Lead Agronomist

Loftus Ranches is seeking a highly motivated Lead Agronomist to join our growing agronomy team in Yakima, Washington. This role combines applied agricultural research, precision agriculture, crop production management, integrated pest management (IPM), irrigation management, fertility planning, and specialty crop agronomy across thousands of acres of production agriculture.

As a premier hop-growing operation with more than a century of agricultural excellence, Loftus Ranches is committed to advancing sustainable, profitable crop production through innovation, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement. The Lead Agronomist will play a key role in developing research programs, supporting farm operations, and improving crop performance across hops, apples, and other high-value specialty crops.

Reporting directly to the VP of Agronomy, this position offers a unique opportunity to blend scientific research with practical field application while helping shape the future of specialty crop production in the Pacific Northwest.

What We Offer

• Competitive annual salary of $75,000-$105,000, depending on experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunity with an 8% target bonus
• Company-provided vehicle for business and commuting use
• Company-provided cell phone
• Relocation assistance of $5,000
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
• Employee insurance contributions ranging from approximately $60-$70 per pay period
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% company match
• Two weeks of paid vacation plus the week between Christmas and New Year's
• Vacation increases to three weeks after five years and four weeks after ten years of service
• Paid sick leave accrued throughout the year
• Opportunity to work with industry-leading agronomy professionals and cutting-edge agricultural technologies
• Long-term career growth within a respected and innovative agricultural operation

Key Responsibilities

Agricultural Research & Precision Agronomy (40%)

• Design, implement, and manage field and greenhouse research trials focused on crop production, fertility management, pest management, irrigation strategies, and agronomic best practices.
• Analyze research data using sound statistical methods and communicate findings to agronomy, operations, and leadership teams.
• Stay current on advancements in agronomy, crop science, horticulture, and agricultural technology, applying relevant findings to improve farm performance.
• Lead and enhance precision agriculture initiatives, including soil sampling programs, soil mapping, data collection, and variable-rate application strategies.
• Identify opportunities to improve crop yields, quality, resource efficiency, and overall farm profitability through research-driven recommendations.

Crop Production & Agronomy Operations (60%)

• Develop and communicate practical fertility, crop nutrition, and integrated pest management (IPM) recommendations for hops, apples, and other specialty crops.
• Conduct crop scouting, monitor pest and disease pressure, and support real-time agronomic decision-making throughout the growing season.
• Develop irrigation schedules and monitor irrigation performance to maximize crop health, yield potential, and water-use efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with farm managers and operations teams to ensure agronomic recommendations align with labor, equipment, and operational realities.
• Maintain accurate agronomic records, application data, field histories, geospatial mapping information, and farm databases.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on production efficiency, crop quality, sustainability, and profitability.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a candidate who combines strong technical agronomy knowledge with hands-on field experience and a passion for high-value crop production. The ideal candidate will bring:

Required Qualifications

• Resides in or is willing to relocate to the Yakima area
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in agronomy, horticulture, crop sciences, plant sciences, entomology, biology, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in a supporting role within farm operations, pest scouting, agricultural production, or field research environments
• Experience with hops or other specialty crop production systems
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities throughout the growing season
• Genuine interest in the production and performance of high-value horticultural crops
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions and flexible seasonal hours
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to travel between farm locations using company-provided vehicles
• Legally authorized to work in the United States

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience producing or contributing to high-quality agricultural, agronomy, or horticultural research
• Prior experience managing people, field teams, or agricultural projects
• Exposure to controlled environment agriculture (greenhouse research or production systems)
• Spanish fluency