Field Market Development Specialist - Valent U.S.A. LLC

About us: 

Valent U.S.A. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited, engages in the development, registration, sales, and marketing of integrated technological solutions for crop production and pest management that deliver value for our customers and stakeholders. A leading crop protection firm serving the agricultural and non-crop products markets in North America, Valent products help growers produce safe and abundant food and fiber crops, and horticultural professionals improve the quality of life for their customers. The corporate motto, Products That Work, From People Who Care®, describes the company's business philosophy. Valent seeks out and provides customers with innovative and effective solutions to their production challenges. Our vision is to be the best company delivering integrated solutions of biorational and traditional crop protection solutions to our customers. Valent is dedicated to creating a world that is healthier and more comfortable, and that has a sustainable abundance of quality, affordable food, helping crops to be the ultimate renewable resource.

General Description:

The position initiates, directs and executes all scientific research and/or development strategies for the company through critical individual studies for the development and launch of Valent USA LLC’s robust conventional, sustainable, and organic pipeline.  The position operates as a local area expert for the products and crops grown in the area.   The position is two-fold in focus with Technical Service Representation for both internal and external influencers and Field market development of various pesticides and plant growth regulators for advancing crop production.   The position requires the application of a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems in the field research of crop pesticides and crop enhancement  products.   Actively plans and executes multiple field research projects for  multiple active ingredients.  The position requires maintaining and expanding upon a broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.  The position may utilize research findings to the contribution of scientific literature and conferences.  The position may act as spokesperson on corporate research and development and advise top management of the potential for their findings.  Participation in the development of patent applications.   Interfaces with various departments at Valent including marketing and sales.  Provides technical service  and market support to the sales group and  territory account managers and sustainable solutions specialists in the assigned geography.  Uses professional concepts to contribute to the development of company concepts and principles and to achieve objectives in creative and effective ways. Operates within the guidelines and according to the safety rules of Valent and Sumitomo.  

Principal Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and conduct research trials with in-depth knowledge of agronomic and crop factors in the assigned territory for development of new products and uses (not labeled) per the product business plan.  Utilization of Valent’s internal research software and database and become proficient in the procedures to develop/edit study protocols and track/report results.
• Conduct sales/market support trials using a wide range of crop/market knowledge and experience with key influential person (KIP) university cooperators, distributor research field staff,  independent and retail pest control advisors, and growers.   This includes both product demonstration and small plot replicated studies. Investigate potential product complaints, exercise sound judgement in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria to determine workable solutions to resolve problems and maintain product integrity. 
• Develop and maintain key relationships with important market influencers in assigned territory (including university research & extension personnel, commodity representatives, state and local government employees, growers/producers and pest control advisors). Work closely with Sustainable Solutions Business Unit team to create sustainable strategies and tactics and help to develop relationships with KIP growers and Grower-Crop and/or Consultant Associations. Assist with product recommendations, labeling, and center of influence (COI) support within the territory.  Communicate actionable information to pertinent departments within the organization as required.
• Develop PowerPoint presentations for product technical information and updates on key findings.  Utilize literature by exercising in-depth knowledge of agronomics to support product label(s) for use at university, professional society, sales, Grower / Producer and consultant meetings. Review proposed label and advertising copy to ensure technical soundness of product use based on complex issues (efficacy, residues, phytotoxicity, competitor product lines, tank mix partners, etc.).
• Lead/serve on Sales and marketing teams by contributing with a wide range of experiences and the use of professional concepts and adherence to company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.
• Develop strong working relationships with Valent Territory Account Managers (TAMs) and Regional Business Manager within the assigned territory. 

Qualifications:

• Master of Science (MS) with 4 – 8 years of related experience in Agriculture or a Ph.D. Degree in biological/plant sciences.
• Customer focused, interpersonal skills and Teamwork oriented. Required to interact with a large range of internal employees/departments and external customers and must be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills.  Internal contacts include the Regional Business Manager, Field Market Development Manager, Marketing Management, Product Development Managers, Territory Account Managers, Sustainable Solutions representatives, Quality Assurance, Research and Regulatory Affairs, Formulations, Residue Chemistry, Agricultural Research Center(s) Personnel, Research Manager and other Field market Development Specialists.  
• External contacts include University and Extension personnel, Private Research companies and Scientists, Independent PCAs and crop Consultants, Distributor PCAs, farmers, the press, ad agencies, commodity group personnel and local County Agricultural Commissioner’s/staff, and California Department of Pesticide regulations for application of Research Authorizations.
• Proficiency in using Excel, Word, and Data base software (Access). Ability to address issues and solve problems in an agricultural environment, prompt and articulate communication skills, with attention to a detail-oriented summation of an issue(s).  Ability to evaluate and provide succinct interpretation of data.  Ability to use field and analytical equipment/instruments and provide basic maintenance and repairs remotely as necessary. 
• Ability to work remotely within the assigned territory with little or no direct supervision.
• Physical/Safety Requirements: Travel long distances in a vehicle and airplane.  Required overnight travel approximately 10-50% depending on season and regional demands.   Lift a minimum of 50 lbs.   Required to hold a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.  Able to work outdoors in adverse (heat, cold, etc.) conditions.  
• Must have or be able to obtain Qualified Applicator License (QAL) and have a Pest Control Advisors (PCA) license issued by the CA Department of Pesticide Regulation (CADPR). 

Physical Demands and Work Environment (FIELD Position)

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those operations that an employee must be able to perform within to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Physical Demands include constant walking, standing, bending at the neck and waist, squatting, climbing, kneeling, crawling, twisting at the neck and waist, simple grasping, power grasping, and fine manipulation with hands, pushing and pulling with hands, reaching above shoulder level, and lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.; also frequent lifting and carrying of up to 75 lbs., occasional sitting and lifting and carrying of up to 100+ lbs.   Travel by air or car up to 50% of the time and will be required to drive safely for long distances.
• Work Environment includes exposure to or working in or around moving vehicles, Farm equipment including trucks, tractors, forklifts, harvest equipment and machinery.  Office and field computer use of a keyboard and mouse.  Ability to work on uneven ground.  Work around excessive noise and potential extremes in ambient temperature and humidity and/or wetness as well as being subjected to dust from field harvest operations.   Exposure to fumes and/or pesticides/chemicals while utilizing Personal Protection Equipment as required by the safety Data Sheet and/or product label.  Exposure to venomous insects and animals may be encountered.   Operation of equipment using foot controls and/or repetitive foot movement.   Wearing special visual (safety glasses) or auditory protective equipment (ear plugs or hearing protection) .  Requirement to be able to work outdoors in an agricultural crop field. Direct and or/assist in putting out demonstration plots, while wearing a respirator and other personal protection equipment while applying pesticides to research test plots and or field demonstrations.  
• Frequency Definitions:  Constant = Over 40% / Frequent = Up to 40% / Occasional = Up to 10%

What We Offer:

You’ll enjoy competitive compensation, consisting of base pay plus an incentive program available to all eligible full-time employees, and a comprehensive benefits package including high-quality healthcare options, 401k matching, life and disability insurance, generous time off (with time off to volunteer) and much more! Additionally, we offer several Flexible Work Arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

We work together to power our sustainable future. Here's what drives us: Valent U.S.A. LLC has a strong commitment to both sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). In fact, being a responsible corporate citizen has been ingrained in our culture since the company’s founding. Today, it remains at the forefront of everything we do.

• Valent U.S.A. LLC is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

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