Agronomist
The Agronomist is responsible for the working with the McCain grower group for their assigned region. This individual must be comfortable meeting with growers and industry groups on farms, conducting research trials, facilitating grower extension, as well as communicating with and between grower and company personnel. The Agronomist will report directly to the Manager, Agronomy.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
Responsibilities
* Assist growers in assigned growing region to identify specific opportunities for improving crop yield and delivered quality by managing Grower Improvement Plans (GIP) through review of historical delivered quality, achieve agreement on operational changes targeted to specific quality attributes and monitor progress according to the GIP.
* Manage on farm trials (example – variety strip trial, spacing trial) as directed by the Manager, Agronomy. Participate in the NA Agronomy variety review and recommendation process.
* Develop and disseminate advice to achieve optimum plant health and productivity through BMP’s relating to crop nutrients, crop protectants and field or storage management.
* Maintain, report and analyze data on crop development throughout the growing season, reporting to both the Agronomy and Field Department.
* Influence and engage with key stakeholders to gather information and drive actions.
* Attend relevant industry meetings to maintain a current knowledge base on potato production in Burley and North America.
Qualifications
* A minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree coupled with related experience in Plant Science, Soil Science or Agricultural.
* Knowledge of potato production and storage is preferred.
* Strong analytical, interpersonal and computer skills.
* Knowledge of and willingness to develop new agronomic techniques.
* Ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively.
* This position is most suited to an individual who demonstrates leadership skills and has the desire and ability to contribute and grow within the McCain Foods North America organization.
* Public speaking skills are a valuable asset.
* A strong bias towards workplace safety
* Competent skill set in Potato Data Base (PDB) and Potato Contracting & Receiving (PC&R), and GMS and willingness to learn and utilize McCain Systems
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
* Valid driver’s license
Qualifications
Minimum to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Individual must regularly lift or move up to 40 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
* The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
* While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. Employee will be required to perform duties in an agricultural setting to include potato fields and potato storages.
* While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and telephone keyboard and talk or hear.
* Requires visual acuity to focus on desktop and/or laptop computer screen.
* Requires standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time, talking and listening.
* Work demands may fluctuate seasonally related to farming cycles, especially during planting and harvesting.
* Some heavy lifting is required.
* This description covers the basic functions of the job and is not intended to provide a complete listing of every individual feature of the job listed.
McCain Foods and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran