Agronomist

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and leader in bio-based products in the world. Beyond our world-class culture, POET team members enjoy competitive pay and benefits including;

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses, and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
• Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Paid Parental Leave
• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• 401K with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Excellent work-life balance with a ‘family-first’ culture
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance

JOB SUMMARY

The Agronomist I will serve as a technical and operational resource for agronomy and sustainable agricultural research for POET.  The Agronomist I will help design and execute field research plans involving corn stover collection, sustainable farming practices and soil health indicators.  This position will interface with POET’s grain and biomass procurement teams, area farmers, commercial partners and university researchers.  This position is based in an office environment in our Sioux Falls, SD corporate office, but will spend time at POET’s bioprocessing facilities and surrounding farms to support agronomic research.

DURING A TYPICAL DAY

• Support POET’s grain and biomass procurement teams in developing and executing agronomic research studies and analyzing results to understand both the agronomic impacts of the project.
• Provide support and education to POET stakeholders on carbon intensity impacts with different farming practices.
• Design and execute trials to lower the carbon intensity of grain production. This may include conservation farming practices, cover crop adoption, or novel soil amendments.
• Be a subject matter expert regarding corn stover collection and storage practices. Understand the impact to soil health and producer economics.
• Visiting growers’ fields and keeping records regarding producers, crops, fertilizers, and tillage practices.
• Working with government agencies, universities, and commercial project partners to further POET’s agronomy knowledge and research.
• Evaluating and understanding the latest agricultural technologies and products, including seed genetics, biological products, and carbon intensity reduction strategies
• Executing field activities and data collection for agronomy research projects across a variety of activities
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

QUALIFICATIONS: WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Science, Agriculture Business, Agriculture Engineering, Agriculture Operations, or other comparable degree
• 0-3 years of experience in agronomy, crop management or agriculture operations
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills and the ability to embrace change.

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• Experience with crop scouting, basic agronomy, and other crop management activities
• Experience with soil sampling, tissue testing, and the use of agronomy software platforms to execute field activities
• Basic knowledge of operating and maintaining farm equipment and tools, including planters, tillage, and harvesting equipment
• Experience utilizing academic literature to conduct research and provide information to the rest of the organization
• Independent, self-directed worker able to manage travel, time, and tasks efficiently
• Effective communicator in a variety of settings, including conversations with growers, presenting to large groups and interfacing with other agronomists
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to adapt to changing conditions and circumstances to execute tasks and achieve objectives

BONUS COMPETENCIES

• Ability to use Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and other office tools at a moderate to high level
• Experience with agronomy software tools or the ability to learn new technology platforms quickly

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN POET

At POET we believe in recognizing team member contributions as they add value to the organization. Team member skills and contributions are frequently assessed and recognized through incentives and title progression. New team member titles and pay are determined considering their qualifications.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Culture is king at POET. We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET.
• We foster a culture of safe behavior at all times and in all environments, no exceptions.
• In this role, you’ll be asked to drive a POET vehicle. A motor vehicle record check will be conducted during the pre-employment process
• Time will be divided between field research and office environments. Work conditions could include:
  • Up to 50% of travel will be part of the norm for this position to visit the bioprocessing facilities, meetings, and site visits. At times, overnight travel may be required. POET values work-life balance and is intentional about spending time away from home. 
  • More travel will be required during the planting and harvest season to support field research.
• We are a team and support each other in our work and play! Team members have the opportunity to participate in POET sponsored volunteer opportunities and community events, as well as sharing hobbies with coworkers!