RTK Data Lead

Type: Full-Time

Department: Agronomy

Why Ag Partners? We are a strong member-owned cooperative serving producers, communities, homeowners and businesses across Southern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Join our growing team! This position has above industry standard wages, plus overtime during the peak season, and bonus potential.

All employees 18 and older can join the 401(k) retirement plan and receive company match. Full-Time employees are eligible for profit-sharing, medical, dental, vision, PTO, company paid short- and long-term disability benefits, basic life, and a yearly clothing allowance.

Job Summary:

The RTK Data Lead is a key technical expert responsible for organizing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive program at Ag Partners that establishes the effective use of Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) boundary and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technologies to improve the efficiency and accuracy of our application machines and ensure high-quality applications.

As the primary project lead, you will drive our precision application initiative by coordinating with AYS staff, industry tech representatives, operational users, Agronomy department management, sales staff, and growers. Your expertise will help develop, equip, and train our teams so they can use these advanced technologies confidently and effectively. This is not an all-encompassing list of duties and other duties may be added with business needs.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Program leadership: lead the development and implementation of RTK data collection and use by overseeing all aspects from creating boundaries to maintaining and distributing files for field use.
Training and development: design and deliver user training programs that empower users to competently use this technology with confidence. Help users make adjustments to ensure quality application and maintain data accuracy.
On-site support & communication: build and maintain an on-site support network by identifying a go-to resource at each location. Work with these contacts to ensure they can effectively answer day-to-day user questions and resolve technical issues. Collaborate closely with them to standardize communications and maintain high operational standards, ensuring all team members can relay and receive consistent, reliable information.
Boundary creation and management: develop and lead a team focused on creating field boundaries. Prioritize and assign boundary creation tasks and ensure consistent standards to maximize production quality. Oversee the creation, maintenance, and prepare files for distribution and machine use.
Equipment oversight: manage the setup, routine maintenance, and necessary repairs of equipment used to create boundaries.
Technological advancement: stay current with emerging precision agriculture technologies. Identify opportunities to integrate new advancements that can improve productivity and operations or unlock new marketing opportunities for Ag Partners.
Evaluate processes: collaborate with users and management to continuously evaluate existing processes, identify deficiencies, and suggest effective improvements.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP): collaborate with department team members to develop and communicate clear SOPs.
Performance reporting: prepare and present regular reports to Agronomy management outlining progress, challenges, timelines, goals, and achievements.
Follow safety rules, procedures, and DOT rules and regulations.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Exceptional communication: demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to foster clear and effective engagement with AYS staff, industry tech representatives, operational users, Agronomy department management, sales staff, and growers.
Attention to detail: maintain a commitment to accuracy with a specific focus on application quality and consistency; handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Problem-solving: proactively identify and resolve inadequacies in existing processes and procedures with a solutions-oriented approach.
Strong leadership skills with a consistently positive attitude to drive this initiative to success. Motivate others to make significant contributions to the initiative’s success.
Adaptability and availability: willing and available to work evening and weekend hours during peak seasons and as business demands.
Highly organized, efficient, and capable of adapting to changing priorities effectively.
Proficient in GIS systems and technology, with in-depth knowledge of major manufacturer technology platforms, equipment, and offerings, specifically John Deere Operations Center and Raven (Slingshot, AFS Connect, etc.). Ability to quickly learn, evaluate, and compare other potential future platforms.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (or similar software) and quick to learn internal computer software programs, including AgVantage Edge and any future ERP systems. Stay current with custom application related programs.
Able to effectively work in a team or independently, while consistently demonstrating personal responsibility and accountability for job performance.

Education and Experience:

5 + years of experience in custom application, specifically spraying, with a track record of high-quality applications, including in-depth knowledge of current application machine offerings, technology, and platforms, or similar experience and knowledge with GIS/RTK technology.
Must have and maintain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s license.
Must have a valid Class D driver’s license, a DOT health card, and maintain eligibility to operate commercial vehicles; this role will participate in the random DOT drug screen program.
2 + years leadership or supervisory experience, or proven experiences demonstrating the ability to effectively lead projects or teams.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to work near moving equipment, outside and inside, in all weather conditions.
Frequently stand, walk, and move across uneven ground or sloped land.
Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch to access equipment and complete tasks. Manual dexterity to operate small tools, connect cables, and use technology equipment.
Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Regularly required to speak, hear, see, and use hands/fingers.
Frequent travel between locations required.