Agronomist - Development Program at CSS Farms LLC in Columbus, Nebraska

Job Description:

CSS Farms is a multi-state agricultural business with a mission of Growing Great Together.  We achieve this by leading the way in stewardship and solutions for every field, every load, every day.  

At CSS Farms we take great pride in doing the job right and believe our best work is achieved when we work together.  Farming is our way of life, we have a deep passion for the land, our families, and our communities.  We have a legacy rooted in solving hard problems and tackling new business ventures.

CSS Farms is committed to the implementation of state-of-the-art agronomic principles and practices in the production of the crops it grows in every market sector. We are also committed to further growth in our core businesses. In order to meet the needs of further growth we have committed the necessary resources into developing and building our agronomic human resource strengths.

Summary

Our development program provides Agronomists with unique opportunities to serve and learn in a regionally focused environment.  Individuals designated within the CSS Farms Development Program focus on growth and learning through training and experience with our agronomy team with the specific goal of integrating into an operational site when the individual is ready, and the timing is right.

These Agronomists contribute directly to the success of CSS Farms by supporting and implementing agronomic operations on commercial and seed farms growing potatoes and rotational crops.  Each agronomist in the developmental program will be assigned a senior mentor who will work closely with the agronomist throughout the educational growth process and will monitor their progress.

Essential Functions and Experiences

In this role, development experiences include but are not limited to:

Agronomy Planning

• Assisting/facilitating with the development and execution of crop management strategies


• Sampling soil and assist in the development of soil pest and fertility recommendations

In Season Agronomy Execution

• Contributing to quality control on farm operations, i.e. seed handling and cutting, planter spacing accuracy, and irrigation system uniformity, etc.


• Supporting commercial crop production through regular scouting and hands-on field work.
  
  
  
  • Monitoring crops for insect and diseases.
  
  
  • Monitoring soil moisture and assist with scheduling irrigation.
  
  
  
  


• Sampling plant tissue and soil during the growing season for fertility management.


• Assist in the developing fertility management recommendations based on soil and tissue analyses.


• Gain a working familiarity with agronomy IT programs through data entry and data monitoring.


• Providing daily supervision of Agronomy Interns, Tech(s) and/or seasonal employees.


• Assisting with fertilizer/chemical management and applications.
  
  
  
  • Mixing/loading and/or applications.
  
  
  • Assist with chemical/fertilizer handling and storage management.
  
  
  
  


• Assist in the development and execution of pest management strategies as issues may arise.


• Assist with entering and maintaining information pertaining to chemical/fertilizer applications.

Harvest and Harvest Preparation

• Performing test digs to estimate yield and monitor quality.


• Evaluating plant growth and maturity, including sugar testing in the field and in storage.
  
  
  
  • Collect samples from fields and storages.
  
  
  
  


• Assist in performing bruise-free sampling and handling of harvested potatoes.


• Facilitating and support storage management strategies.

Assist Research and Development Efforts

• Supporting research and development efforts from trial planning through harvest.


• Assist in data collection for crop trials.

Miscellaneous

• Performing other tasks and responsibilities as needed.


• Ongoing familiarization with crop production methods and practices.

Leading Edge Technology

Our program provides experience and learning in current agronomy techniques including but not limited to:

• Irrigation and water application trials


• Drone mapping technology


• Variety development


• Agronomy software such as Canopeo, iCrop Track, Landdb (CropWise), and Tableau

Physical Demands

This position works closely with the land and spends a large amount of time in the field. This includes:  

• Walking and working outdoors in the elements.


• Driving across the farm and to the plant facility to move samples and other supplies.


• Regularly lifting objects (such as potato samples) weighing up to 40-50 lbs.

Desired Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in Agronomy or closely related field.


• A private applicators license or the ability to get one in chemigation/fumigation.


• A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass vehicle insurance verification.


• Proficiency with computers and Windows programs.


• Excellent organizational skills and appreciation for the value of accurate sampling and reporting.


• Familiarity with irrigated crop production desired.


• Experience operating farm equipment beneficial.


• Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus.

Development Program Benefits

• Market competitive salary with regular evaluations and increases based on performance, knowledge and experience gained


• Excellent Healthcare, Dental and Vision coverage as outlined in the company benefits overview


• Health Savings Account company contributions and company supported flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket medical expenses


• Full 401(k) plan with Fidelity Investments that includes company match


• Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance and Life Insurance.


• Company paid travel and travel per diem when away from home location


• Self-Managed Paid Time Off program


• Ten paid holidays and generous winter flex time.

Work Authorization

• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

AAP/EEO Statement

CSS Farms is an EOE.

CSS Farms expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

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