Agronomist

Essential Functions, Duties, And Responsibilities

• Coordinates all phases of the Agronomy operations to ensure all fields are evaluated for crop growth and development, all issues related to pest, plant health, and irrigation are reported in a timely manner.
• Ensures accurate knowledge or reliable recommendations to Crop Managers to achieve efficient crop production.
• Generates reports on findings for the management team.
• Collaborates with the ATRL Manager on sample testing.
• Interprets soil and tissue testing results and formulates fertilization programs for various crops.
• Formulates fertilizer recommendations based on soil and plant tissue analysis and research.
• Evaluates and implements tillage systems to sustain economic crop production.
• Researches and develops Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) for all sampling methods used by staff.
• Researches and promotes agricultural strategies to counter the effects of changes in soil, climate, weather, and pest damage.
• Maintains databases related to crop inputs such as but not limited to seed varieties, yields, fertilizer, and chemicals.
• Plans and implements crop rotations and sustainable farming practices to maximize yields.
• Coordinates presentations and training seminars to NAPI staff as requested or needed.
• Prepares, justifies, and manages departmental budget.
• Remains up to date on crop nutrition and agriculture related technology.
• Collaborates with Conservation staff to evaluate and implement programs under the NRCS or FSA.
• Coordinates with Prairie Dog department to research ways to terminate highly impacted areas across the farm.

Supervisory Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages and supervises the work unit in keeping with applicable laws and regulations; and NAPI’s policies, guidelines, and Navajo affirmative action policies.
• Led, directs and supervises reporting personnel including work procedures, workloads and work schedules by directing the workflow in such a manner as to promote productive efficiency of employees.
• Identifies the developmental needs of employees in department and coaches, mentors, trains, or otherwise helps others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Manages performance of assigned direct reports and others in the work unit; conducts employee performance reviews for assigned staff, properly documents corrective action, performance improvement plans, and disciplinary actions, and salary adjustments in accordance with NAPI policy.
• Ensures a safe working environment, and oversees compliance with applicable OSHA and other laws, regulations, and work rules concerning environmental safety and health by employees; assists with accident/injury investigations as directed by the Safety or HR department.
• Establishes an effective flow of communication and information to ensure that problems can be responsibly solved and that support is provided to the staff as needed.
• Observes, receives, and otherwise obtains information from all relevant sources as well as handling complaints, settling disputes and resolving conflicts or otherwise negotiating with others, and prepares reports of findings, in accordance with NAPI Policies & Procedures.