Agronomist Role Overview

The Andersons, Inc. seeks an experienced Agronomist to join our Iowa-based remote team, delivering expert agronomic guidance across the state's vast agricultural landscape. This pivotal role combines technical expertise with customer-focused service, driving specialty product sales through field demonstrations, research leadership, and comprehensive training programs. As a remote Agronomist in Iowa, you'll leverage your deep knowledge of crop nutrition, soil science, and precision agriculture to empower farmers and sales teams statewide.

Iowa's fertile corn and soybean fields represent the heartland of American agriculture, and The Andersons positions you at the forefront of innovation. Serving as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for our specialty products, you'll accompany Agricultural Territory Managers on critical field visits, showcasing product performance without pricing responsibilities. Your role extends to designing and leading research trials that generate actionable insights, training diverse sales audiences, and providing tailored nutrient management recommendations grounded in 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles.

This position demands a seasoned professional capable of independent operation, complex problem-solving, and acting as a resource for colleagues. With 50%+ travel across Iowa's agricultural regions, you'll bridge the gap between cutting-edge agronomic science and practical farm application, contributing to product innovation and sustainable practices that enhance yields and environmental stewardship.

A Day in the Life of an Iowa Agronomist at The Andersons

Your day begins remotely from your Iowa home office, reviewing soil test results and trial data from overnight sensors. By mid-morning, you're en route to a major corn grower near Ames, Iowa, accompanying a Territory Manager to demonstrate foliar nutrient applications. On-site, you scout fields, interpret tissue samples, and recommend precision prescriptions using variable rate technology.

Afternoon brings virtual training sessions for Farm Center teams in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, covering competitive product comparisons and 4R application strategies. Post-training, you analyze research trial data from replicated plots, preparing marketing-ready summaries that highlight Andersons' product advantages. Evenings involve strategic calls with R&D teams, sharing field insights from Iowa's diverse soil types and weather patterns that inform national product development.

Weekly, you lead field days for prospects near Sioux City, Iowa, showcasing trial results that demonstrate 5-10 bushel yield improvements. Your calendar balances customer consultations, internal collaborations, and innovation brainstorming—embodying the autonomy expected at this senior level while driving measurable business impact across Iowa's $30+ billion agriculture economy.

Why Iowa for Your Agronomy Career

Iowa stands as America's agricultural powerhouse, producing over 2.5 billion bushels of corn and 600 million bushels of soybeans annually across 33 million acres. This remote Agronomist role positions you perfectly to serve the world's most progressive farming communities, from family operations in the rolling hills of Northeast Iowa to large-scale producers in the Northwest's fertile loam soils.

Des Moines offers urban sophistication with a burgeoning ag-tech scene, while rural communities provide authentic farm connections. Iowa's central location facilitates efficient statewide travel, with major highways connecting key ag regions. The state's $125 billion agriculture impact creates unmatched career stability, while remote flexibility lets you base from anywhere—whether Marshalltown's family-friendly communities or Iowa City's academic vibrancy.

The Andersons' Iowa presence spans grain facilities, farm centers, and research partnerships, giving you unparalleled access to real-world applications. Iowa farmers embrace innovation, creating receptive markets for specialty products and sustainable practices you champion daily.

Career Growth Opportunities

The Andersons invests heavily in agronomy talent development. High performers advance to Regional Agronomy Manager roles overseeing multi-state teams, Technical Services Director positions shaping national strategies, or Product Development leadership driving R&D pipelines. Many Iowa Agronomists progress to corporate roles in Maumee, Ohio headquarters, leveraging field expertise for strategic impact.

Internal mobility spans agribusiness, renewables, and corporate functions. Mentorship programs pair you with senior leaders, while tuition reimbursement supports CCA, CPAg certifications or Master's degrees. Research leadership positions you for thought leadership through publications, industry speaking, and patent contributions—accelerating your trajectory within this $5B+ agriculture leader.

Compensation and Benefits Package

The Andersons offers competitive compensation reflecting Iowa's cost advantages and your specialized expertise. Total rewards include performance bonuses tied to sales growth and trial successes, plus comprehensive benefits exceeding industry standards. Remote work eliminates commuting costs while maintaining full travel reimbursements.

Health packages feature low premiums, HSA contributions, and wellness incentives. 401(k) matching reaches 6%, with profit-sharing enhancing retirement security. Unlimited PTO structures promote work-life balance, while professional development budgets support certifications and conferences. Iowa's favorable tax climate maximizes take-home pay, making this among the region's most attractive agronomy opportunities.

Company Culture at The Andersons

Guided by our Statement of Principles, The Andersons fosters Purposeful Optimism—balancing bold innovation with principled execution. Iowa teams embody Midwestern values of hard work, community commitment, and customer-first service. Remote culture emphasizes results over face-time, with robust virtual collaboration tools connecting you to 3,000+ colleagues nationwide.

Diversity initiatives create inclusive environments valuing varied farm backgrounds and technical perspectives. Employee resource groups, volunteer opportunities, and community impact programs align with Iowa's tight-knit ethos. Recognition flows through peer awards, President's Club honors, and milestone celebrations—building genuine connections despite remote structures.

How to Apply for Iowa Agronomist Position

Ready to advance your agronomy career with The Andersons? Submit your application through our careers portal, including resume highlighting field experience, research accomplishments, and relevant certifications. Cover letters should address your Iowa agriculture familiarity and passion for sustainable innovation.

Qualified candidates receive prompt recruiter contact for virtual interviews. Phone screens assess technical knowledge, followed by technical panels evaluating trial design capabilities and customer scenarios. Finalists present case studies to leadership, with offers extended within two weeks. Background checks and references verify your field reputation. Join our Iowa team transforming agriculture—apply today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this truly remote, or hybrid? Fully remote within Iowa, with 50%+ field travel to customer locations and research sites statewide.

Q: What travel is involved? Expect 50-70% travel across Iowa, with company vehicle, mileage reimbursement, and per diem for overnight stays.

Q: Are certifications required? CCA or CPAg preferred but not mandatory—tuition assistance available for certification pursuit.

Q: What's the typical career progression? Many advance to Regional Manager (2-3 years), Technical Director (4-5 years), or corporate R&D roles.