Agronomy Grower Relations Specialist

Universal Corporation; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Pension

Merit increases

Paid holidays

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Vision insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Co. Inc., a subsidiary of Universal Corporation, seeks an Agronomy Grower Relations specialist in Lancaster, PA. This full‑time exempt role supports grower programs and agronomy operations.

You will supervise contracted growers, coordinate field activities, monitor crop progress, assist with audits, and ensure GAP compliance and customer requirements. Travel is required. The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, strong agronomy knowledge, excellent

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with focus on Agriculture or equivalent on-farm experience.
• Thorough understanding of agronomy practices, soil evaluations, and crop protection agents.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to cultivate effective working relationships with local tobacco farmers.
• Technical aptitude, including PC and tablet experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for contracted growers by maintaining regular communication and supporting positive working relationships.
• Assist growers with production-related concerns by providing guidance, coordinating follow-up, and helping resolve issues.
• Manage grower compliance programs by monitoring participation and documenting requirements.
• Assist with development projects by coordinating field activities and evaluating opportunities to improve practices.
• Assist the buying team with receiving, inspection, and purchasing of contracted tobacco, ensuring accurate documentation.
• Conduct regular farm visits and field evaluations to monitor crop progress and provide agronomic recommendations.
• Support implementation and monitoring of GAP, crop protection, sustainability, and customer compliance programs.
• Maintain accurate grower records, field observations, compliance documentation, and program reporting.
• Provide training and technical guidance to growers on approved production practices and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor crop conditions, pest pressure, disease concerns, and weather impacts.
• Assist with audits, inspections, trials, and customer-driven agronomy initiatives as needed.
• Ensure all work adheres to safety policies, environmental requirements, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Agronomy knowledge

Soil evaluations

Crop protection agents

Verbal and written communication

Grower relationship skills

Technical aptitude (PC/tablet)

Driver's license

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or equivalent

Job description

Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Co. Inc., a subsidiary of Universal Corporation, seeks an Agronomy Grower Relations specialist in Lancaster, PA. This full‑time exempt role supports grower programs and agronomy operations.

You will supervise contracted growers, coordinate field activities, monitor crop progress, assist with audits, and ensure GAP compliance and customer requirements. Travel is required. The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, strong agronomy knowledge, excellent