Assistant Agronomist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

I. Position Function SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, the Agronomist provides agronomic knowledge (technical and scientific) to Crop Managers focused on developing and promoting better management practices for all NAPI crops.

II. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following statements are essential functions of this position and not intended to be all-inclusive; rather, they are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the incumbent, and an employee may be directed to perform other reasonably related job duties and responsibilities. NAPI reserves the right to revise or change the job duties and responsibilities as the need arises, based on business need, and this position description may be updated accordingly. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

General Duties & Responsibilities

1. 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.
2. Ensures accurate knowledge or reliable recommendations to Crop Managers to achieve efficient crop production. Generate reports on findings for the management team.
3. Coordinate with the ATRL Manager on sample testing. Interprets soil and tissue testing results and formulate fertilization programs for various crops.
4. Formulates fertilizer recommendations based on soil and plant tissue analysis and research.
5. Evaluates and implements tillage systems to sustain economic crop production.
6. Research and develop Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) for all sampling methods used by staff.
7. Research and promote agricultural strategies to counter the effects of changes in soil, climate, weather, and pest damage.
8. Monitor soil and water quality and make recommendations to minimize impact of Agriculture to the environment and develop remediation of contaminated and degraded soil for quality improvements.
9. Evaluates new crop varieties with improved traits in yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates and coordinate variety trials when necessary.
10. Evaluates and recommends use of precision agriculture strategies to reduce input costs.
11. Research and develops technical (BMPs) for Crop Managers, and Assistant Agronomist.
12. Maintains databases related to crop inputs such as but not limited to seed varieties, yields, fertilizer, and chemicals.
13. Planning and implementing crop rotations and sustainable farming practices to maximize yields.
14. Coordinates presentations and training seminars to NAPI staff as requested or needed.
15. Prepares, justifies, and manages departmental budget.
16. Remain up to date on crop nutrition and agriculture related technology.
17. Coordinate with Conservation staff to evaluate and implement programs under the NRCS or FSA.
18. Coordinate with Prairie Dog department to research ways to terminate the highly impact areas across the farm.

Supervisory Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manages and supervises the work unit in keeping with applicable laws and regulations; and NAPI’s policies, guidelines, and Navajo affirmative action policies.
2. Leads, 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.
3. Identifies the developmental needs of employees in department and coaches, mentors, trains, or otherwise helps others to improve their knowledge or skills.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

Other

1. Works collaboratively, cooperatively, and in coordination with fellow team members and with others in the organization, treats them with respect, courtesy and consideration, and shows understanding and the appropriate support of other team members to help get the job done.
2. Provides information, guidance and resources to diverse groups of customers, clients and others outside of the organization; treats them in a friendly manner with professionalism, helpfulness, respect, courtesy and consideration at all times regardless of circumstances.
3. Maintains regular, dependable attendance and punctuality, and physical presence at the assigned worksite; must interact directly with people or objects at the worksite on a regular basis. Communications technology may, for certain tasks and under certain circumstances, enable an employee to effectively perform some of the work-related duties from home on a temporary basis.
4. Performs other duties as assigned and which are deemed necessary or desirable by NAPI.