Trainer, Custom Applicator - AgVantage FS - Alexander, IA

GROWMARK, Inc.•Alexander, IA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

AgVantage FS is hiring a Trainer, Custom Applicator to develop, train, coach, and certify agronomy applicators across the organization. As a subject matter expert in application technology, equipment operation, and regulatory compliance, this role ensures consistent agronomic application processes, promotes a culture of safety, and improves operational effectiveness through standardized training programs. The trainer develops and maintains an applicator onboarding and certification program and provides classroom, field, simulator, and hands-on instruction. Training covers fertilizer and anhydrous ammonia application, sprayer operation and calibration, precision agriculture technology, equipment maintenance, safety, licensing, and regulatory compliance. The role evaluates employee competencies, documents assessments, and authorizes independent field operations. The position also develops standardized best management practices and supports company goals through collaboration and cross-training with equipment manufacturers, agronomy professionals, and technology providers. The role may involve extended hours and on-call work as business conditions warrant, as well as occasional exposure to extreme weather, noise, dust, fumes, chemicals, electrical hazards, and varying heights. Lifting 51–70 pounds may be required.

Requirements

Normally requires an associate’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, agribusiness, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience; alternatively, a minimum of 5 years of prior work experience demonstrating advanced custom application of fertilizer, chemicals, and anhydrous application systems.
Must have and maintain a valid Class A CDL and a satisfactory driving record, with the ability to obtain Tanker and HazMat endorsements.
Must hold and maintain all required pesticide or fertilizer applicator licenses or certifications in states where crop production inputs are applied.
Demonstrated business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision-making, and skill-development abilities.
Ability and willingness to participate in required training, including training on GROWMARK policies and procedures and other training related to the position.
Ability to work extended hours and be on call as business conditions warrant.
Ability to lift 51–70 pounds.
Ability to work occasionally in extreme weather, noisy conditions, environments with dust, fumes, chemicals, or electrical hazards, and at varying heights; appropriate safety measures are required.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a structured applicator onboarding and certification program.
Train new and existing applicators in dry and liquid fertilizer application, anhydrous ammonia application, sprayer operation and calibration, precision agriculture technology, and equipment maintenance.
Conduct classroom, field, simulator, and hands-on training sessions.
Lead training when new monitors, controllers, or equipment upgrades are introduced.
Lead applicator safety training and annual recertification programs.
Evaluate employee competencies, provide documented assessments, authorize independent field operations, and identify developmental needs and succession opportunities.
Ensure compliance with EPA pesticide regulations, state applicator licensing requirements, DOT and CDL regulations, OSHA standards, and company environmental, health, and safety policies.
Develop standardized best management practices for calibration procedures, mixing and loading protocols, drift prevention, and documentation accuracy.
Train applicators on pesticide label interpretation and stewardship responsibilities.
Collaborate and cross-train with equipment manufacturers, agronomy professionals, and technology providers to support company goals and objectives.
Follow GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety policies, and OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as applicable.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Renew required licenses or certifications and report their status to the manager.