Position Summary The Chief Agronomist is a senior leadership role responsible for directing all agronomic strategy, research, and execution across a large-scale private family farm specializing in row crops. While the role will encompass a broad range of crops-including sweet corn, bluegrass, wheat, green peas, canola, sugar beets, triticale, hemp, carrots, alfalfa, and others-
the primary focus will be on potato production, specifically several thousand acres of russet potatoes destined for French fry processing by a major U.S.-based food processor.
This individual will serve as the
farm’s authority on potato agronomy, making all decisions related to crop planning, soil health, fertility management, crop protection, and harvest practices. The Chief Agronomist will be a key member of the farm’s senior management team, ensuring agronomic excellence, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities Potato Production Leadership - Serve as the lead decision-maker for all aspects of potato agronomy.
- Direct seed treatment practices.
- Establish and refine planting practices, including hill shape, planting depth, seed spacing, and row configuration.
- Develop nutrient management programs (N, P, K, micros), incorporating pre-plant applications, in-season fertility adjustments, and post-harvest soil health strategies.
- Design and oversee soil fumigation programs to address nematodes, diseases, and other soil-borne threats.
- Manage crop protection strategies, including fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, and integrated pest management (IPM).
- Oversee harvest practices, including crop maturity timing, vine desiccation, handling, and storage protocols to ensure quality and processor standards.
Agronomy for Other Crops - Develop and implement agronomic programs for secondary crops (sweet corn, bluegrass, wheat, peas, canola, sugar beets, triticale, hemp, carrots, alfalfa, etc.).
- Make fertility, seed selection, planting, irrigation, crop protection, and harvest recommendations for each.
- Balance profitability and soil health across crop rotations.
Soil, Plant, and Data Analysis - Lead soil biology management practices, with a focus on silt loam soils typical of the Columbia Basin.
- Interpret soil test and plant tissue analysis data to guide fertility and crop health decisions.
- Maintain strong relationships with agricultural labs, suppliers, and technical consultants.
- Develop precision agriculture strategies for data-driven decision making.
Leadership & Collaboration - Serve as a senior management team member, contributing to farm-wide strategic decisions.
- Work closely with operations managers, irrigation managers, and equipment supervisors to coordinate timing and practices.
- Stay informed on industry innovations, research trials, and emerging technologies relevant to potato and row crop production.
Compliance & Sustainability - Ensure compliance with all state and federal agricultural regulations, including pesticide and fertilizer use.
- Champion soil health, water conservation, and sustainable farming practices.
- Maintain records of fertility plans, pesticide use, and crop outcomes for traceability and continuous improvement.
Qualifications Required - Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, Soil Science, or related field.
- Minimum 10 years of agronomy experience, with at least 5 years dedicated to large-scale potato production.
- Deep expertise in potato seed management, hill formation, spacing, fertility (N, P, K), crop protection, fumigation, and harvest practices.
- Proven track record managing agronomy across multiple crops in a row crop farming system.
- Strong knowledge of soil biology, especially in sandy loam soils.
- Ability to analyze and interpret lab data (soil and tissue samples) to make accurate recommendations.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in farm management teams.
Preferred - Master’s degree in Agronomy or related discipline.
- Experience working with food processors and meeting contractual quality standards.
- Familiarity with precision agriculture tools, variable rate applications, and advanced irrigation systems.
Skills & Attributes - Strategic thinker with practical, hands-on problem-solving skills.
- Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring abilities.
- Detail-oriented and data-driven with excellent record-keeping.
- Resilient and adaptable to changing weather, market, and production conditions.
- Passion for farming, soil health, and long-term sustainability.
Compensation & Benefits - Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).
- Performance-based bonuses.
- Full benefits package (health, dental, retirement, etc.).
- Company truck.
- Professional development and continuing education support.