Research Agronomist

Iasoybeans; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision insurance

Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement

Fitness center and Golf simulator

401(k) with generous company match

Dress for your Day Dress Code

Job summary

An agricultural research organization in Iowa is seeking a Research Agronomist to develop and implement on-farm research programs. Key responsibilities include coordinating with farmers, conducting trials, and disseminating findings. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in agronomy and 3-5 years of experience in the field. This role offers a dynamic work environment with competitive benefits and a balance between remote work and on-site responsibilities.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in agronomy.
• Strong technical knowledge of soybean cropping systems.
• Ability to communicate with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative on-farm research programming.
• Coordinate with Conservation Agronomists.
• Promote farmer participation in research.

Skills

Relationship building

Project management

Technical assistance

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in agronomy or related field

Tools

Statistical software

GIS

Job description

Overview

OBJECTIVE: The Research Agronomist will work with the RCFI team, farmers, ag retail, sponsors, collaborators, and landowners across Iowa to execute on-farm, agronomic research that is critically important to farmers’ ability to increase profitability, productivity, and sustainability. This role will provide technical assistance and communicate results to increase active farmer participation and engagement in programs and projects. Relationship-building, agronomy, and project management are key skillsets for success in this role.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the conception and development of innovative on-farm research programming that emphasizes agronomics and combines conservation for ISA’s farmer participants and stakeholders
• Execute on-farm research trials and projects including: farmer recruitment, collection of data and management information, and dissemination of results
• Coordinate with Conservation Agronomists to connect farmers with opportunities to identify and implement appropriate in-field and edge-of-field conservation products and practices for improved soil and water resource management practices and systems to maximize productivity and address resource concerns, farmer/landowner goals, and watershed project goals
• Organize and lead participant group meetings to increase participation, understanding, and adoption of new practices
• Promote and encourage increased farmer participation on ISA on-farm research projects and programs
• Develop both written and verbal presentations, guides, protocols, and communication outreach materials when needed to support research programs and projects
• Assist RCFI Research Agronomy Lead in preparing work plans, budgets, quarterly and annual reports, and help support new project contracts and grant development
• Assist team in designing and implementing an engagement and communication strategy to increase farmer participation and increase the effective dissemination of project results and communicate and promote the value of research programs
• Assist RCFI team in development and implementation of operational procedures, data management procedures, and other tools to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and reliability
• Conduct education and outreach of data summarizations, including individual site, cross-site, and overall program level, to various audiences including farmers, non-farmers, and stakeholders
• Coordinate with other ISA departments and staff embracing the culture of ISA and emulate that to the team

Competencies

• Practical understanding and application of agronomy, especially field and/or on-farm research
• Demonstrate initiative
• Act as a champion of change
• Relationship and network building
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service
• Evaluating and implementing ideas
• Effective oral and written communication, especially with farmers
• Prioritizing and executing work efficiently and effectively
• Provide technical assistance to farmers, team members, and all stakeholders

Location

• Reside within the Western side of Iowa and work remotely or work out of the office in Ankeny.

Travel

This position requires up to 50% travel within region. Minimal overnights.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no current supervisory responsibility. Some supervision for intern or temporary employees may be required.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology, ag economics, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience working in agronomy, agronomy sales, or conservation agronomy
• Strong understanding of:
  • Strong technical knowledge of soybean cropping systems and agronomy
  • Experience in agricultural industry and ag retail system
  • On-farm research and/or applied field plot research
• Capable of working in a team environment while working independently to achieve specific project deliverables.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with diverse technical and non-technical audiences
• Understanding of computer technologies including data storage, statistical software, GIS, and monitoring equipment interfaces

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology, ag economics, or related field
• 5-7 years of professional working experience in agriculture sales or consulting organization

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
• Fitness center and Golf simulator
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Dress for your Day Dress Code

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; drive long distances; walk in fields and uneven terrain; collect water samples from streams, tile outlets, and other water sources; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment will vary.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.