstrate analytical / scientific critical thinking.
- Demonstrate detailed orientation, excellent consulting, problem solving, and analytical skills.
- Apply mathematical methods or formulas.
- Demonstrate superior interpersonal and communications skills with the ability to effectively communicate information.
- Communicate fluently (written, verbal, presentation, listening) in English and Spanish required.
- Proficiently use Microsoft Office Suite.
- Demonstrate a high level of motivation and self-starter.
- Work independently, with growers, team members, field workers and management.
- Work variable, extended hours (including weekends) when needed.
- Follow Company policies and practices while representing the Company in an ethical and business-like manner in all interactions with employees, governmental agencies, growers, customers, etc.
Competencies
- Self-Awareness –Advanced/Proficient
- Self-Management – Advanced/Proficient
- Leadership – Advanced/Proficient
- People Management – Advanced/Proficient
- Process Management – Advanced/Proficient
- Conflict Management – Advanced/Proficient
- Decision Making—Expert/Teacher
- Effective Execution—Expert/Teacher
- Problem Solving —Expert/Teacher
- Operational Planning —Expert/Teacher
- Development of Others —Expert/Teacher
- Production Processes—Expert/Teacher
- Plant Physiology —Expert/Teacher Irrigation & Fertilization Systems
- - Advanced/Proficient IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
- - Advanced/Proficient
- Growing Techniques Advanced/Proficient
- Cost Control Advanced/Proficient
- Efficiencies Control—Expert/Teacher
Education Level:
- Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences or related field required.
- High School and equivalent years’ experience, in soil science, biology, chemistry, agriculture or related fields.
- Field/s of Education
- Agricultural Sciences
Experience:
- Entry level position, but 6-18 months of experience (e.g. internship) in agriculture with direct berry crop farming experience preferred.
Licenses:
- Valid driver’s license suitable for insurability through company insurance plan.
Travel Requirements:
Ability to travel 5 to 10 percent of the time – domestic and international • 85% of the time will be spent on the farm, with the production and harvest teams, and with crops; 10% on administrative, business, and planning functions; and 5% on travel for interaction with other districts, conferences, etc.
Pay scale: $24.33 - $27.29
Salary : $24 - $27