Agronomy Operations & Maintenance Technician

Join a Growing Team at Northern Partners Cooperative!

We're hiring an Agronomy Operations & Maintenance Technician at our Ottawa, IL facility!

If you enjoy operating ag equipment like sprayers and fertilizer spreaders, working outdoors, and supporting local growers, we want to hear from you.

• Operate agronomy equipment

• Assist with fertilizer & chemical applications

• Perform equipment maintenance

• Work with a great ag team

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 &…