The Regional Technical Agronomist will work on behalf of Illinois soybean farmers by implementing mission-driven research and educational objectives on behalf of the Agronomy Team, with a special emphasis on conservation in agricultural systems. They will support outreach efforts and help communicate both in-field and edge-of-field research and validation studies to farming, industry, and other stakeholder audiences. They will complement and extend conservation program efforts, focusing on Climate-Smart practice adoption. The Regional Technical Agronomist will raise awareness and drive the adoption of best management practices and continuous improvement for conservation agriculture in Illinois. This position will also assist with agronomic technical assistance, field scouting, and data collection processes.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Oversee an Illinois territory for on-farm trialing data collection, field scouting, farmer enrollment, and trial implementation.
  • Assist with targeting new opportunities for on-farm research.
  • Work with a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers, crop advisers, government organizations, and private industry cooperators.
  • Support collaborators and team members with agronomic research activities and programs.
  • Identify priorities to target climate-smart practices for regional adoption, research, and education. 
  • Develop agronomic, conservation, and sustainability content for the ISA communications team, academia, government, and other advocacy groups.
  • Develop and maintain a network for communication and collaboration regionally with government organizations and farmers.
  • Present and assist in outreach workshops and field days.
  • Serve as a contact for agronomy field troubleshooting and scouting.
  • Ensure communication of ISA checkoff funded research projects with Illinois soybean farmers, agronomists, and external partners.
  • Aid and advise Illinois conservation program efforts.

 

Competencies

  • Able to work independently or cooperatively with others on a team.
  • Ability to analyze problems, develop a solution, and manage the process to completion.
  • Capacity to make decisions and communicate with tact and professionalism.
  • Strong written and oral communications with internal and external audiences.
  • Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
  • Able to manage multiple projects with varying timelines and specific deliverables.

 

Required Qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree related to production agriculture, agronomy, natural resources, environmental science, or ag economics is required, along with at least five years of experience. A master’s degree in agriculture or a related discipline, with at least one year of experience, is preferred.
  • Strong interpersonal and teamworking skills.
  • An appreciation for Illinois agriculture, the Illinois Soybean Association, and the 43,000 soybean farmers ISA represents.
  • Experience working with farmers and industry sustainability stakeholders, with a proven track record of verbal and written communication with producers, scientists, agronomists, industry professionals, and other agricultural stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently and as a team member or leader, using sound judgment, a willingness to take and follow directions, the ability to complete tasks, versatility, and the ability to manage multiple projects with both short- and long-term deadlines.
  • Skilled in supervising contractors who develop and execute integrated, multidisciplinary programs.

 

Requirements

  • Remote work options will be considered for candidates in Illinois. Must be willing to travel to the office and to other sites around the state as needed.
  • Must be available to travel offsite for meetings and events when necessary.
  • Valid driver’s license required. Personal vehicle mileage will be reimbursed. 
  • Reliable field vehicle required. Travel as needed to complete assigned duties.
  • Must be available after hours to troubleshoot problems that may arise during seasonal work.
  • Some physical demands – may need to lift between 35-65 lbs.

 

Benefits

  • Pay Range: $65,000-100,000
  • Healthcare, Dental and Vision coverage.
  • 401(k) plan options.
  • Short Term Disability Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance and Life Insurance.
  • Paid time off package.
  • Employee Assistance Program

 

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required of personnel so classified. Illinois Soybean Association reserves the right to amend the job description at any time.

This position will be a grant position, of which the agreement may be extended if funding is available. The current end date of this agreement is August 15, 2027.