Experimental Production Agronomist

Job Summary:

Responsible for overseeing all aspects of production research and experimental production. Duties include inspecting new seed material to guarantee authenticity, managing administrative tasks related to research projects, coordinating work activities with area managers and field personnel, and collaborating with product managers to ensure the feasibility of new materials. Additionally, responsible for updating abstract reports and distributing information to relevant parties on time.

The position is based in Woodland but will need to travel to other locations as needed. Please note that this position is approximately 70% field work, depending on the time of year.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead on-site experimental production trials (Woodland, CA) and off-site across other key regions, ensuring alignment with crop objectives and trial protocols.
• Generate high-quality field data to support improvements in yield, seed quality, and overall production efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Experimental Production Manager to prioritize workload, meet project milestones, and align activities across teams and timelines.
• Drive continuous improvement, actively identifying and implementing action plans that enhance trial execution and operational practices.
• Propose and support process improvements with potential impact at both local and
• cross-site levels.
• Design and execute ad-hoc trials or evaluations in response to emerging questions, unexpected field challenges, or new production opportunities.
• Ensure clear and consistent communication with peers and supervisors regarding project progress, data quality, and timelines.
• Supervise and coordinate third-party labor and field staff during key production phases to ensure accuracy and compliance with trial protocols.
• Utilize precision agriculture tools and software systems to enhance data collection, traceability, and decision-making (experience preferred).
• Support multi-location trial programs, requiring periodic travel and extended stays (up to 2 weeks) during peak project phases.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/ SKILLS/ ABILITIES

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, reliable data.
• Ability to interpret and analyze complex agronomic data and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of field trial methodology, experimental design principles, and factors influencing data precision and accuracy.
• Demonstrated track record of driving continuous improvement and innovation in field or research environments.
• Effective communicator with a collaborative mindset and the ability to work well in multidisciplinary teams.
• Comfortable working independently, especially while traveling to off-site locations for field setup, planting, data collection, and reporting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including functions such as pivot tables, data validation, and basic formulas. Experience with Word, PowerPoint, and digital reporting tools is also required.
• Familiarity with precision agriculture tools, smartphone apps, and field data collection systems.
• Ability and motivation to learn and apply systems for data tracking, agronomic best practices, and KPI monitoring.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel as needed for regional trial support.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in an agriculture-related discipline
• Advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, formulas, dashboards)
• Power BI knowledge is plus

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND

• 5+ years of experience working in Production, Research, or agricultural-related jobs.
• Must have or be willing to obtain a QAL /QAC or PAC Applicator Pesticide License within 6 months of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Position requires being able to walk seed production fields in any weather.
• Position may require working 7 days a week during a critical time of year.
• Position requires travel by car/pickup during certain periods of the year.
• Position requires extensive travel during peak times of the year.
• Position requires travel by plane up to 35%
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to work in a dirty, humid, and buggy environment.
• Experience in making public presentations is a plus.
• Critical technical, professional, and personal capabilities
• Ability to adapt to changing environmental/situational needs.
• Ability to make timely, effective decisions.
• Ability to remain flexible and responsive when faced with multiple urgent requests.
• Critical leadership capabilities
• Driven by Results- is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers.
• Manages for performance – Skillfully plans, organizes, and monitors performance to create value and achieve excellence in delivery.
• Collaborates effectively across organizational and functional boundaries and leverages diversity.
• Uses effective strategies to facilitate organizational change initiatives and overcomes resistance to change.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Salary: $80,000-$90,000 per year
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401k program with company match
• Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
• Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
• Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
• Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month thereafter.
• 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
• Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events
• Company provided EAP
• Company provided subsidy for health/fitness clubs & apps