Crop Specialist - Ag-Land FS, Inc. - Green Valley, IL

The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably. FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.

Purpose and Summary Statement

The Crop Specialist is responsible for the profitability and success of the Ag-Land FS Green Valley location by selling and servicing new and existing customers. This includes crop inputs such as fertilizer, crop protection products, seed, service income, technical services, and ag-finance programs. The role emphasizes customer relationships, agronomic expertise, and business growth.

Essential Job Functions

• Demonstrates a positive attitude, exceptional work ethic, and strong commitment to teamwork, with motivation to be rewarded for performance.
• Provides patrons with top-tier agronomic recommendations, service, and support to maximize profitability for both their operations and Ag-Land FS.
• Pursues ongoing education through Growmark meetings, trainings, and other opportunities to enhance agronomic knowledge; demonstrates the desire and ability to obtain Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification.
• Develops and maintains a strong understanding of the assigned territory and competitive marketplace.
• Creates and executes marketing plans and sales strategies that drive profitable sales.
• Provides value-added agronomic products, services, and technical recommendations to patrons and prospects. Coordinates product delivery, application services, and leads customer meetings.
• Utilizes tools such as soil testing and crop scouting to deliver superior customer service. Follows up on complaints to achieve reasonable, win/win resolutions.
• Ensures customer credit worthiness, quotes prices and terms, prepares sales contracts, and promotes credit programs as effective sales tools.

Other Job Functions

• Maintains assigned company vehicle to standards, follows the uniform policy, and presents a professional image.
• Completes and updates profile information sheets on key accounts and targeted prospects.
• Collects payments for sales in compliance with company credit policy.
• Maintains technical and sales certifications as required.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of an Associate's degree in agriculture, marketing, or business, or equivalent education and experience (2+ years) demonstrating knowledge of production agriculture.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record. Daily travel within the trade area is required, with occasional overnight stays.
• Must obtain and maintain professional certifications relevant to the agronomy industry (e.g., CCA, CCS, Commercial Applicator with applicable categories).
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours during peak seasons.
• Physical and environmental requirements:
• Ability to lift 51-75 lbs.
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, etc.).
• Exposure to noisy conditions, dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards (with appropriate safety measures).
• May be required to work at varying heights.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $70,000 - $90,000 annually, based on experience.
• Incentives: Opportunity to earn additional performance-based incentives.
• Benefits:Ag-Land FS, Inc. offers a comprehensiveTotal Rewards package, including:
  • Defined benefit pension plan
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other voluntary benefits
  • Health and wellness programs

We are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.