Crop Associate - Gold Star FS - Cambridge, IL

FS; Cambridge (IL); On-site; USD 49,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package including retirement,

Health coverage

Job summary

FS is seeking an entry level Crop Associate in the Crops department to support precision sales activities under the supervision of the Precision Sales Manager. The role involves learning GIS FieldAlytics and Agvance, assisting in marketing plans, and becoming knowledgeable about seeds, chemicals, and fertilizers.

Responsibilities include providing customer service, scheduling product delivery, and supporting operational duties within an assigned geography.

Qualifications

• Normally requires at least a 2-year college degree in agronomy or at least 2 years of sales/marketing experience to demonstrate the ability to generate profitable sales of agricultural products and likely possess an agricultural background.

Responsibilities

• Learn to use FieldAlytics GIS platform and Agvance planning, blending, billing software.
• Assist crops specialists with marketing plans and sales strategies.
• Develop knowledge of seeds, chemicals, and fertilizers through trainings.
• Provide exceptional customer service using soil testing and crop scouting.

Education

2-year college degree in agronomy or 2 years of sales/marketing experience

Job description

The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably. FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.

Crop Associate

DEPARTMENT: Crops

REPORTS TO: Precision Sales Manager

SALARY RANGE: $49,000 - $60,000

STATUS: Exempt

Purpose And Summary Statement

An entry level position for agricultural graduates as well as agricultural professional's that will pave a successful path towards a career in the ag retail business. Will work under the supervision of the Precision Manager and alongside Crops Specialist's in assigned geography assisting them with their daily work flow.

Essential Job Functions

• Learn and become proficient using the GIS platform FieldAlytics, and the planning, blending, billing software Agvance.
• Learn, understand & utilize target marketing and professional sales techniques including the FS sales interview road map.
• Assist crops specialist in implementing marketing plans and developing sales strategies that generate profitable sales in the assigned territory.
• Work to become experts in the seed, chemicals and fertilizers that are offered by utilizing trainings and resources provided.
• Provide exceptional customer service by using soil testing, crop scouting and other programs, and assists in customer follow-ups.
• Assists in scheduling product delivery and application to patron locations. Assists in operational duties as needed.

Specific Job Duties

• Use Fieldalytics to manage and maintain customer field data. Including soil, planting, harvest, and in-season applications. Use this data to provide seasonal reports to help drive exceptional customer service.
• Create Variable Rate Fertilizer recommendations using soil test data inside of Fieldalytics.
• Use Climate Fieldview to create Variable Rate Planting prescriptions.
• Work with Agvance planning & blending, creating pre-pay plans for herbicide and fertilizer applications and creating application blend tickets.
• Attend trainings and webinars to help maintain and grow a high level of knowledge regarding precision technology, seed, chemicals, and fertilizer.
• Scout customer fields and with the help of crop specialists use those findings to recommend herbicide, fungicide, and insecticide applications.
• Be able to communicate information and recommendations for services and products to customers.

OPERATIONAL DUTIES

• Record and maintain accurate seed inventory on a weekly basis.
• Sort, organize and deliver customer seed orders.
• Place seed company signs on customer fields and seed plots.
• Deliver Ammonia Tanks to custom applicators and farmer pulled toolbars.
• Be willing to help in the chemical loading bay and seed treating room as needed.
• Responsible for maintaining the assigned vehicle according to company standards, adheres to the uniform policy, and maintains the appropriate professional image.

Requirements

Education and Experience

Normally requires at least a 2-year college degree in agronomy or at least 2 years of sales/marketing experience to demonstrate the ability to generate profitable sales of agricultural products and likely possess an agricultural background.

Other Requirements

• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and good driving record, must get and maintain a CDL with Hazmat.
• Have the ability to travel independently and overnight as needed.
• Be able to lift a minimum of 60 lbs.
• Complete weekly activity reports.
• Obtain CCA, will provide trainings and classes to accomplish.
• All other duties as assigned.

In addition to competitive pay, the company offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees. Benefits may include retirement, health and wellness, paid time off, supplemental or incidental coverage, and more.

Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.

We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.

Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.