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Agronomy Operations Manager Trainee at The DeLong Co., Inc.

The DeLong Co., Inc. Elkhorn, WI $60,000 - $90,000/year

Job Description


Location: W6406 County Road A, USA, Elkhorn, WI, 53121
Employee Type: Full Time - Exempt

Description

Agronomy Operations Manager Trainee

Job Description:

The Agronomy Operations Manager Trainee will develop the knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities required to manage an agronomy facility. This role supports day-to-day agronomy operations while receiving structured training in operations management, safety, logistics, inventory control, equipment oversight, and team leadership. The trainee will progressively assume increased responsibility in preparation for an Agronomy Operations Manager role.

Benefits:
  • The DeLong Co., Inc. offers affordable Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx and Life insurance coverage.
  • 401k with matching, FSA and Dependent Care Accounts
  • Short Term Disability, Voluntary Life and Voluntary Long Term Disability


LOCATION: Elkhorn, WI

HOURS: Full-Time day shift, 40 hours a week with extended hours in the Spring and Fall

PAY: $60k-$90k based on experience

Essential Job Functions of an Agronomy Operations Manager Trainee:

  • Assist with managing the day-to-day activities of the agronomy location.
  • Support dispatching and coordination of fertilizer, chemical, and application equipment during peak seasons
  • Assist with facility-specific projects to ensure operational readiness and efficiency
  • Assist in overseeing maintenance, safety, and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)
  • Learn and comply with all applicable state and federal regulations including DATCP, EPA, DOT, and OSHA
  • Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and service by building strong, trust-based relationships with customers through reliability, and agronomic support
  • Assist in identifying customer and operational needs and communicate them to management
  • Demonstrate commitment to serving farmers and agricultural partners in a timely and professional manner
  • Stay informed on new agronomy technologies, products, and operational practices
  • Other duties as assigned


Requirements

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
  • Pass the applicators exam and obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicators License within 6 months (Willing to help train).
  • 1+ years of experience in agronomy, agriculture operations, or related field preferred
  • Previous experience in fertilizer, chemical, and seed products
  • Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn equipment operation and maintenance
  • Utilize Agvance and automated blending systems
  • 1+ year of leadership, training, or supervisory experience preferred.
  • High School diploma or equivalent Preferred Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture Management, or related field
  • Valid CDL (Class A or B) or ability to obtain
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety
  • Willingness to work long hours during peak seasons
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs., climb ladders, and work outdoors in various weather conditions
  • Effective communication skills and ability to work in a team environment
  • Valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance


Compensation details: 0



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$60k - $90k is competitive for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers nationally

National salary averages
$60k - $90k
↑ 10% vs typical entry-level
Entry
Mid
Senior
This job
$52k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $157k

Top performers earn significantly more—skill and negotiation matter.

Senior roles pay 69% more than entry—experience is well rewarded.

Hot hiring, constrained wages

Employers are hiring actively, but pay hasn't caught up with demand. Focus on competing offers and non-salary benefits.

Hiring leverage
Lean candidate
Wage leverage âš  Disconnect
Limited
Mobility
High mobility
Durability
High fragility

Why this market feels harder than it looks

This market is hiring aggressively, but compensation hasn't caught up, most openings are backfilling churn, not expansion and many compete as freelancers. Employers are filling roles, but not bidding wages up.

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options, Remote-capable workers
Weaker for: Entry-level candidates, Career switchers

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

Wage disconnect: Hiring is active but pay hasn't responded—negotiate on other terms.
63% self-employed: Traditional full-time roles may be scarcer.

Don't let hiring headlines mislead you—focus on concrete offers. Your leverage may be less durable than it appears—move decisively.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Expertise pays off

Limited new roles, but specialists earn significantly more.

-1%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
63% work independently—freelance or consulting is viable.
85,500 openings projected annually—mostly replacing retirees and turnover.
Typical: High school diploma or equivalent

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024