Position Title: Agronomist

Position Type: Regular - Full-Time

Position Location: Plover, Wisconsin

Summary of Position

The Agronomist is responsible for working with the McCain grower partners and McCain Agriculture Operations staff in their assigned region. This individual will be responsible for implementing agronomic strategies focusing on integrating new technologies, practices and varieties that drive value with our contract grower partners and McCain Foods. The Agronomist will report directly to the Lead Agronomist - East.

Essential Responsibilities include the following:

Research and Development

• Be the regional lead for new potato variety evaluations in the field and in the factory to drive adoption of new varieties.
• Evaluate new technologies and practices focused on improving yield, quality, and increasing cost savings in potato production and storage.
• Champion the integration of regenerative agriculture practices with our growers for long-term agricultural resiliency.

Crop Intelligence

• Lead crop intelligence efforts with our grower partners to understand and communicate supply challenges to McCain leadership.
• Develop the strategy with the regional Field teams to monitor crop production and storages for quality and supply issues.
• Evaluate new technologies to drive efficiencies in potato supply and quality tracking.
• Be a technical lead for our Digital Ag Transformation projects.

Grower Extension and Industry Leadership

• Lead regional grower extension efforts to drive adoption of best practices and new varieties by our growers.
• Work with grower partners to understand local production challenges, and develop and implement solutions to improve yield and quality in their operations.
• Build confidence and trust with our growers to make McCain their preferred potato supply partner.
• Be the face of McCain Agriculture: Represent McCain Foods as a leader in the potato industry.

Professional Development

• Manage and direct local intern support for your region.
• Engage in continuous learning opportunities to develop skills and knowledge of potato production.
• Be an engaged and energetic team member, supporting fellow agronomists and company objectives.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree coupled with related experience in Plant Science, Soil Science or Agricultural production.
• Must both be able to work cooperatively with teams and independently with little supervision depending on project demand.
• Knowledge of potato production and storage is preferred.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and computer skills needed.
• Knowledge of and willingness to develop innovative new agronomic techniques.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively.
• This position is most suited to an individual who demonstrates leadership skills and has the desire and ability to contribute and grow within the McCain Foods North American organization.
• Public speaking skills are a valuable asset.
• A strong bias towards workplace safety for McCain employees and our grower partners.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid driver’s license

Obtain CMA (Certified McCain Agronomist) Certification within a year after hire

Qualifications

Minimum to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility in a satisfactory manner in the work environment described below. The essential responsibilities listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required but do not represent all tasks or duties that may be asked of the position.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid outdoor conditions. Employees will be required to perform duties in an agricultural setting to include potato fields and potato storages.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and telephone touchscreen and talk or hear.

Requires visual acuity to focus on desktop and/or laptop computer screen.

Requires standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time, talking and listening. Some heavy lifting is required (40 lbs).

Scheduled work times may fluctuate seasonally related to farming cycles, especially during planting and harvesting. We are a global company, must have willingness to occasionally modify work day to accommodate global meeting schedules.

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We see value in ensuring we have a diverse, antiracist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable workplace. As a global family-owned company we are proud to reflect the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that diversity drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger.

McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with the Global Employee Privacy Policy

Job Family: Agriculture
Division: NA Ag Strategy
Department: Potato Research Farm
Location(s): Plover, Wisconsin

Company: McCain Foods USA, Inc.