Agronomy Sales Associate (Req 12057)

Are you interested in joining an industry leader who is passionate about growth? At Southern States Cooperative (A Farmer Owned Cooperative since 1923); we are focused on helping our employees and our customers grow, by being the very best at offering challenging and rewarding career opportunities to our employees and providing superior products, services and growing solutions for our valued customers. We want to hear from you, so come grow with us!!!

Provide an opportunity for learning and engagement in various functional areas within the Agronomy field. Position will serve in various capacities within each functional area to allow for on-the-job- training. The position allows the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge, skills and operational experience for the associate while assisting the location in meeting its sales and operations objectives.

Work with Grower/Producer farm accounts and apply demonstrated sales ability to grow sales while maintaining existing customer base. Call on existing customers as well as prospective Growers/Producers in Southern States' footprint and provide technical expertise. This position will include sale of products and programs. (Not eligible for Sales Commission Program).

How you will impact Southern States Cooperative:

• Develops a general understanding of Southern States and the complexity of the business. Clear expectations of the goals/objectives, roles and responsibilities, along with expectations from the program will be outlined.
• Performs duties as assigned by operations and sales. Shadow other employees to learn techniques to deliver high quality customer service and develop sales acumen.
• Works with Agronomist, Agronomy Sales Managers (ASM's) and Agronomy Operations Managers (AOM's) to resolve questions and concerns.
• Works with District Precision Ag Specialist on soil sampling, making fertility recommendations and scouting. Assists with calls on customers to solicit sales, handles questions about products and makes recommendations on best practices related to our products and services.
• Works alongside fellow employees to assist in areas of the location while shadowing other employees to gain additional knowledge of working in an Agronomy environment, i.e. fertility blending, product delivery, etc.
• Attends schools and training sessions on selling and servicing accounts and staying up-to-date on industry trends and SSC products and services. Takes advantage of all available resources, including internet searches as well as other more traditional sources, to improve effectiveness.
• Pursues continuing education by attending Crops Certification seminars where applicable and may possess CDL license, and other Ag related certifications.
• Independently calls on customers to solicit sales, handles questions about products and makes recommendations on best practices related to our products and services.
• Partners with General Manager and/or Assistant General Manager and Operations Managers to coordinate sales efforts, develop prospect lists, provide market intelligence and coordinate product delivery schedules.
• Participates in local community meetings such as grower meetings, USDA and Extension meetings and is active on county extension boards or Ag related councils.
• Provides technical assistance and related information to customers regarding best management practices. Assists customers with weed and pest identification and recommends appropriate SSC products and services.

What you need to succeed:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Ag Business or related field preferred. A combination of training and experience may be considered in lieu of completed degree.

Experience: One to three (1-3) years of agriculture industry experience preferred

Experience with field scouting in making sound agronomic recommendations

Requirements:

• Knowledge of Crop Precision Ag programs (GPS, gridding, mapping, precision crop plans)
• Able to sell the complete line of fertilizer, seed and chemicals
• Able to develop sales strategies and techniques to increase sales and meet sales goals
• Able to learn and present programs to Growers/Producers in group or individual settings
• Effective communication, organizational and presentation skills
• PC proficiency in Microsoft Office​

Some of the many benefits we offer to you:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Health Care Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Accident Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Paid Time Office
• Vacation Buy-Back
• Company Holidays
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Services
• Long Term Care Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Merchandise Discounts
• Wellness Program
• Volunteer Program
• Employee Referral Bonus Program

Southern States Cooperative, Inc., is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws, or regulations.