Grain Marketing Specialist Trainee

Agtegra Cooperative is headquartered in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and is one of the nation’s largest locally-owned agricultural cooperatives. It is owned by over 7,000 farmers and ranchers, predominantly in North and South Dakota, with a network of over 70 locations and over 850 employees.  At Agtegra, our mission is simple: ‘Do something great for my farm and family that nobody else will do.’ To accomplish this, Agtegra offers diverse career opportunities where employees can grow and work in their local communities.  Your personal and professional needs matter here – which is why we offer a variety of competitive benefits to employees, including healthcare and retirement, generous paid-time-off (PTO), family leave, and a clothing allowance just to name a few.  It’s not just a job at Agtegra – it’s a place where we invite all employees to Start Here. Grow Here.     POSITION SUMMARY    The Grain Marketing Specialist Trainee in Alpena, SD is responsible to learn and get exposed to grain origination and operations by participating in activities that involve but not limited to buying grain in and around their designated trade area, initiating  and developing business relationships with identified customers, identifying and contacting prospective customers, working face-to-face with grain producers on the farm, providing a clear and consistent message to Agtegra’s patrons, working with Product Line Managers and operation personal aiding in grain flow planning at the location level and helping each location meet profitability goals.   KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  * Participating in training activities focusing on the essential skills needed to be a successful Grain Marketing Specialist facilitated by the Area Origination Manager * Effectively and efficiently procuring grain from area producers into Agtegra grain elevator system, focusing on both volume and gross margin objectives.  * Developing long-term business relationships with targeted customers by customizing Agtegra’s programs and tools to the individual customer’s needs, along with identifying and promoting value with the intent of maximizing mutual value for both the customer and Agtegra. * Understanding and following Agtegra’s grain contracting procedures as well as National Grain and Feed Association Trade and Arbitration Rules in daily grain contract activity. * Communicating effectively with customers, via direct and electronic means (i.e. test messaging, e-mail, newsletters, social media, etc.), and with others in the Grain Department to: originate grain, introduce Agtegra’s programs and risk management tools, assist producers in developing/monitoring marketing plans, define customers’ needs, etc. * Tracking and communicating producer trends, marketing plans, crop conditions, wants/needs/concerns to the appropriate people within Agtegra’s organization. * Utilizing and maintaining detailed records on the targeted customers to enhance the understanding of customers’ needs and the unique characteristics of their operations.  * Participating and assisting in the planning and execution of the Grain Origination team strategy, business plans, and marketing efforts. * Participating and assisting in hedge desk activities and responsibilities   * Learning and understanding FOB bids and freight spreads that are utilized to procure grain and enhance margins. * Adheres to all safety regulations, requirements, policies and procedures, including OSHA regulations, the vehicle policy and fleet safety program, and DOT regulations.    REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  * Associate’s Degree (A.A) or equivalent from two-college or technical school; or one year to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  * Valid driver’s license. * Must be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.  * English Proficiency  * Must be 18 years or older.  * Strong communication and listening skills. * Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.  * Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. * Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.  * Proficient in Microsoft Office (M.S. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).    The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor.   * This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling and reaching with hands and arms. * Work has standard vision requirements. * Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. * Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. * Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.    Agtegra Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer.