Agronomy Lead (Southern Alberta)

Summary – This position oversees the agronomy function in pre-determined regions, including supervising agronomy team and guiding research and product development efforts.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Regional Agronomy Manager and Coach 

Work closely with Agronomy Manager in the development of all agronomic platforms for Simplot.
Development of an Agronomy training plan for Area team.
Oversee and execute thorough training of all Agronomists, in cooperation with other Agronomy Leads and Agronomy Manager.
Work closely with Agronomy Leads and Agronomy Manager to develop and oversee agronomic planning procedures for Agronomists and Account Managers.
Ensure continual skill updating for all Area agronomy team members. 
Oversee Area data capture – soil samples, field scouting, insect counts, and reviewing farm histories.  
Support Area Agronomists in completing annual reviews with customers as needed.  
Learn and understand the products and services Simplot provides.  
Build confidence and experience in technical skills while sharing best practices with the entire agronomy team.  
Keep current on industry trends and technology – transfer this knowledge to both the agronomy team and customers.  
Attract quality Agronomy Team members to Simplot.
Ensure Simplot is maximizing the potential to have Agronomy support on as many fields as possible.
Approach the Ag industry and community in a professional manner such that Simplot maintains a presence as the leader in our market. 
Ensure Area Agronomy Team completes accreditation in compliance with company policy.  
Support the account managers and location managers to complete accreditation in compliance with company policy. 
Oversee the entry of Area scouting data into system for permanent archive on the customer account.  

Research and Product Development Lead

Work closely with Agronomy Manager in the development of Simplot 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 in field knowledge, in cooperation with other Agronomy Leads and Agronomy Manager. 
Develop checklists for Agronomists, Location Managers and Account Managers to develop consistent and effective in-field demonstrations and trials.
Work closely with CPP and Seed Lead to gain financial and product support from suppliers.
Work closely with Marketing and E-Business Manager to plan promotions to ensure strong brand presence and farmers attendance at events. 

Area Agronomy Support

Deliver agronomy services to Simplot locations as required by locations, and provide technically sound agronomic advice.
Work with Area Location Managers to provide the opportunity for agronomy services to our customers.
Have an ongoing communication with several key customers, in cooperation with Area Location 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. 
Work closely Ag Technology Manager, Location 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.

Team
Be a positive member of the trading region.
Be a contributing Simplot member.
Maintain a safe, clean and efficient environment in all work areas & facilities.
Read Simplot Company Playbook 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 & mileage reports.
Review & approve direct reports’ payroll timesheets.
Work to solve issues/complaints between reporting team member.
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.

Key Competencies: 
 
Leadership skills
Attention to Detail & Quality Control
Commitment to Safety 
Communication
Cooperation & Teamwork 
Customer Service
Development & Continual Learning
Flexibility
Innovation & Creativity
Job & Technical Knowledge
Judgement 
Organization
Quantity of Work & Time Management
Reliability 
Problem Solving 

Qualifications & Requirements:
P. Ag or A.T designation from a recognised institution, with emphasis on soil science, plant science, and crop production.
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.

Highly preferred candidate would live in Southern Alberta