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Iasoybeans

Research Agronomist

Iasoybeans, Ankeny, Iowa, United States, 50015

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Overview OBJECTIVE:

The Research Agronomist will work with the RCFI team, farmers, ag retail, sponsors, collaborators, and landowners across Iowa to execute on-farm, agronomic research that is critically important to farmers’ ability to increase profitability, productivity, and sustainability. This role will provide technical assistance and communicate results to increase active farmer participation and engagement in programs and projects. Relationship-building, agronomy, and project management are key skillsets for success in this role.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the conception and development of innovative on-farm research programming that emphasizes agronomics and combines conservation for ISA’s farmer participants and stakeholders

Execute on-farm research trials and projects including: farmer recruitment, collection of data and management information, and dissemination of results

Coordinate with Conservation Agronomists to connect farmers with opportunities to identify and implement appropriate in-field and edge-of-field conservation products and practices for improved soil and water resource management practices and systems to maximize productivity and address resource concerns, farmer/landowner goals, and watershed project goals

Organize and lead participant group meetings to increase participation, understanding, and adoption of new practices

Promote and encourage increased farmer participation on ISA on-farm research projects and programs

Develop both written and verbal presentations, guides, protocols, and communication outreach materials when needed to support research programs and projects

Assist RCFI Research Agronomy Lead in preparing work plans, budgets, quarterly and annual reports, and help support new project contracts and grant development

Assist team in designing and implementing an engagement and communication strategy to increase farmer participation and increase the effective dissemination of project results and communicate and promote the value of research programs

Assist RCFI team in development and implementation of operational procedures, data management procedures, and other tools to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and reliability

Conduct education and outreach of data summarizations, including individual site, cross-site, and overall program level, to various audiences including farmers, non-farmers, and stakeholders

Coordinate with other ISA departments and staff embracing the culture of ISA and emulate that to the team

Competencies

Practical understanding and application of agronomy, especially field and/or on-farm research

Demonstrate initiative

Act as a champion of change

Relationship and network building

Demonstrates exceptional customer service

Evaluating and implementing ideas

Effective oral and written communication, especially with farmers

Prioritizing and executing work efficiently and effectively

Provide technical assistance to farmers, team members, and all stakeholders

Location

Reside within the Western side of Iowa and work remotely or work out of the office in Ankeny.

Travel This position requires up to 50% travel within region. Minimal overnights.

Supervisory Responsibility This position has no current supervisory responsibility. Some supervision for intern or temporary employees may be required.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology, ag economics, or related field.

3-5 years of experience working in agronomy, agronomy sales, or conservation agronomy

Strong understanding of:

Strong technical knowledge of soybean cropping systems and agronomy

Experience in agricultural industry and ag retail system

On-farm research and/or applied field plot research

Capable of working in a team environment while working independently to achieve specific project deliverables.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with diverse technical and non-technical audiences

Understanding of computer technologies including data storage, statistical software, GIS, and monitoring equipment interfaces

Preferred Education and Experience

Master’s degree in agronomy, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, biological sciences, ecology, ag economics, or related field

5-7 years of professional working experience in agriculture sales or consulting organization

Benefits

Medical, Dental and Vision insurance

Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement

Fitness center and Golf simulator

401(k) with generous company match

Dress for your Day Dress Code

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; drive long distances; walk in fields and uneven terrain; collect water samples from streams, tile outlets, and other water sources; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment will vary.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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