Job Description

This job description is a summary of essential job functions necessary for the satisfactory performance of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Job functions may vary by location.

General Summary

Develop, maintain and implement Precision Farming Programs in an assigned territory through any applicable Southern States business operation.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides front line support for Southern States member cooperatives and COR Precision Ag Coordinators.
• Trains and supports member co-op and company-owned field staff on implementation of the Precision Farming Programs.
• Defines the needs for sales and training materials for implementation of products, such as Quick Guides, Information Sheets, Communication Sheets, etc. for software and equipment products.
• Identifies new business opportunities for products and services available in Southern States network and communicate to the Precision Ag group in Richmond for evaluation.
• Provides front line support for sales and management of Southern States Coop imagery program. Including ground, aerial (plane or UAV) and satellite.
• Works with Precision Ag Coordinators and others to develop and fine-tune agronomic recommendation equations for Seed, Crop Nutrients and Crop Protection products to make proprietary equations that are marketable.
• Develops and implements new and enhanced Precision Ag Programs to producers and growers.
• Works with service locations, managed coops and private dealers to perform periodic "market research" of technology practices and needs within the designated territory.
• Monitors performance of precision agronomy sales, operations, and goals for assigned region.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in agronomy, ag business or related field preferred. A combination of training and experience may be considered in lieu of completed degree.

Experience: One to three (1-3) years of agriculture industry experience preferred

Experience with field scouting in making sound agronomic recommendations

Requirements:

• Knowledge of Crop Precision Ag programs (GPS, gridding, mapping, precision crop plans)
• Able to sell the complete line of fertilizer, seed and chemicals
• Able to develop sales strategies and techniques to increase sales and meet sales goals
• Able to learn and present programs to Growers/Producers in group or individual settings
• Effective communication, organizational and presentation skills
• PC proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Able to travel up to 95%, limited overnight stay

Work Environment

The work environment will vary based on location. Essential job functions are performed indoors in a climate- controlled environment, in a warehouse environment subject to seasonal temperatures and humidity, and outdoors unprotected from weather conditions.

Regularly exposed to hazards including:

• Merchandise, supplies and tools with sharp edges or containing hazardous materials
• Dust, odors, fumes and hazardous chemicals associated with sales and storage of petroleum/propane, dry and liquid fertilizers, crop protectants and other agricultural products
• Moving mechanical parts and vehicles, vibrations and electric current
• Noise levels where hearing protection is optional per PPE Plan

Schedule requirements will vary based on location. Extended hours and/or alternate work schedules may be required. Ability to report to work on time and in adverse weather conditions is required.

Physical Activities & Requirements

Physical activities and requirements will vary based on location and merchandise mix. Below is a general description.

• Continuously bend and stoop; manual dexterity (fingers and hands) and utilize repetitive hand motion with merchandise and tools including computers and motorized vehicles; reach with arms and hands for extended periods; stand and walk for extended periods, at times may be on concrete or uneven surfaces; utilize eye/hand coordination; twist back and neck. Pull, push, lift, carry up to 50 pounds.

• Frequently climb, crouch, stack, and sweep. Pull, push, lift, carry 50-80 pounds, may be assisted.

• Occasionally balance, kneel, shovel and sit. Pull, push, lift, carry 80-100 pounds, may be assisted.

Must be able to speak to co-workers and customers regarding sales, operations and safety. Must be able to hear customer service phone calls, hand held radio, equipment and vehicle sounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Tools & Equipment

Tools and equipment will vary based on location and merchandise mix. Below is a general description.

Hand held scanner, telephone, hand held radio, computer, printer, scanner, copier, fax machine, writing instrument, reports, logs, spreadsheets, point-of-sale terminal, petroleum and/or propane equipment and terminals, fertilizer and crop protectant blenders and spreaders (dry row spreader, John Deere dry body, Spreader Trucks and/or Terra-Gator, spray trucks with 40-60 foot boom coverage, Crop Sprayers with 80-120 foot boom coverage), loaders, forklifts, pick-ups, delivery trucks, and other tools and equipment.

Southern States Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws, or regulations.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, functions and skills required for this job. Functions and requirements may change at any time with or without notice.