Agronomy Operations & Maintenance Technician

Northern Partners Cooperative•Ottawa, IL

1d•$18 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Agronomy Operations & Maintenance Technician plays a key role in supporting the efficient, safe, and effective daily operations of the cooperative’s agronomy department. This position assists with a wide range of operational and maintenance activities including the handling, blending, delivery, and application of fertilizers, crop protection products, and seed. The technician also helps maintain agronomy equipment, vehicles, and facilities to ensure reliability and operational readiness throughout the growing season. The technician ensures that all operations are conducted in compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, including DOT, OSHA, and EPA requirements. This is an entry-level position with opportunities for training and advancement within the cooperative.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid Driver’s License.
Illinois Pesticide Operator and Applicator License required or must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
CDL with tanker and hazmat endorsements required or must be obtained within 2 years of hire (cooperative may assist with training through the company tuition reimbursement program.)
Physically able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. or more, stand for extended periods, and perform labor-intensive tasks outdoors in all weather conditions.
Ability to stand, walk, or move continuously for extended periods during plant, warehouse, and field operations.
Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching while operating or maintaining equipment and handling products.
Regular lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of items up to 50 lbs.; occasional lifting of up to 100 lbs. with assistance or mechanical aids.
Ability to climb ladders, steps, and equipment to access tanks, machinery, or elevated platforms safely.
Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate tools, controls, and precision equipment for loading, blending, and maintenance tasks.
Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, and heavy machinery.
Visual acuity and depth perception sufficient to read labels, instructions, and digital displays and to perform detailed work accurately.
Hearing ability adequate to communicate effectively in person and via radios, alarms, or headsets in noisy environments.
Ability to wear and use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, respirators, hearing protection, and protective clothing.
Physical stamina to perform repetitive tasks and sustain productivity in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Ability to maintain balance and stability while working on uneven, slippery, or rough surfaces.
Capacity to detect and identify odors associated with agricultural products and chemicals when required for safety.
Ability to enter, exit, and maneuver safely around vehicles, confined spaces, storage areas, and field environments.
Willingness and ability to work in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and humidity.
Tolerance for exposure to dust, chemicals, and agricultural particulates with appropriate safety measures.
Ability to work extended hours, weekends, holidays, and alternate shifts during seasonal or peak operations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Plant Science, Biology, or a related field.
Prior agricultural, mechanical, or operations experience.
Basic understanding of agricultural products, fertilizers, crop protection, and seasonal agronomy operations.
Ability to safely operate, maintain, and perform minor repairs on heavy equipment, including forklifts, tenders, sprayers, and spreaders.
Knowledge of proper chemical handling, storage, transportation, and disposal practices in compliance with DOT, OSHA, EPA, and state regulations.
Ability to operate GPS and precision agriculture tools for field operations and product applications.

Responsibilities

Assist with blending, mixing, loading, and delivering fertilizers, crop protection products, and seed in accordance with product specifications, labeling requirements, and safety regulations. Ensure accurate measurements, proper documentation, and the integrity of all materials while preventing cross-contamination.
Safely operate and maintain tender trucks, sprayers, ובspreaders, and other agronomy equipment, performing daily inspections, routine maintenance, and minor repairs to ensure readiness and compliance with DOT, OSHA, and cooperative safety standards.
Support receiving, storage, and inventory control, including verifying shipments, inspecting for accuracy and quality, and maintaining organized, safe, and clean plant, warehouse, and loading areas.
Assist with seasonal operations, including facility and equipment set up, calibration, maintenance, and shutdown procedures.
Perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs on agronomy vehicles, equipment, and facilities under the guidance of the Location Manager.
Conduct regular inspections to identify wear, damage, or safety concerns, maintaining accurate records and reporting repair needs promptly to minimize downtime.
Participate in cooperative-wide maintenance initiatives, facility upgrades, and seasonal projects, following established procedures, lockout/tagout practices, and housekeeping standards to support safety and operational efficiency.
Follow all Northern Partners Cooperative safety, environmental, and operational policies.
Properly handle, store, and dispose of fertilizers, chemicals, and hazardous materials in compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and state regulations.
Participate in required safety meetings, training, and certification renewals, maintaining up-to-date inspection logs and documentation.
Promote a culture of safety by modeling safe work behaviors, identifying and correcting hazards, and reporting unsafe conditions immediately.
Obtain and maintain an Illinois Department of Agriculture Operator and Applicator License, and assist in the accurate mixing, loading, and application of crop protection and fertilizer products, following SDS and cooperative protocols.
Provide courteous, professional service to members, customers, coworkers, vendors, and seasonal staff.
Coordinate with agronomy operations facilities and Sales teams to ensure efficient deliveries and issue resolution.
Represent Northern Partners Cooperative positively, supporting cooperative-wide initiatives and assisting other divisions—such as grain, energy, and seed—during peak periods or special projects.
Contribute to continuous improvement by offering feedback and identifying process enhancements, maintaining a cooperative, team-oriented attitude.
Operate cooperative vehicles safely and in compliance with DOT and company regulations.
Contributes to additional company and team efforts, projects and initiatives as needed.
Other duties as assigned.