Application Specialist - Prairieland FS - Kahoka, MO

At Prairieland FS, you have the opportunity to make an immediate impact. Working with the industry's top professionals, you'll develop new expertise through varied job experiences and company-sponsored training programs. You'll be recognized and rewarded for your contributions. FS believes in attracting and retaining diverse talent, allowing you to contribute your unique experiences and background to build a community that fosters mutual respect and meaningful relationships.

Pay

Pay range: $17.50 - $27.50 per hour. Compensation is determined based on your experience and qualifications. In addition to base pay, you may be eligible for overtime, commission, performance-based increases, and bonuses.

Purpose and Summary Statement

Under the direction of the Location Manager/Crop Specialist, the Application Specialist is responsible for delivering and precisely applying crop protection input products to the field and communicating sales leads. Strong knowledge of agronomy practices and equipment operation and a commitment to safety and accuracy are essential for success in this position.

Responsibilities

• Mix products and apply crop production inputs to fields and growing crops according to recommended rates, procedures, and pesticide labels.
• Record application data in compliance with regulations and standards, providing timely electronic and paper copies of "as applied" data.
• Maintain, repair, and rebuild company facilities and rolling stock as needed while safely operating and maintaining various agricultural application equipment, including sprayers, spreaders, and other machinery.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on equipment to ensure it operates efficiently and reliably throughout the season.
• Regularly calibrate equipment to ensure accurate crop application rates, adjusting settings based on product requirements and field conditions.
• Maintain detailed records of crop applications, including product types, rates, locations, and weather conditions, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Deliver products to customers according to company standards, increasing potential sales, and accurately apply agricultural crop production input products to fields using specialized equipment, following crop application guidelines and regulations.
• Responsible for inventory management and submitting crop application records daily, ensuring all products are accounted for with an invoice or delivery ticket.
• Set up equipment for material handling, blending, storage, transport, and product application.
• Assess field conditions, including soil type, weather, and crop stage, to determine the optimal timing and method of crop application.
• Follow all safety protocols and best practices to protect yourself, co-workers, and the environment during the crop application process.
• Stay updated on the latest agronomy practices, product advancements, and equipment technologies through ongoing training and development.
• Scout fields as required, following company scouting procedures, and report findings to the Location Manager and Crop Specialist for identification and recommendations.
• Collect soil samples following proper procedures and record the sample information for accurate identification and analysis.
• Report sales leads to the Location Manager and Crop Specialist.
• Follow GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA, and DOT policies and procedures as they apply.
• Maintain company equipment according to company standards.
• Comply with the uniform policy and uphold a professional appearance.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional training or certification in agronomy or agriculture is a plus.
• Experience in agricultural application or a related field is preferred; experience in agronomy or precision agriculture is a plus.
• Strong understanding of crop protection input products, agronomy practices, and equipment operation is preferred.
• Familiarity with GPS and precision agriculture technology is a plus.
• Obtain a valid CDL (Commercial Driver's License) with required endorsements (e.g., HazMat, Tanker) within six months of employment and maintain a clean driving record.
• Obtain all required federal and state pesticide licenses within the first six months of employment.
• Follow safety and compliance standards to help ensure well-being and the safety of others.
• Ability to work hours other than those considered normal at various times throughout the year to meet deadlines and demands.
• Occasional travel to other company locations or industry events may be required, with the ability to travel independently and stay overnight as needed.
• Ability and willingness to participate in required training, including education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training related to the position’s requirements.

Skills

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a professional demeanor.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and collaborate with teammates at all levels.
• Ability to identify and address issues in a proactive manner.
• Strong customer service skills, with the ability to interact professionally with customers and teammates.
• High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information.
• Demonstrated core competencies, including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision-making, and skill development.

Physical Demands

• Lifting/Carrying Frequency:
  • Under 10 lbs.: Frequently
  • 11-20 lbs.: Frequently
  • 21-50 lbs.: Frequently
  • 51-100 lbs.: Occasionally
  • Over 100 lbs.: Not Applicable
• Pushing/Pulling Frequency:
  • Under 10 lbs.: Frequently
  • 11-20 lbs.: Frequently
  • 21-50 lbs.: Frequently
  • 51-100 lbs.: Occasionally
  • Over 100 lbs.: Not Applicable
• Twisting/Turning: Frequently
• Bend: Frequently
• Climb: Frequently
• Crawl: Frequently
• Kneel: Frequently
• Reach Outward: Frequently
• Reach Over Head: Frequently
• Reach Over Shoulder: Frequently
• Sit: Frequently
• Squat: Frequently
• Stand: Frequently
• Walk-Normal Surfaces: Frequently
• Walk-Slippery Surfaces: Frequently
• Walk-Uneven Surfaces: Frequently
• Keyboard/Ten Key: Frequently
• Fine Dexterity: Frequently
• Handling (grasping, holding): Frequently
• Repetitive Motion – Hands: Frequently
• Repetitive Motion – Feet: Frequently
• Driving: Automatic Transmission, Frequently
• Exposure to:
  • Cold: Frequently
  • Heat: Frequently
  • Dust, dirt, debris: Frequently
  • Chemicals: Frequently
  • High noise levels: Frequently
  • Working from heights: Frequently