Crops Associate - Stephenson Service Company - Lena, IL

GROWMARK, Inc.•Lena, IL

3d•$53,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably. FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good. This role as potential commission incentives. Assumes responsibility for developing customers through effective marketing of the following products and services: crop inputs, such as fertilizer, crop protection pesticides, seed products, service income, technical services, and ag-finance programs to maximize profitable sales.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year College or university in agriculture or business; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as units of measure, percentages, and discounts.
Ability to define problems collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Must maintain a current valid Driver’s License that includes a CDL endorsement with appropriate classifications needed to perform duties assigned.
Must maintain a current Illinois Department of Agriculture issued; Illinois Operators License and a current Illinois Applicators License as required by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Daily independent travel within the trade area with occasional overnight stays.
Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable professional certifications associated with the agronomy industry. (i.e., CCA, CCS, CPAg, Commercial Applicator w/applicable categories).
Ability and willingness to work extended hours during peak seasons.
Occasionally exposed or required to: Extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, etc.)
Noisy conditions
Working conditions may include dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards with appropriate safety measures.
May be required to work at varying heights.
Must be able to lift 50-75 lbs.

Responsibilities

Assisting Crop Specialists in day-to-day duties.
Completes necessary services such as soil sampling and crop scouting and completes reports reflecting analysis.
Provides assistance with and implements seed sales strategies that generate profitable sales.
Implements innovative sales programs and pricing strategies.
Participates in selected sales activities, i.e., customer meetings, trade shows, and sales meeting to keep abreast of sales trends and sales environment.
Assists with seed sorting, treatment and delivery operations to ensure timely distribution.
Creates and manages a whole farm proposal by providing value-added seed products, services, and recommendations on a frequent basis.
Expedites the resolution of customer problems and complaints.
Scouts crops to ensure they meet the appropriate agronomic conditions and makes proper recommendations regarding ways to improve and increase customer satisfaction.
Maintains accurate records of all sales and prospecting activities.
Maintains a current knowledge of product applications, technical services, market conditions, competitive activities, advertising, and promotional trends.
Completes and maintains a competitive analysis for all key competitors.
Identifies progressive customers and coordinates the sharing of these lists with energy, agronomy, and grain sales representatives.
Quotes prices, prepares sales contracts for orders obtained, promotes the use of credit programs as a sales tool, and helps provide the required information to establish credit.
Ensures the creditworthiness of customers, quotes prices and credit terms, and prepares sales contracts for orders obtained. Promotes the use of credit programs as a sales tool and helps provide the required information to establish credit.
Works with Microsoft Office products and other proprietary software to enhance business processes and maximize efficiency.
Maintains industry and university contacts to keep informed on developing trends and product introductions in assigned product areas.
Creates and participates in presentations during customer meetings and trade shows as required.
Responsible for maintaining the assigned vehicle according to company standards.
Performs all other duties as assigned.