AGRONOMIST

Description

As a farmer-owned cooperative, Skagit Farmers Supply’s Alaska division, Alaska Mill and Feed, provides farmers, homeowners, businesses, families and communities across the state with services through agronomy, erosion control, animal feed, deicing products, retail and wholesale operations.

Our Agronomy division serves primarily the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Kenai Peninsula, Fairbanks North Star Borough and the Delta Junction area — one of the most resilient and distinctive agricultural communities in the nation. Over 40 different crops are grown including potatoes, barley, oats, hay, cabbage, root vegetables, native grass seed, and specialty small grains uniquely suited to Alaska's long summer daylight hours. Specializing in conventional fertilizer blends, turf & ornamental management materials, farm seed and Ag services, the company is proud to support agriculture through its agronomy facility: a primary plant in Anchorage serving from the Mat-Su Valley north to Fairbanks and south to Homer with custom blending capabilities for dry fertilizer and native grass seed blends.

We utilize a wide variety of equipment and technology that enables growers, crop consultants, farm staff, precision specialists, contractors and operation managers to work as one to improve workflow and increase efficiencies — essential in a state where operations may span remote terrain and compressed growing seasons.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

• Advise growers/customers in current best management practices pertinent to their specific operations.
• Advise contractors and hydroseeding operations of native and turf seed species for unique Alaskan applications.
• Formulate specific Alaska based seed blends and mulch across various elevations, terrain and unique microclimates.
• Advise and give recommendations across different erosion control products and applications.
• Work independently while developing and implementing short- and long-term plans aimed at increasing agronomy business volume.
• Function and communicate smoothly as part of a larger team working to provide essential products and services in a timely manner.
• Be willing and able to learn and maintain a high level of technical expertise.
• Coordinate with fertilizer and chemical applicators to assure effective use of manpower, time, and equipment.
• Ensure that relevant federal and state regulations are followed.
• Exhibit an ability to receive feedback, adapt to new processes and continuously develop skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate, communicate well and effectively relay information with an emphasis on developing positive professional relationships.
• Practice punctual and reliable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Possess a valid driver license and maintain a safe driving record.
• Proficiency operating and navigating Microsoft Windows and Office.
• Demonstrate familiarity with business reports and related mathematics.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards especially regarding customer service.
• Strong organizational, planning, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Proven track record of being dependable and reliable.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, ag econ, ag business, ag ed, ag engineering, soil or weed science, or equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge and skills.
• 1 - 3 years of related professional experience.
• Experience in turf and ornamental management, including but not limited to greenhouses, golf courses, nurseries, landscaping, etc.
• Possess Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) and Alaska-registered pesticide applicator certifications or obtain them within the first year of employment.

HOURS / DAYS / SCHEDULE

This is a full-time position, typically Monday - Friday. Qualified applicants must be available to work evenings and/or weekends as needed, especially during times of high seasonal demand.  

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Annual base salary: $75,000 - $100,000. This position is also eligible for an annual sales bonus. After meeting eligibility requirements, benefits include:

• Medical Insurance*
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Vacation**
• Sick Pay
• 9 Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Match
• Employee Discounts 
• Dependent Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Profit Sharing

*100% employer-paid for employee coverage.     **Two to six weeks annually, depending on the length of full-time service.

TO APPLY

We invite you to complete our online application by visiting our careers page at www.alaskamillandfeed.com/employment. Internal applicants may submit a letter of consideration to Human Resources.