Serfas Farms Ltd. (Serfas Farms) is a progressive, third generation family-owned agribusiness located in Southern Alberta that specializes in the farming of over 55,000 acres of dryland and irrigation crops, and cattle production of approximately 46,000 animal units. Most recently, Serfas Farms has expanded to include one the largest potato growing operation ventures in the area.  The Serfas family of operations prides itself on the strength of its team members that drive exceptional agricultural quality and production.  In return, Serfas Farms Ltd offers a meaningful employment experience that supports and grows the success of its people. If you are interested in joining a dynamic farming operation and contributing to a high performing culture, Serfas Farms Ltd would like to hear from you.

Position Overview:

Serfas Farms Ltd is seeking an agronomist to lead all aspects of our broad acre farming operation. This is a full-time, permanent position with immediate availability.  The key responsibilities and accountabilities of the role include complete oversight and management of the crop growing operation including, full cycle execution of the yearly rotation (planting, harvesting, storing), agronomic leadership to the farm management team, and reporting of performance and results to Serfas Farms ownership. This position is responsible for forming, cultivating, and managing positive working relationships internally with owners, management, support resources and team members, and externally with vendors, independent agronomists, and relevant owners. Crops grown are corn, wheat, barley, winter crops, potatoes, peas and seed canola.

The agronomist position will not entail operational management of the farm team, but will work alongside the farm team management in a complimentary role.

Specific Duties Include:

Operational Planning

• Reporting directly to the owners, will direct and manage the entire agronomy and irrigation departments.
• Build fertility plans based on soil samples which are both VR and conventional.
• Work with independent agronomists to inform growing operations and planning as needed.
• Oversee and coordinate crop planting and strategic management of field rotations, fertilizing, irrigation, and spraying operations. This will include chemical and seed procurement, dry spreading, ground and ariel spraying as well as anything else required in a growing season.
• Collaborate with potato manager to ensure proper synergies with all crops.
• Develop schedules and rotations, including watering needs, maintenance, pesticide and fertilizer application.
• Provide hands-on support in other operational areas as needed during planning, planting and harvest seasons.
• Scouting fields daily during growing season

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all safety rules and regulations while performing work assignments and adhere to all policies and procedures, as specified in company manuals and as directed in Serfas Farms employee handbook.
• Ensure compliance with all labor laws, agricultural audits, food safety regulations, and workers safety.

Working Relationships

• Communicate professionally and effectively with owners, management and team members across all Serfas Farms business units.
• Coordinate with other Serfas Farms managers to ensure consistent management and supervisory approaches and standards of excellence
• Maintain a positive, respectful, and professional working relationship with peers, management, and support resources, with a continual commitment to teamwork.
• Conduct self professionally and respectfully in the presence of customers and the community, upholding the reputational integrity and professional image of Serfas Farms Ltd.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by ownership in a professional and efficient manner.
• Be a self-starter; take initiative, bring forward ideas, demonstrate ability to work independently as well as collaborate with other personnel and management.
• This position may be required to perform other duties and responsibilities, as necessary, as assigned by ownership and management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication skills, verbal and written.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent leadership of people with the aptitude to also provide hands-on operational support

Experience and Education Requirements:

• Previous agronomic experience including crop planting, fertility, mapping, VR, rotation, pesticide and fertilizer timing.
• Knowledge of combine and planter settings would be an asset
• CCA designation preferred.

Other Requirements as Required

• Must be available to work full-time hours with overtime required during busy seasons (i.e. spring seeding, fall harvest)
• Must be available to work a variety of hours and days per week. It is expected that this role will require 8–10-hour days, 5-7 days a week during busy seasons
• Must have access to a cellphone to be used as a primary contact method for work related communications  

Please submit your application by clicking APPLY TO THIS POSITION below.