Precision Ag Specialist

CHS has an exciting opportunity in our Country Operations division in the Shipman, IL area. We are looking for a Precision Ag Specialist to provide training on Precision Ag and manage and guide farmers and producers on their Precision Ag programs. You must be able to make sound decisions, have the ability to influence others and work cross functionally.  You must be detail oriented with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. 

• Consult with CHS sales force, applicators, and management to identify customers and successfully administer and grow the program.
• Meet with farmers and producers to promote the program and document initial priorities, problems, needs, wants, and expectations.
• Combine traditional management skills with precision farming tools (site-specific mapping techniques) to develop strategies with farmers and producers to give them the tools and information to make the best management choices for their crop production, and provide the greatest economic return.
• Utilize GPS to locate specific field positions. Coordinate soil sampling and use GIS to create field maps based on GPS data to record and assess the impact of farm management decisions.
• Use data sensors to monitor soil properties, crop stress, growth conditions, yields, etc. to provide instant (real-time) information that can be used to adjust or control operational inputs.
• Organize, analyze, and manage data with the use of spreadsheets, databases, GIS, etc., in order to provide the most accurate information to farmers and producers.
• Make recommendations to farmers and producers based on timely and accurate information including data on crop characteristics, hybrid responses, soil properties, fertility requirements, weather predictions, weed and pest populations, plant growth responses, harvest yield, post harvest processing, and marketing projections.
• Continuously reassess the profitability of precision farming programs with farmers and producers by comparing yield monitor data to financial records for specific fields.
• Develop and increase product knowledge of the sales force, applicators, and management through internal presentations, training, etc.
• Coordinate sales strategies; advertising, field days, grower meetings, etc.
• Stay current on new technologies, products, trends, and challenges in order to make informed recommendations to growers.
• Perform other responsibilities as needed or assigned.

• High School diploma or GED
• 2+ years of experience in Agriculture Production and Operations

• Prior experience with current industrial and farm products/practices, diagnostic and servicing procedures, and GPS/GIS software
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions by analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems
• Demonstrated ability to interpret the meaning of information for others; explaining what information means and how it can be used
• Demonstrated ability to provide consultation and guidance to customers, sales, applicators and management.
• Demonstrated ability to monitor and review information from events and/or the environment, to detect or assess problems
• Ability to travel up to 80% of the time in region. Occasional overnight travel may be required
• Prior sales experience and/or a working knowledge of GPS technology preferred
• Pre-employment screening is based on the job requirements and industry guidelines and may or may not be required for the position. If required, selected candidates must pass pre-employment screenings to include all or a combination of drug, criminal, motor vehicle check, physical requirements and FMSCA Clearinghouse.