Who We Are
Family-owned and operated in beautiful Bradford, Ontario, Gwillimdale Farms does more than just grow vegetables—we are growing our business. We supply fresh, high-quality produce locally and abroad, partnering with retailers, food service providers, and wholesale distributors. We believe our greatest asset is our team, and we continuously strive to create a better work environment by focusing on safety, education, and personal development.
Job Summary
We are currently seeking a full-time
Agronomist who will be responsible for soil testing, crop planning, and ensuring compliance with agricultural regulations. This role will focus on optimizing soil health, maximizing yield, and implementing sustainable farming practices while working closely with various departments to enhance overall farm efficiency.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agronomy, plant science, or soil science and possess excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a farm setting.
This position is crucial to ensuring the success of our farm operations, making a direct impact on the quality and sustainability of our crops.
We offer career growth opportunities, training, and certifications. This role may require extended hours during peak planting and harvest seasons. Overtime as required. Work schedules will vary based on seasonal demands. Please note the agriculture sector is exempt from paying overtime rates; employees are compensated at their regular rate.
Duties And Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive soil testing and analysis to determine nutrient levels, pH balance, and other critical properties.
- Provide actionable recommendations for soil amendments, fertilization protocols, and irrigation strategies to optimize soil health and crop yield.
- Develop and implement strategic crop rotation and planting schedules based on soil conditions, climate, and market trends.
- Monitor crop health, identify pest and disease risks, and implement integrated pest management strategies.
- Ensure compliance with local, provincial, and federal agricultural regulations while maintaining accurate documentation for audits and inspections.
- Promote and implement sustainable farming practices such as cover cropping, precision agriculture, and responsible pesticide use.
- Collaborate with farm personnel to train employees on best agronomic practices and innovative farming technologies.
- Oversee and document fertilizer and chemical applications to ensure proper use and compliance with regulations.
- Stay updated on emerging agronomic technologies, including remote sensing, data analytics, and smart farming tools, to drive innovation and efficiency.
- Assist in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for farm operations, including pre-harvest protocols and temperature calibration for storage.
- Work cross-functionally with farm management, QA, and storage teams to enhance communication and operational efficiency.
- Support procurement planning for fertilizers, pesticides, and soil amendments, ensuring timely availability, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with approved usage protocols.
- Utilize and maintain crop tracking tools or digital platforms to monitor growth stages, input applications, and yield performance across all fields.
- Conduct routine field inspections to assess plant health and field conditions, including identifying early signs of weed pressure, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations.
Food Safety Responsibilities
- Maintain compliance tracking and documentation for farm operations.
- Ensure accurate records of soil testing, crop treatments, and fertilizer applications.
- Document seeding, harvesting, and storage processes for full traceability.
- Conduct pre-planting farm lot assessments and record findings.
- Monitor and record chemical storage conditions and usage.
- Implement and document sanitation and maintenance procedures for farm equipment and storage areas.
- Collaborate with QA and food safety teams to ensure best practices are followed.
- Act as an onsite contact for pest control management.
Experience
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of proven experience in agronomy, soil science, or a related role.
- Strong knowledge of crop physiology, soil chemistry, and plant nutrition.
- Experience in soil analysis, crop planning, and pest management.
- Familiarity with agricultural regulations and compliance standards.
- Proficiency in crop management software and precision agriculture tools.
- Experience with farming equipment and irrigation systems is an asset.
Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail with a focus on quality control.
- Ability to troubleshoot soil and crop-related issues.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Ability to interpret and analyze agricultural data and trends.
- Professionalism and strong interpersonal skills in dealing with farm teams and external stakeholders.
What We Offer
- Career advancement opportunities
- Hands-on training provided
- Paid training and certification programs
- Competitive hourly wage
- Work in a team environment that prioritizes safety and support
- We offer a comprehensive benefits package to employees and their dependents that includes dental and vision care, extended health coverage, life insurance, and employee assistance program
- Onsite parking
- Uniform and PPE program