Agronomist

Fondomonte California is currently recruiting an Agricultural Entomologist/Agronomist to support and provide recommendations related to planting, pest management, irrigation, and condition of soil for a large-scale commercial farm growing alfalfa and other rotational crops.

We have a vertically integrated farming operation that includes growing, harvesting and exporting forage products. Our success depends on our ability to innovate our industry by providing high quality products while building customer confidence, customer trust and reliability. Without our dedicated employees of 300 full-time and 120 seasonal team members, achieving our goals wouldn’t be possible. 

Tremendous opportunity for growth in this role and company. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Analyze crop production to discover and develop best methods of planting, cultivation, harvesting, irrigating, improving crop quality, controlling pests, and effects of various climatic conditions on crops.
• Inspect fields and observe growing plants and harvested crop to determine work requirements such as fertilizing, cultivating, spraying, thinning, weeding, irrigating, harvesting, and drying, according to time of year and condition of soil, plants, and crops.
• Support commercial crop production through regular scouting and hands-on field work
• Assist with fertilizer/chemical management and applications
• Coordinate and oversee custom and in-house applications
• Enter and maintain information pertaining to chemical/fertilizer applications
• Assist with storing management and handling of chemical/fertilizer
• Monitor soil moisture and assist with scheduling irrigation
• Sample plant tissue and soil for fertility management
• Sample soil and assist with fertilizer recommendations.
• Contribute to quality control on farm operations, i.e. cutting and bailing schedules and irrigation system uniformity
• Ongoing familiarization with crop production methods and practices.

Desired Qualifications:

• Proficiency with computers and Windows programs.
• Excellent organizational skills and appreciation for the value of accurate sampling and reporting.
• Familiarity with irrigated crop production desired.
• Background in farming a plus
• Investigative mindset
• Detail oriented
• Proficiency in math
• Experience operating farm equipment is beneficial.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy or closely related field.
• Current Private Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license

Outstanding Benefits plus supplemental plans available:

• On-site Medical Clinic
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health savings account
• Employer Sponsored Life insurance
• 401(k) with employer match of 50% up to 6%
• Paid time off

Physical requirements:

This position works closely with the land and spends a large amount of time in the field. This includes:

• Walking and working outdoors in the elements.
• Regular driving across the farm(s)
• Ability to lift, carry, reach, push, and/or pull; climb and balance; stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl
• Ability to lift 40+lbs and work in the field, an outdoor environment, or shop

Fondomonte is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status.