Crop Specialist

FS System; Fults (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded pension

Health insurance

401(k) match

Job summary

Gateway FS, Inc. in Fults, IL is seeking a Crop Specialist to grow the customer base by marketing crop inputs, fertilizer, seed, and services. You will implement sales plans, advise patrons, and drive profitable sales in the assigned territory.

The role requires an associate degree and 2+ years in production agriculture, with travel and professional certifications. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package and potential commission-based bonus.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required; 2+ years of related work experience in production agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Implements marketing plans and develops sales strategies that generate profitable sales in the assigned territory.
• Develops territory and competitive analyses to stay informed of the market and competition.
• Provides value-added agronomic products, services, and recommendations to patrons and prospects.
• Schedules product delivery and application to patron locations.
• Conducts patron meetings on product and technical information; follows up on customer concerns and offers win/win resolutions.

Education

Associate’s Degree in agriculture, marketing, or business

Job description

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Crop Specialist - Gateway FS - Fults, IL

Company: Gateway FS, Inc

City: Fults

State: IL

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 Specialist

DIVISION: Agronomy Department Manager

Ryan Gonzalez

STATUS:

SALARY: $60,000-$80,000 + opportunity for commission-based bonus

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT:

Assumes responsibility for developing customers through effective marketing of the following products and services: crops inputs, such as fertilizer, crop protection, pesticides, seed products, service income, technical services, and ag-finance programs, to maximize profitable sales.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Implements marketing plans and develops sales strategies that generate profitable sales in the assigned territory.
Utilizes target marketing and professional sales techniques, including the FS sales interview road map, cropping programs, emphasis of appropriate features and benefits, and contact management system, when calling on patrons and prospects.
Develops territory and competitive analysis to maintain a current knowledge of the marketplace and the competition.
Provides value-added agronomic products, services, and recommendations to patrons and prospects.
Schedules product delivery and application to patron locations.
Conducts regular patron meetings on product and technical information.
Provides customer service by using soil testing, crop scouting and other programs, follows up on customer complaints, and seeks a reasonable “win/win” resolution.
Ensures the credit worthiness of customers, quotes prices and credit terms, and prepares sales contracts for orders obtained. Promotes the use of credit programs as a sales tool and helps provide the required information to establish credit.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Responsible for maintaining the assigned vehicle according to company standards, adheres to the uniform policy, and maintains an appropriate professional image.
Ensures field signs are displayed on all customers’ fields to promote FS products.
Responsible for completing and updating profile information sheets on all key accounts and targeted prospects.
Collects for sales of all assigned products according to company credit policy.
Attains and maintains technical and sales skills to certification standards.
Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Normally requires a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in agriculture, marketing, or business, or the equivalent thereof, and 2 years or more of related work experience to demonstrate knowledge of production agriculture.

Ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate driver’s license and satisfactory driving record for the type of vehicle that will be required to operate in order to perform all the duties assigned prior to employment. Daily independent travel within the trade area with occasional overnight stays.

Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable professional certifications associated with the agronomy industry. (i.e. CCA, CCS, CPAg, Commercial Applicator w/ applicable categories)

Ability and willingness to work extended hours during peak seasons.

Occasionally exposed to and / or required to:

• Extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, etc.)
• Working conditions which may include dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards - with appropriate safety measures
• May be required to work at varying heights
• Lift 51-75 lbs

We are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. 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.

SECURING YOUR FUTURE, ONE BENEFIT AT A TIME.

Our benefits packages aredesigned to support every aspect of our employees’ well-being—from health plans to life insurance, robust retirement plans, and more.We provide benefits that meet their needs today while also ensuring a secure future.

Offerings may include, but are not limited to:

UNITED STATES:

• Fully Funded Pension*
• 401(k) & Employer Match
• HSA & Employer Contributions
• Life Insurance
• Disability
• Identity Protection

*The pension plan is subject to individual company participation. Those who do not participate in the pension plan enjoy a higher 401(k) employer match.

**Some benefits are subject to the hiring company.

CANADA:

• RRSP
• Life Insurance
• Disability

*Benefit eligibility may be dependent on employment type

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