Agronomy Lead

Simplot Canada (II) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the J.R. Simplot Company. The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held organization, with roots firmly planted in agriculture and agriculture-related businesses. The J.R. Simplot Company is a true farm-to-table company with operations that touch every aspect of agriculture, including seed production, farming and ranching, plant sciences, fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, commercial product development, and distribution.

**Summary**:
This position oversees the agronomy function in the Leader, Eatonia and Marengo trade areas, including supervising agronomy team and guiding research and product development efforts in Southwest Saskatchewan.

**Key Responsibilities**:
Research and Product Development Lead
- Work closely with Market Development Lead and Agronomy Manager in the development of Simplot Grower Solutions field research program to establish protocols, and ensure requirements are followed.
- Oversee development of all Area agronomy lead summer tours, winter meetings and events that showcase Simplot Grower Solutions in field knowledge, in cooperation with other Agronomy Leads, Market Development Lead, and Agronomy Manager.
- Assist in the development of checklists for Agronomists, Location Managers and Account Managers to develop consistent and effective in-field demonstrations and trials.
- Work closely with CPP and Seed Team to gain financial and product support from suppliers.
- Work closely with Marketing to plan promotions to ensure strong brand presence and farmers attendance at events.

Area Agronomy Support
- Deliver agronomy services to Simplot Grower Solutions locations as required by locations, and provide technically sound agronomic advice.
- Work with Area Location Operations Managers to provide the opportunity for agronomy services to our customers.
- Have an ongoing communication with several key customers, in cooperation with Area Location Operations and Account Managers, to demonstrate continuity and consistency.
- Be open, available, and approachable.
- Work with Area Agronomists one on one to develop approach methods and techniques.
- Set aside time for joint farm meetings with Area Agronomists and Account Managers.
- Participate in school and community education programs.
- Identify profit opportunities for Agronomy /product programs.
- Evaluate Sales Numbers, with a focus on new emerging markets such as fungicides, foliar, and insecticides.
- Support customers and suppliers through prompt and detailed investigation of product inquiries.

Area Agronomy Support
- Work closely with Ag Innovation Manager, Location Operations Managers and Account Managers to build strategy for Area farmers and locations.
- Be an expert on and able to detail and train in specific agronomy technology as it pertains to:

- Field Moisture Service
- Data Collection Services
- VR Fertility Service
- Prescription Spray Service
- Options provided by our Ag Tech partners
- Coach and support Area Agronomists in Ag Tech solutions.
- Meet with farmers on Ag Tech solutions when requested and required.
- Simplot Grower Solutions Team Member
- Be a positive member of the trading region.
- Be a contributing Simplot Grower Solutions team member.
- Maintain a safe, clean and efficient environment in all work areas & facilities.
- Read Simplot Grower Solutions Company Policies and OH&S Manual, including annual updates.
- Lead and direct all area agronomy team members.
- Ensure understanding and compliance with the core values with reporting team members.
- Conduct annual performance reviews with direct reports.
- Review & approve direct reports’ expense reports.
- Review & approve direct reports’ payroll timesheets.
- Work to solve issues/complaints between reporting team members.
- Arbitrate unresolved issues and conflicts between team members when appropriate and when requested.
- Determine job expectations for all direct reports.
- Regularly communicate with all reporting team members to determine needs and satisfaction.
- Ensure that training requirements for all direct reports are met and completed on time.

**Typical Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (B.A. or B.S.) from 4 year college or university**Qualifications & Requirements**:

- P. Ag or Tech.Ag designation from a recognised institution, with emphasis on soil science, plant science, and crop production.
- Applicants must be registered or need to become registered with the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists
- Past industry experience and well-established Agronomic competence.
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license.
- Past leadership experience is a valued asset.
- Physical Demands:

- Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
- Manual labour including crop scouting and soil sampling.
- Agri-Industry Hours - overtime, as required.
- Work Environment:

- Indoor and outdoor setting
- Interacts with upper and middle management, employees, and clients.
- Repetit