Centra Sota Cooperative
Position Overview
The Precision Agronomy Manager provides strategic leadership for the cooperative’s precision agriculture program. This role manages the Precision Agronomy Team, ensuring high-quality delivery of services including sales, implementation, troubleshooting, data management, and aerial application. This position also partners with the Agronomy Sales Team to train and equip them with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to deliver precision solutions to patrons. While the focus is on empowering sales teams and staff, the Precision Agronomy Manager will also work directly with select member-owners and key accounts as needed to ensure success. Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management: Lead the Precision Agronomy Team, providing direction, coaching, and support for staff focused on precision ag sales, implementation, troubleshooting, data management, and aerial applications. Foster a culture of innovation, service, safety, and cooperative values within the team. Oversee staffing, training, scheduling, and resource allocation to meet seasonal and annual goals. Sales Team Training & Support: Serve as the primary resource for Agronomy Sales Teams by providing training on precision agriculture tools, technologies, and services. Collaborate with sales agronomists to integrate precision tools into their customer interactions and recommendations. Develop ongoing training programs and resources that ensure sales staff remain current with technology and service offerings. Member & Customer Engagement: Support select member-owners and strategic accounts directly with precision agronomy services and insights. Participate in farm visits, data reviews, and agronomic planning sessions as needed to strengthen customer relationships. Ensure precision ag offerings are practical, profitable, and aligned with member needs. Technology & Program Management: Oversee implementation of precision agriculture tools, including variable rate technology, UAVs/drones, GIS mapping, and yield analysis. Ensure data integrity, security, and proper analysis to drive actionable recommendations for growers. Guide the cooperative’s aerial application program to align with precision services. Collaboration & Reporting: Work across cooperative divisions to deliver integrated solutions for members. Partner with vendors and technology providers to expand service offerings and stay current with industry innovation. Track and report program performance, financial outcomes, and adoption of precision services to cooperative leadership. Other Expectations: Demonstrate a commitment to doing what’s right, a solid work ethic, a strong sense of ownership, a passion for agriculture, and genuine respect for others. Model and teach safe behavior while enforcing all cooperative safety policies. Observe and enforce all company policies. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Technology, or related field (Master’s preferred). 5+ years of agronomy or precision agriculture experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role. Proven experience with precision ag technologies, data management, and aerial applications. Strong leadership, communication, and training skills with the ability to coach. Demonstrated experience understanding customers’ unique problems and determining the best fit for their needs. Experience working with cooperatives or rural agricultural communities is highly desirable. Licenses & Compliance
Must comply with Centra Sota’s driver qualification requirements. Must comply with Centra Sota’s Drug and Alcohol Policy. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Proficient computer skills with the ability to learn and use key precision ag software platforms. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Strong organizational skills, including multi-tasking, planning, and prioritizing. Ability to remain flexible and effective in a rapidly changing environment. Commitment to continuing education and professional development. Working Conditions/Environment
Field-based role with regular travel across cooperative trade territory. Seasonal workload variations with extended hours during planting and harvest. Combination of office duties, fieldwork, and technology/data management. Frequently exposed to farm machinery, moving parts, grain dust, chemicals, and other airborne particles, requiring use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, high or precarious places, and confined spaces. Noise levels may require the use of hearing protection. While indoors, work is generally performed in a standard office environment with low to moderate noise. Physical Demands
Regularly required to sit for extended periods, use hands and fingers, and communicate verbally. Frequently required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Requires visual abilities for both close-up and distance work. Must be able to tolerate and endure extended seasonal hours and maintain alertness to meet deadlines. Why Join Our Cooperative?
Be part of a member-owned organization rooted in service and community. Lead a precision agronomy team driving innovation and value for local growers. Play a key role in equipping agronomy sales staff with the tools to succeed.
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The Precision Agronomy Manager provides strategic leadership for the cooperative’s precision agriculture program. This role manages the Precision Agronomy Team, ensuring high-quality delivery of services including sales, implementation, troubleshooting, data management, and aerial application. This position also partners with the Agronomy Sales Team to train and equip them with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to deliver precision solutions to patrons. While the focus is on empowering sales teams and staff, the Precision Agronomy Manager will also work directly with select member-owners and key accounts as needed to ensure success. Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management: Lead the Precision Agronomy Team, providing direction, coaching, and support for staff focused on precision ag sales, implementation, troubleshooting, data management, and aerial applications. Foster a culture of innovation, service, safety, and cooperative values within the team. Oversee staffing, training, scheduling, and resource allocation to meet seasonal and annual goals. Sales Team Training & Support: Serve as the primary resource for Agronomy Sales Teams by providing training on precision agriculture tools, technologies, and services. Collaborate with sales agronomists to integrate precision tools into their customer interactions and recommendations. Develop ongoing training programs and resources that ensure sales staff remain current with technology and service offerings. Member & Customer Engagement: Support select member-owners and strategic accounts directly with precision agronomy services and insights. Participate in farm visits, data reviews, and agronomic planning sessions as needed to strengthen customer relationships. Ensure precision ag offerings are practical, profitable, and aligned with member needs. Technology & Program Management: Oversee implementation of precision agriculture tools, including variable rate technology, UAVs/drones, GIS mapping, and yield analysis. Ensure data integrity, security, and proper analysis to drive actionable recommendations for growers. Guide the cooperative’s aerial application program to align with precision services. Collaboration & Reporting: Work across cooperative divisions to deliver integrated solutions for members. Partner with vendors and technology providers to expand service offerings and stay current with industry innovation. Track and report program performance, financial outcomes, and adoption of precision services to cooperative leadership. Other Expectations: Demonstrate a commitment to doing what’s right, a solid work ethic, a strong sense of ownership, a passion for agriculture, and genuine respect for others. Model and teach safe behavior while enforcing all cooperative safety policies. Observe and enforce all company policies. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Technology, or related field (Master’s preferred). 5+ years of agronomy or precision agriculture experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role. Proven experience with precision ag technologies, data management, and aerial applications. Strong leadership, communication, and training skills with the ability to coach. Demonstrated experience understanding customers’ unique problems and determining the best fit for their needs. Experience working with cooperatives or rural agricultural communities is highly desirable. Licenses & Compliance
Must comply with Centra Sota’s driver qualification requirements. Must comply with Centra Sota’s Drug and Alcohol Policy. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Proficient computer skills with the ability to learn and use key precision ag software platforms. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Strong organizational skills, including multi-tasking, planning, and prioritizing. Ability to remain flexible and effective in a rapidly changing environment. Commitment to continuing education and professional development. Working Conditions/Environment
Field-based role with regular travel across cooperative trade territory. Seasonal workload variations with extended hours during planting and harvest. Combination of office duties, fieldwork, and technology/data management. Frequently exposed to farm machinery, moving parts, grain dust, chemicals, and other airborne particles, requiring use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, high or precarious places, and confined spaces. Noise levels may require the use of hearing protection. While indoors, work is generally performed in a standard office environment with low to moderate noise. Physical Demands
Regularly required to sit for extended periods, use hands and fingers, and communicate verbally. Frequently required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Requires visual abilities for both close-up and distance work. Must be able to tolerate and endure extended seasonal hours and maintain alertness to meet deadlines. Why Join Our Cooperative?
Be part of a member-owned organization rooted in service and community. Lead a precision agronomy team driving innovation and value for local growers. Play a key role in equipping agronomy sales staff with the tools to succeed.
#J-18808-Ljbffr