THE ORGANIZATION
Our client, The Little Potato Company, began its journey in 1996 with the owners (Jacob and Angela – father and daughter) wanting to be able to produce little creamer potatoes, like what Jacob knew from his Dutch roots. They grew their first acre by hand; planting, weeding, harvesting, and washing it themselves. They then packed them into the back of Angela’s hatchback, setting off to farmers markets and restaurants. The potatoes were popular with chefs early on, with one of their first accounts being the Banff Springs Hotel. Jacob and Angela bought their first plant in 2000 and with their continued success, have expanded to increasingly larger facilities over the years with their current production facility located in west Edmonton. With further expansion and growth across Canada and into the United States, LPC partnered with a co-packing plant in PEI and opened a second production plant in DeForest, Wisconsin. Today, Angela leads the organization as CEO and Jacob runs a research and breeding company for little potatoes. The Little Potato Company has grown to have products on store shelves in every Province in Canada and State in the United States and operates with over 360 employees across Canada and the United States.

The Little Potato Company continues to experience growth year over year and continue to be the market leading producer of Creamer potatoes. They continue to set their sights high with their purpose being to “Save the Potato. Feed the World, better” where “everyone, everywhere deserves to have healthy, great food”. At The Little Potato Company, they believe in living by a set of deeply held core values representing both their history and how they strive to live every day to make the world a better place. The core values that guide their corporate family are:

Importance of Family:  We are a family-based Company and since our prime support comes from our family, we encourage a healthy work-life balance. We honour the place that family has in our employees’ lives.

Go Beyond:  We acknowledge that employees come to us with their own experience and resources.  We support and encourage our employees to go beyond what they bring, beyond what they envision they can do, and certainly beyond a mere job description. We trust in our employees’ passion and creativity so that they can extend themselves not just for the Company, but for themselves.

Elevate others:  We are a diverse and inclusive work environment that embraces new ideas and ways of doing. When we enhance another by recognizing their skills and expertise we contribute to an overall feeling of worth.

Down To Earth:  We are approachable and recognize the common humanity of all.  We do not pretend to be other than what we are. Whether we are in the office, in the plant, in the field or with a customer we are approachable, genuine, and warm.

Do What You Say:  We walk our talk. Being honest and impeccable really means that we waste no time in pretending, glossing over, or making unfounded promises.  We are reliable, accountable and our words communicate an actual reality.

It is a great time to join The Little Potato Company as they continue to grow and be a North American producer of their unique, healthy, and delicious Little Potatoes! For further information on The Little Potato Company, please visit their website at www.littlepotatoes.com.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to the Director of Agronomy, the Variety Commercialization Agronomist will be responsible for leading the research trial program for the agronomic improvement of The Little Potato Company (LPC) proprietary varieties within North America. The position requires a high level of competency in agriculture research, potato agronomy and variety selection. The ideal candidate possesses strong statistical and analytical skills, has 5-10 years experience in potato research and works well in a collaborative hands-on, team environment. The primary focus of this role is to ensure the successful commercialization and improvement of our proprietary varieties by conducting agronomic research and developing variety specific best management practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain agronomic profiles and best management practices for all LPC proprietary varieties
• Educate Agriculture team and contract growers on new variety characteristics and best management practices
• Assist agronomists in developing agronomy plans for new varieties
• Conduct agronomic research trials on new and existing varieties
• Conduct post season reviews of new commercial varieties
• Conduct test trials of new varieties in packing facilities
• Liaise with LPC’s Variety & Product Development Manager to ensure alignment on variety development priorities
• Develop and manage company agriculture research and best management practices database
• Represent LPC at various local, national & international technical conferences
• Conduct agronomic trials on all Stage 4 lines at a precommercial and commercial scale to assist in the development of tailored agronomy plans, production plans and contracts
• Lead and facilitate the development of annual research priorities in each of the regions
• Participate on the Variety Development Team
• Support seed production planning process on New Variety BMP’s

FIRST YEAR – MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Take full ownership of the research program under the direction of the Director, Agronomy utilizing current processes, building on them as required, managing the budget, and ensuring all projects are managed effectively with results.
• Build relationships with the internal team and external partners becoming a trusted advisor of the business.
• Conduct trials, gather data, report conclusions, disseminate information internally to the business, stakeholders, and growers; achieve new variety commercialization, yield and quality targets.
• Execute annual research plans within budget
• Live the values of The Little Potato Company

THE INDIVIDUAL
Given the pivotal role this individual will be expected to play in achieving the strategic objectives of the company and in supporting the success of the organization, it is essential that the successful candidate possess the following core competencies, experience, and attributes:

Education

• Masters or PhD in Plant Science ideal with a bachelor’s degree in plant science or agriculture being considered
• Equivalent work experience will be considered in lieu of education
• Professional Agrologist Designation or eligibility

Experience

• 5-10 years experience preferred specifically in potato, horticulture or field research, agronomy and or potato breeding;

Competencies and Knowledge

• Competency in research trial design and statistical analysis
• Ability to collaborate with internal staff and external collaborators.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Effective time management skills.
• Excellent oral, written and communication skills
• Proven ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Proficiency in statistical analysis
• Proficiency in the use of computers and Microsoft office programs.
• Ability to work in outdoor conditions (fields and storage)
• Ability to lift 50 lb samples
• Driver’s license required.
• Ability to travel 25-30% of the time

Personal Profile

• Self- starter
• Highly accountable
• Respectful of others
• Positive attitude and energy
• Strategic and operational performer
• Highly collaborative
• Hands on personality
• Statistically and analytically inclined
• Critical thinker with problem solving skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and without supervision
• A positive attitude when faced with adversarial situations
• Exhibits sound judgment

COMPENSATION
An excellent compensation package awaits the successful candidate.

LOCATION

Stratford, Prince Edward Island is the preferred location with Edmonton, Alberta or Wisconsin, USA being considered.

HOW TO APPLY
For the opportunity to join Little Potato Company in the role of Variety Commercialization Agronomist, please email your resume to DreamBig@profoundtalent.com referencing Position ID #AJVR-602412.

Should you have an inquiry regarding this position, please contact Stacey Laing at 587-200-0114 ext. 104.

For further information on ProFound Talent Inc. please visit: www.profoundtalent.com

* We thank all applicants for your submissions, however only candidates being considered for this role will be contacted. *