POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Agronomist will work closely with the Technical Team to define and monitor optimal crop growth conditions, including farming practices, planting dates, and other factors that affect crop yield. This data-heavy role aims to maximize yield, specifically focusing on color yield per acre, through continuous monitoring and analysis of seasonal growth conditions, field trials, and environmental changes.

Additionally, the Agronomist will collaborate with GNT growers, offering educational support during farm visits and annual meetings, and  work closely with Agriculture Procurement Specialists to implement recommendations across seed propagation, growing, harvesting, and storage.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/ RESPONSIBILTIES:  

• Develop a deep understanding of GNT raw materials and key characteristics for optimal growth in regard to  color, improved growth, optimal yield, disease and pest resistance.
• Assist in defining and tracking optimal conditions for crop growth, including farming practices, planting schedules, and field conditions.
• Conduct crop scouting and field sampling to monitor and evaluate plant health, growth patterns, and environmental impacts on yield.
• Design, organize, and conduct field trials. Identify pest pressures of weeds, insects, and disease.
• Work in greenhouse settings to conduct small trials that will focus on evaluating different variables in a  controlled environment.
• Create data sets and deliver trial data to build solutions to procure high quality raw materials.
• Work closely with the Global Agronomy Team and cross functional teams to ensure successful commercialization of new varietals.
• Provide educational support to GNT growers during farm visits and annual grower meetings by sharing insights on best practices and optimizing crop yields.
• Travel to field plots on routine basis to monitor production stages of crop trials.
• Work with farmers to support scale-up of plants.
• Manage proprietary internal seed/plant catalogue. 
• Conduct laboratory to analyze raw materials and plant growth rates.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in an agriculture environment ideally focused on vegetable production, preferably sweet potatoes, carrots, or other root vegetables.
• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Soil Science or Horticulture. The ideal candidate will have a Master's or Post BS in Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology and/or Agriculture Engineering.
• Must have working knowledge of plant growth, farm/agricultural practices, soil fertility, vegetable production, preferably sweet potatoes, carrots, or other root vegetables.
• Hands on experience working on a farm or directly with growers.
• Work experience with planting, fertilizing, & harvesting of crops.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong Data Analytics and Statistics skills. 
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of the workings of Animal Health Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) in relation to import requirements such as approval process, permits and phytosanitary requirements is beneficial.
• Proficiency in Spanish is preferred.