Position Summary
CSS Farms is seeking applicants for Senior Agronomist for our New York locations. This will be a unique position with significant autonomy and responsibility for managing the agronomy and supporting the production of chip and seed potatoes. We are seeking candidates who exemplify our core values:
Company Description
CSS Farms, a multi-state agricultural business, strives to provide innovative solutions and superior quality and service to our customers. With operations in 13 states, CSS is one of the largest growers of chip potatoes and seed potatoes in North America. Our three main business segments include chip potato, seed potato and specialty potato production.
Reporting Relationships
The Senior Agronomist will report directly to the Farm Manager and will work closely with other members of the site and corporate management teams. This position will have full-time direct reports and may have an intern during the summer season or additional full-time support as deemed necessary.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
In-Season Agronomy Execution
- Develop quality controls in all agronomic farm operations, i.e. seed handling and cutting, planter spacing accuracy, and irrigation system uniformity, etc. with the assistance of the farm manager.
- Develop agronomic plans for commercial crop production to manage all economically important pests through regular scouting and hands-on field work.
- Develop plans for monitoring crops for weeds, insects, and diseases.
- Develop plans for monitoring soil moisture and assume a leadership role in scheduling irrigation.
- Develop efficient plans for plant tissue and soil sampling before and during the growing season for fertility management.
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of all agronomy IT programs including data entry and data monitoring and the production of agronomy reports.
- Assume a leadership role in identifying and hiring of all agronomy interns and seasonal employees that assist in the implementation of agronomic practices.
- Develop and monitor the daily supervision of all agronomy Interns and/or seasonal employees.
- Develop and approve, in collaboration with the farm manager, all fertilizer/chemical management plans including all applications.
- Develop procedures and processes for mixing/loading and/or applications and take a leadership role in training staff for safe applications of pesticides.
- Assist farm manager with development of safe chemical/fertilizer handling and storage management.
- Develop plans for pest management strategies and the implementation of tactics as issues may arise.
- Ensure the appropriate information is collected and entered and maintained pertaining to chemical/fertilizer applications.
- Monitor the entering and maintaining information pertaining to chemical/fertilizer applications to ensure accuracy.
Assist Farm Manager in Harvest and Harvest Preparation
- Develop methods to estimate yield and ensure that test digs to estimate yield and monitor quality are performed appropriately.
- Develop protocols to continually evaluate plant growth and maturity, including sugar testing in the field and in storage on chip farms, or tuber samples for pathogen/disease testing/evaluation on seed farms.
- Develop protocols and train staff for the proper collection of tuber samples from fields and storages.
- Develop plans and assist farm manager in appropriate bruise-free sampling and handling of harvested potatoes.
- Assist and support the farm manager in the development of storage management strategies.
- Actively prepare for & contribute to storage management calls/discussions.
Take a leadership role in Research and Development Efforts
- Provide leadership in the organization of all research and development efforts from trial planning through harvest including data collection, trial execution.
- Assume a leadership role to train staff in appropriate data collection for crop trials.
- Work closely with Director of Agronomy R&D to properly organize R&D trial data into appropriate files and formats and provide written write-up summarizing key learnings/opportunities from each trial.
- Present R&D Trial findings at Annual Agronomy Meeting or Winter Agronomy setting.
Miscellaneous
- Take a leadership role in identifying other tasks and responsibilities that need to be performed to ensure the agronomy practices are being performed.
- Must have an advanced knowledge and familiarization of appropriate and sustainable crop production methods and practices.
- Assume leadership role in identifying and hiring Agronomist I/II and Agronomy Development positions where needed.
Senior Agronomist’s experience must contribute to an advanced knowledge of current agronomy techniques and methods in all the following areas:
- Irrigation and water application technology trials
- Drone mapping technology/scouting
- Camera Scouting/Monitoring platforms
- Variety development
- Agronomy software such as iCrop, LandDB, Tableau, Fusionware
Physical Demands
This position works closely with the land and spends a large amount of time in the field. This includes:
- Walking and working outdoors in the elements.
- Driving between farm sites to move samples and other supplies.
- Regularly lifting objects (such as potato samples) of up to 40-50 lbs.
Expected Hours of Work
- Typical daily farm hours are 7 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
- Harvest and planting seasons are busy and may require longer hours and some weekends.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Minimum of 3+ years’ experience in the field preferred and 5 years’ experience highly desired.
- Proficient in the use of Windows based computer programs (Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and a general aptitude with software systems, including statistical analysis software.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to train and work with operational personnel on the farm.
- Superior organizational and project management skills
- Experience in leading and managing people.
- Ability to acquire and hold a valid driver’s license and successfully pass vehicle insurance verification is required.
- Candidates must be eligible to work unrestricted in the U.S. without company sponsorship to be considered for this position.
- Ability to comprehend, read, write, and communicate proficiently in English and interact with all levels of the organization.
- A private applicators license or the ability to get one.
Desired Qualifications
- A relevant Master’s degree or the equivalent in experience.
- 5+ years’ experience in a similar agricultural role is preferred.
- Proficiency with Windows programs, and statistical analysis software.
- Experience with GPS guidance, GIS software, and variable rate applications is preferred.
- Experience with irrigated crop production.
- Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus.
Compensation
$90 - $115K. Salary will be commensurate with experience and skills. CSS Farms has a generous benefits package including health insurance and company matched 401K.
CSS Farms is an equal opportunity employer.
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