Agronomist

North American Coal Corporation • Underwood, ND

244d

About The Position

The North American Coal Corporation operates three surface coal mines in central North Dakota located near Beulah, ND and Underwood, ND which have over 25,000 acres of reclaimed cropland. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in enhancing the soil health and productivity of the reclaimed land. This position involves developing and implementing strategies to improve soil quality, which will lead to increased land value. The successful candidate will also focus on building and maintaining strong relationships with cooperative farmers to ensure the successful adoption of best practices and sustainable farming techniques while working closely with the three North Dakota surface coal mines to develop and implement strategies to meet these objectives.

Requirements

• A four-year college degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, natural resources management, or a closely related field of study with two years of previous work experience in the agronomy field is required.
• A two-year college degree in agronomy or closely related field of study with at least four years of agronomy work experience may be substituted for a four-year college degree.
• Strong work ethic with a proven ability to execute.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and pay attention to detail.
• Knowledge of agronomy, soil science, plant ecosystems, etc., and a desire to continue learning.
• Effective time management skills.
• Good problem solving and analytical skills.
• Self-directed and customer focused.
• Ability to manage multiple requests and projects simultaneously.
• Openness to constructive feedback.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Crop Advisor or Certified Professional Agronomist certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement soil health management plans, analyze soil composition, recommend appropriate amendments, and promote farming practices that improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient cycling.
• Develop customized fertility programs based on soil tests and crop needs, ensure optimal application and crop management, minimize costs, and maximize crop yields through active crop scouting and data-driven approaches.
• Serve as a dedicated resource and point of contact for co-op farmers, build strong relationships, provide guidance, training, and ongoing support to ensure the long-term success of agricultural operations.
• Disseminate knowledge and best practices within the farming network and at mine sites, collect data, analyze results, and share successful strategies for farming reclaimed ground.
• Establish and maintain consistent standards for agricultural practices on reclaimed land, ensure quality control, and promote accountability in land management.
• Explore new techniques and technologies for reclaiming and improving soil health and land management.
• Improve soil health and productivity to increase the long-term value of reclaimed land, benefiting co-op farmers in McLean and Mercer Counties, and the North American Coal mines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Mining (except Oil and Gas)
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree