Agronomy Operations & Maintenance Technician

Job Description

Here we GROW again! Northern Partners Cooperative is in search of new talent for the role of Agronomy Operations & Maintenance Technician located at our Malden, IL Facility.

The Agronomy Operations & Maintenance Technician position is responsible for plant maintenance for Northern Partners Cooperative and any operational type procedures. They will perform essential maintenance functions to uphold Northern Partners Cooperative’s equipment at locations as well as offer outstanding customer service that will optimize the cooperative’s market share and savings, improve the cooperative’s efficiency, and help achieve the cooperative’s mission and goals. Additional responsibilities would include custom application to include (Custom Applications of Chemicals and Liquid Fertilizer, Dry Fertilizer and or Custom Application of Anhydrous Ammonia). Implements, promotes, and supports the agronomy program of the local branch by precisely blending and custom-applying fertilizers and crop protection products based on knowledge, maps, recommendations, and label directions.

Also performs functions that may include maintenance of equipment, plant, rolling stock, operation of forklifts, loaders, operating tender trucks, filling and delivering NH3 tanks, loading customers’ vehicles with product, unloading of deliveries and other duties as required. Required licensing also needed to operate equipment (applicator equipment and machinery, shop tools, forklifts, class A and B trucks).

• Application: Operates equipment in the application of fertilizers, crop protection chemicals and NH3 as prioritized by season. Responsible for data collection at the point of application and proper transfer of that data back to the agronomy account manager. Applicator shall perform applications in a manner that will maximize customer satisfaction and operational efficiencies for the company. Responsible for proper operation and maintenance of all equipment to minimize repair costs and downtime. (35%)
• Safety: Takes responsibility for safe operations of all equipment and monthly facility inspections, as by OSHA inspection standard. Completion of safety reports and required records. Follows all safety procedures and reports any incidences that could compromise the safety integrity of Northern Partners Cooperative. Maintains a safe working environment and promotes safety amongst customers and employees. If any unsafe working conditions arise, notifies Location Manager immediately. (20%)
• Customer Service: Projects a positive attitude to co-workers and customers at all times. Provides outstanding and courteous customer service. Promotes the business with existing and potential customers. (10%)
• Maintenance & Operations: Performs required preventative maintenance and have all preventive maintenance reports turned in on time. Never allows maintenance to get to a level where equipment is not usable. Assist in all operational duties at the location as prioritized by season and location manager direction. Also, delivers to customers products and services that are sold by the branch. (20%)
• Locational Duties: Keeps the Location Manager informed of operational, customer, vendors, or employee issues that may arise. Assists in keeping all inside and outside work areas extremely neat and orderly. (10%)
• Other Duties: Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Experience & Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Valid Driver’s License is required.
• Class A CDL with HAZMAT, tanker, and airbrake endorsements required or must be obtained once employed; NPC will assist in obtaining.
• 1-3 years related experience and/or training preferred.
• Minimum of 20,000 acres application performed in a single year prior to being promoted to Agronomy Applicator & Maintenance Technician role.
• Approachable; puts others at ease, give full attention, shows interest, responds appropriately. Builds relationships both internally and externally through professional and highly developed verbal and written communications.
• Organized; has the capability to work on several projects while maintaining ease and a level head of thinking and rational.
• Analyzes problems and sources of conflicts, communicates with direct reports for help with resolution and problem solving.
• Ability to function independently where appropriate but to recognize when issues escalate and need to be referred to other resources.
• Ability to assess a situation and determine the best course of action (independent judgment).
  
  

Physical Demands - Considerable physical exertion

Occasionally exposed or required to:

• Extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, etc.)
• Noisy conditions
• Working conditions may include dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards with appropriate safety measures
• Exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, and vibration
• Lift 75 lbs. or more
  
  

Benefits:

• 3 Health Insurance plan options with prescription benefits
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Health and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 2 Dental Plan options (base plan at no cost if enrolled in health plan)
• Vision Plan (at no cost if enrolled in health plan)
• Company Paid Group Life & AD&D
• Supplemental Life & AD&D (employee & dependents)
• Company paid Short-Term Disability
• Supplemental Short-Term/Long Term Disability
• Voluntary AFLAC group discounted plans
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans
• Defined Benefit Co-op Retirement Pension Plan (accrual rate of 2.00% and company contribution rate is 6.57%)
• $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.

Northern Partners Cooperative offers opportunities for passionate individuals looking to unlock a greater value for the future of agriculture and our communities. We know that a business or farming operation requires hard work and dedication and that's why we take pride in having knowledgeable, hardworking team members that are dedicated to being our most valued partner; helping us to reach new levels of success.

Northern Partners Cooperative’s Core Values:

Honesty and integrity in all our relationships

Focus on our people and their ability to contribute to the success of NPC

Foster a culture where innovative solutions thrive

Commitment to safety, quality, and service to our employees and member owners

Commitment to our communities

Northern Partners Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above-listed items.