Agronomy Operations & Maintenance Technician

🌱 Here We GROW Again! Join the Northern Partners Cooperative Team

Northern Partners Cooperative is seeking a skilled and motivated Agronomy Operations & Maintenance Technician to join our team at the Ottawa, IL Facility. If you're passionate about agriculture, enjoy hands-on work, and take pride in maintaining essential equipment and providing excellent service to growers, we want to hear from you!

Position Overview:

The Agronomy Operations & Maintenance Technician plays a key role in supporting the efficient, safe, and effective daily operations of the cooperative’s agronomy department. This position assists with a wide range of operational and maintenance activities including the handling, blending, delivery, and application of fertilizers, crop protection products, and seed. The technician also helps maintain agronomy equipment, vehicles, and facilities to ensure reliability and operational readiness throughout the growing season. The technician ensures that all operations are conducted in compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, including DOT, OSHA, and EPA requirements.

This is an entry-level position with opportunities for training and advancement within the cooperative.
 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Support: Assist with blending, mixing, loading, and delivering fertilizers, crop protection products, and seed in accordance with product specifications, labeling requirements, and safety regulations. Ensure accurate measurements, proper documentation, and the integrity of all materials while preventing cross-contamination. Safely operate and maintain tender trucks, sprayers, spreaders, and other agronomy equipment, performing daily inspections, routine maintenance, and minor repairs to ensure readiness and compliance with DOT, OSHA, and cooperative safety standards. Support receiving, storage, and inventory control, including verifying shipments, inspecting for accuracy and quality, and maintaining organized, safe, and clean plant, warehouse, and loading areas. Assist with seasonal operations, including facility and equipment set up, calibration, maintenance, and shutdown procedures. (25%)

2. Equipment & Facility Maintenance: Perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs on agronomy vehicles, equipment, and facilities under the guidance of the Location Manager. Conduct regular inspections to identify wear, damage, or safety concerns, maintaining accurate records and reporting repair needs promptly to minimize downtime. Participate in cooperative-wide maintenance initiatives, facility upgrades, and seasonal projects, following established procedures, lockout/tagout practices, and housekeeping standards to support safety and operational efficiency. (25%)

3. Product Application & Safety: Follow all Northern Partners Cooperative safety, environmental, and operational policies. Properly handle, store, and dispose of fertilizers, chemicals, and hazardous materials in compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and state regulations. Participate in required safety meetings, training, and certification renewals, maintaining up-to-date inspection logs and documentation. Promote a culture of safety by modeling safe work behaviors, identifying and correcting hazards, and reporting unsafe conditions immediately. Obtain and maintain an Illinois Department of Agriculture Operator and Applicator License, and assist in the accurate mixing, loading, and application of crop protection and fertilizer products, following SDS and cooperative protocols. (25%)

4. Customer Service & Teamwork: Provide courteous, professional service to members, customers, coworkers, vendors, and seasonal staff. Coordinate with agronomy operations facilities and Sales teams to ensure efficient deliveries and issue resolution. Represent Northern Partners Cooperative positively, supporting cooperative-wide initiatives and assisting other divisions—such as grain, energy, and seed—during peak periods or special projects. Contribute to continuous improvement by offering feedback and identifying process enhancements, maintaining a cooperative, team-oriented attitude. (10%)

5. Transportation & Licensing Compliance: Operate cooperative vehicles safely and in compliance with DOT and company regulations. Maintain a valid Class A or B CDL with tanker and hazmat endorsements, adhering to all state and federal transportation and hazardous materials requirements. (10%)

 6. Other: Contributes to additional company and team efforts, projects and initiatives as needed. Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Education:  

• Required – High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Plant Science, Biology, or a related field is a plus.

 Experience:

• Preferred – Prior agricultural, mechanical, or operations experience preferred but not required; training will be provided.

 License/Certification:

• Required – Valid Driver’s License.
• Required - Illinois Pesticide Operator and Applicator License required or must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Required – CDL with tanker and hazmat endorsements required or must be obtained within 2 years of hire (cooperative may assist with training through the company tuition reimbursement program.)

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic understanding of agricultural products, fertilizers, crop protection, and seasonal agronomy operations, is a plus.
• Ability to safely operate, maintain, and perform minor repairs on heavy equipment, including forklifts, tenders, sprayers, and spreaders, is a plus.
• Knowledge of proper chemical handling, storage, transportation, and disposal practices in compliance with DOT, OSHA, EPA, and state regulations, is a plus.
• Proficient in using smartphones, tablets, and computers for inventory tracking, work logging, and accessing SOPs.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills when measuring, blending, loading, and documenting products.
• Capable of following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintaining compliance with all safety and environmental regulations.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to interact with coworkers, customers, and vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments, including agronomy, grain, seed, and energy.
•  Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills to identify and resolve operational or equipment issues.
• Adaptable to seasonal workload changes, varying weather conditions, and extended work hours during peak periods.
• Ability to operate GPS and precision agriculture tools for field operations and product applications.
• Physically able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. or more, stand for extended periods, and perform labor-intensive tasks outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Commitment to safe work practices, hazard reporting, and promoting a safety-focused culture.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain all required licenses and certifications, including CDL with tanker and hazmat endorsements and pesticide applicator/operator licenses.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills to balance workloads and meet deadlines effectively.

 Environmental Conditions:

• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, wind, and precipitation.
• Duties may occur during early mornings, evenings, or extended hours during peak seasonal periods.
• Exposure to agricultural products, including fertilizers, crop protection chemicals, treated seed, and related odors or residues.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when handling chemicals, treated seed, or performing maintenance tasks.
• Exposure to dust, pollen, and airborne particulates from grain, seed, and fertilizer operations.
• Work performed near moving machinery, heavy equipment, and vehicle traffic in plant or field environments.
• Periodic exposure to loud noise from equipment, trucks, or plant operations requiring hearing protection.
• Surfaces may be uneven, wet, muddy, or slippery, increasing risk of slips, trips, and falls.
• May include entry into confined spaces or storage areas, requiring adherence to safety procedures and permits.
• Handling and storage of hazardous materials in compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and state safety regulations.
• Potential exposure to dust, fumes, chemicals, electrical hazards, and agricultural wildlife (insects, rodents, etc.).
• Travel between cooperative locations, customer sites, and fields is required, often on rural or unpaved roads.

 Physical Demands and Requirements:  

Strenuous – lifting of 75 # or more:

• Ability to stand, walk, or move continuously for extended periods during plant, warehouse, and field operations.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching while operating or maintaining equipment and handling products.
• Regular lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of items up to 50 lbs.; occasional lifting of up to 100 lbs. with assistance or mechanical aids.
• Ability to climb ladders, steps, and equipment to access tanks, machinery, or elevated platforms safely.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate tools, controls, and precision equipment for loading, blending, and maintenance tasks.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, and heavy machinery.
• Visual acuity and depth perception sufficient to read labels, instructions, and digital displays and to perform detailed work accurately.
• Hearing ability adequate to communicate effectively in person and via radios, alarms, or headsets in noisy environments.
• Ability to wear and use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, respirators, hearing protection, and protective clothing.
• Physical stamina to perform repetitive tasks and sustain productivity in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to maintain balance and stability while working on uneven, slippery, or rough surfaces.
• Capacity to detect and identify odors associated with agricultural products and chemicals when required for safety.
• Ability to enter, exit, and maneuver safely around vehicles, confined spaces, storage areas, and field environments.
• Willingness and ability to work in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and humidity.
• Tolerance for exposure to dust, chemicals, and agricultural particulates with appropriate safety measures.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, holidays, and alternate shifts during seasonal or peak operations.

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
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans
• Defined Benefit Co-op Retirement Pension Plan 
• $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

Additional Information:

Northern Partners Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law. All information provided will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

No agencies or 3rd party vendors.