Agronomist

BASF Seeds Canada is a world leader providing growers with innovative products and solutions for agriculture and environmental health. Growers depend on BASF Seeds Canada’s comprehensive selection of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and seed systems. At BASF Seeds Canada, our team’s commitment and dedication to Canadian agriculture is second to none.

We provide a work environment where you will be working with the best people in the industry. Our goal is to provide interesting and challenging work while at the same time have fun and celebrate successes.

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Agronomist for their Saskatchewan location.

1 year contract.

Must be flexible to travel.

This position is responsible for the establishment, coordination and management of a production region(s) and is directly involved in all aspects of the production program from planning to implementation.

Knowledge and Experience – What specific skills, training or experience are required to perform the job? Requirements should be minimum needed to perform the job.

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Agriculture preferably specializing in Crop Science or related discipline

Experience

• Up to 5 years in crop production, hybrid canola seed production, canola agronomy seed certification and farm equipment knowledge

Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to establish relationships with both internal and external partners such as: growers, beekeepers and industry partners is essential

• Demonstrated problem solving skills and ability to be flexible and modify plans as required in order to minimize impact on data and production as situations arise

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team either as a member or supervising contract employees is required in fulfilling job responsibilities

• Ability to become member of the AIA

Core Responsibilities – In order of importance, list 4-8 brief statements indicating the responsibility, what is done (Action), how it is done (Method or Means) and the expectation (End Result). Include percentage of time spent on each (does not have to add to 100%).

Responsibility % of time

Ensure that production goals are met in the region for both yield and quality through production planning and development, grower relations, accurate record keeping and management and agronomy of in season seed to harvest activities such as: planting, spraying, rogueing, certification and crop inspection, pollination, harvest activities and all other required production activities 40%

Manage interactions with growers and pollinators ensuring strong relations and a positive image of BASF in completion of activities such as grower contracting, contract administration, training, grower meetings and providing advice and recommendations consistent with production strategy 40%

Perform and coordinate seed logistics activities to ensure accurate records and movement of seed which involves delivery of parental seed to the grower, the safe storage of seed following harvest, quality sampling of harvested seed, coordination of seed to cleaning locations, accurate record keeping and data entry, coordination with the logistics group to ensure that all required documentation is thoroughly completed on a timely basis allowing for deadlines to be met 5%

Participate in the operation of the Parent Seed facility as required by coordinating activities and resources as well direct involvement in the treating and blending of parental seed 5%

Participate in contra season activities from planning to implementation 1%

Identify and provide recommendations to challenges facing production with the goal of continually improving in all areas – agronomy, location planning, field selection, grower relations, logistics, quality management etc. 2%

Ensure all activities are carried out in support of health and safety guidelines, QMS, SOP’s, production protocols and other internal and external regulations and practices as well as participation in the development and improvements of all the above processes as required 2%

With this grade the individual must be able to manage and lead multiple projects. The individual will be responsible for mentoring and supervising other Agronomists within his/her team. Continuous interaction with members of his team and other groups is required. 5%

Nature and Scope – Provide the job context and a better understanding of the job’s purpose and principal responsibilities by describing the following:

• Business environment (market/external conditions/challenges the job faces on a regular basis):

Agronomists are working with growers who are in a very competitive cropping environment. There are many other canola companies and specialty crops that our contract must compete with, compensation wise.

Environmental challenges are always present and have significant impact to production.

• Level of Autonomy/Decision Making Responsibility:

Day to day agronomy activities can be done with full autonomy. Large decisions which may impact the final quality of the seed or decisions that may have large financial impacts to growers/pollinators or to BASF must be made with management.

• Internal and external relationships (other than supervisor, what other positions does this job interact with and why):

Interactions with growers and pollinators happen frequently during the growing season to ensure that quality and quantity targets are met.

Agronomists will also interact with BASF’s quality, finance, logistics, and processing teams to ensure growers are paid correctly and that the seed is delivered to our facilities correctly.