Agronomy Operations & Maintenance Technician
About the role
The Agronomy Operations & Maintenance Technician supports the efficient, safe, and effective daily operations of the cooperative’s agronomy department. This position assists with a wide range of operational and maintenance activities including the handling, blending, delivery, and application of fertilizers, crop protection products, and seed.
Responsibilities
Operational Support: Assist with blending, mixing, loading, and delivering fertilizers, crop protection products, and seed in accordance with product specifications, labeling requirements, and safety regulations. Ensure accurate measurements, proper documentation, and the integrity of all materials while preventing cross-contamination.
Equipment & Facility Maintenance: Perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs on agronomy vehicles, equipment, and facilities under the guidance of the Location Manager. Conduct regular inspections to identify wear, damage, or safety concerns, maintaining accurate records and reporting repair needs promptly to minimize downtime.
Product Application & Safety: Follow all Northern Partners Cooperative safety, environmental, and operational policies. Properly handle, store, and dispose of fertilizers, chemicals, and hazardous materials in compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and state regulations. Participate in required safety meetings, training, and certification renewals, maintaining up-to-date inspection logs and documentation. Promote a culture of safety by modeling safe work behaviors, identifying and correcting hazards, and reporting unsafe conditions immediately.
Customer Service & Teamwork: Provide courteous, professional service to members, customers, coworkers, vendors, and seasonal staff. Coordinate with agronomy operations facilities and Sales teams to ensure efficient deliveries and issue resolution. Represent Northern Partners Cooperative positively, supporting cooperative-wide initiatives and assisting other divisions—such as grain, energy, and seed—during peak periods or special projects. Contribute to continuous improvement by offering feedback and identifying process enhancements, maintaining a cooperative, team-oriented attitude.
Transportation & Licensing Compliance: Operate cooperative vehicles safely and in compliance with DOT and company regulations. Maintain a valid Class A or B CDL with tanker and hazmat endorsements, adhering to all state and federal transportation and hazardous materials requirements.
Requirements
Required – High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred – Prior agricultural, mechanical, or operations experience preferred but not required; training will be provided.
Required – Valid Driver’s License.
Required - Illinois Pesticide Operator and Applicator License required or must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
Required – CDL with tanker and hazmat endorsements required or must be obtained within 2 years of hire (cooperative may assist with training through the company tuition reimbursement program).
Qualifications
Basic understanding of agricultural products, fertilizers, crop protection, and seasonal agronomy operations, is a plus.
Ability to safely operate, maintain, and perform minor repairs on heavy equipment, including forklifts, tenders, sprayers, and spreaders, is a plus.
Knowledge of proper chemical handling, storage, transportation, and disposal practices in compliance with DOT, OSHA, EPA, and state regulations, is a plus.
Proficient in using smartphones, tablets, and computers for inventory tracking, work logging, and accessing SOPs.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills when measuring, blending, loading, and documenting products.
Capable of following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintaining compliance with all safety and environmental regulations.
Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to interact with coworkers, customers, and vendors.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments, including agronomy, grain, seed, and energy.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills to identify and resolve operational or equipment issues.
Adaptable to seasonal workload changes, varying weather conditions, and extended work hours during peak periods.
Ability to operate GPS and precision agriculture tools for field operations and product applications.
Physically able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. or more, stand for extended periods, and perform labor-intensive tasks outdoors in all weather conditions.
Commitment to safe work practices, hazard reporting, and promoting a safety-focused culture.
Willingness to obtain and maintain all required licenses and certifications, including CDL with tanker and hazmat endorsements and pesticide applicator/operator licenses.
Strong time management and prioritization skills to balance workloads and meet deadlines effectively.
Skills
Basic understanding of agricultural products, fertilizers, crop protection, and seasonal agronomy operations, is a plus.
Ability to safely operate, maintain, and perform minor repairs on heavy equipment, including forklifts, tenders, sprayers, and spreaders, is a plus.
Knowledge of proper chemical handling, storage, transportation, and disposal practices in compliance with DOT, OSHA, EPA, and state regulations, is a plus.
Proficient in using smartphones, tablets, and computers for inventory tracking, work logging, and accessing SOPs.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills when measuring, blending, loading, and documenting products.
Capable of following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintaining compliance with all safety and environmental regulations.
Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to interact with coworkers, customers, and vendors.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments, including agronomy, grain, seed, and energy.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills to identify and resolve operational or equipment issues.
Adaptable to seasonal workload changes, varying weather conditions, and extended work hours during peak periods.
Ability to operate GPS and precision agriculture tools for field operations and product applications.
Physically able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. or more, stand for extended periods, and perform labor-intensive tasks outdoors in all weather conditions.
Commitment to safe work practices, hazard reporting, and promoting a safety-focused culture.
Willingness to obtain and maintain all required licenses and certifications, including CDL with tanker and hazmat endorsements and pesticide applicator/operator licenses.
Strong time management and prioritization skills to balance workloads and meet deadlines effectively.
Benefits
Health Insurance plan options with prescription benefits
Health and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Vision Plan (at no cost if enrolled in health plan)
Company Paid Group Life & AD&D Supplemental Life & AD&D
Company paid Short-Term Disability Supplemental Short-Term/Long Term Disability
Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans
Defined Benefit Co-op Retirement Pension Plan
$250.00 yearly Clothing Reimbursement allowance
Paid Time Off (PTO) – Vacation, Personal Days, and Sick time
9.5 paid Holidays
Additional benefits – paid bereavement, paid jury duty, Family Medical Leave (FMLA), paid maternity/paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer day, wellness program, profit sharing, employee assistance program, company paid learning courses, LifeMart discount program, plus so much more!
About the Company
As a homegrown, locally owned full-service cooperative, Northern Partners Cooperative has been rooted in the community from the very beginning. Our goal is to continually work to grow customer value and cooperative strength within the community we all share. Located in Northern Illinois, we have 10 locations throughout La Salle and Bureau County offering products, services, and expertise that focus grain, agronomy, energy, and seed.