Crop Specialist - West Central FS - Wataga, IL

GROWMARK, Inc.•Wataga, IL

1d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Crop Specialist sells and markets crop inputs—including fertilizer, crop protection pesticides, and seed products—as well as service income, technical services, and agricultural finance programs to new and existing customers. The role supports profitable sales through territory and competitive analysis, customer relationship development, agronomic recommendations, and coordination of product delivery and application schedules. It also supports customers through soil testing, crop scouting, complaint follow-up, and credit programs. The position is based with West Central FS in Wataga, Illinois, and requires travel within the assigned territory, including daily independent travel and occasional overnight stays. The specialist maintains a professional image and assigned vehicle, follows applicable company and safety policies, and may work extended hours during peak seasons or as business conditions warrant.

Requirements

Normally requires an Associate’s Degree in agriculture, marketing, or business, or equivalent, and at least 2 years of related work experience demonstrating knowledge of production agriculture.
Strong planning, organization, time management, and problem-solving skills.
Business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision-making, and skill-development abilities.
Ability to use a computer and other required technology to enhance business processes.
Must have and maintain the appropriate driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for the vehicle(s) required to perform the duties.
Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable professional certifications associated with the agronomy industry.
Must possess or obtain a seller’s or solicitor’s license where required by law.
Ability and willingness to work extended hours during peak seasons and as business conditions warrant.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of FS / GROWMARK agronomy products, services, and programs is strongly preferred.
Applicable agronomy certifications such as CCA, CCS, CPAg, or Commercial Applicator certification with applicable categories.

Responsibilities

Conduct territory and competitive analyses to stay current on the market and competition.
Travel within the assigned territory to build brand awareness, strengthen customer relationships, and secure product and service orders.
Implement target marketing plans and use professional sales techniques, including the FS sales interview road map, cropping programs, product features and benefits, and the contact management system, to generate profitable sales and meet goals established by the supervisor.
Provide patrons and prospects with value-added agronomic products, services, and recommendations.
Coordinate product delivery and application schedules with the location manager.
Support customers through soil testing, crop scouting, and other programs; follow up on complaints; and seek reasonable, mutually beneficial resolutions.
Promote credit programs as a sales tool and help gather information required to verify customer creditworthiness.
Quote prices and credit terms and prepare sales contracts for orders.
Collect payment for assigned product sales in accordance with company credit policy.
Display field signs on customer fields to promote FS products.
Maintain the assigned vehicle to company standards, follow the uniform policy, and present a professional image.
Follow applicable Code of Conduct, Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA, and DOT policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.