Employment

Position Summary
Michigan Agricultural Commodities is seeking a full-time Grain Merchant for the Marlette location. The Marlette facility is located in the “Heart of the Thumb” offering an ideal location for both truck and rail transportation for the local market. MAC is a progressive leader in the grain industry, continually investing in our facilities and employees to expand our footprint across Michigan. The ideal individual for this role will have experience or interest in agricultural grain merchandising, demonstrating a desire to utilize skills to positively impact the company and customers.

General Description: This position focuses on grain originations and merchandising for a specific MAC facility in the Thumb market. Position is required to adhere to MAC’s risk policy. They assist in obtaining market intel, building plans with and providing bids to customers, and acquiring grain into the facility location. Merchandiser will build collaborative relationships with the other Thumb Merchant and customers as well as maintain a working, proficient knowledge of grain markets.

Scope of Responsibilities

• Assist customers in building and maintaining a grain marketing plan with MAC
• Originate grain into facility. Main crops are corn, soybeans, and wheat.  Other markets include feed market commodities, oats, rye, IP soybeans, and dry beans.
• Review market information to enhance knowledge and understanding of grain markets.
• Track customer and contracting information and produce customer contracts through CRM.
• Foster and build team atmosphere between Marlette/Brown City merchants to grow MAC business

Job Requirements

Marketing

• Build goals and strategies with Vice President of Merchandising, Facility Manager, and the other Thumb Grain Merchant.
• Origination of grain and oilseeds; purchase both delivered to facility and commercial destinations as well as FOB, within proper margin guidelines, policies and procedures as established by the Vice President of Merchandising.
• Maintain thorough and in-depth knowledge of markets and trends, as well as remain capable of making accurate, effective recommendations to producers regarding risk management and contracting strategies
• Assist in development of new originations programs, ensuring customers are properly informed of current programs, prices and trends
• Understand facility grain bids and on-farm grain; assist in setting both delivered and FOB bids
• Make calls and provide education to customers within targeted draw area through implementation of marketing meetings and seminars
• Provide timely bids to MAC customers
• Develop working knowledge of freight and competitor activities
• Assist Lansing in marketing and logistics for the facility

Customer Relations

• Maintain contact with customers to effectively promote business with MAC
• Build and maintain relationships with customers. Make on-site visits.
• Regular phone, e-mail, and personal communication
• Proactively work with producers to institute marketing plans and continually follow up to monitor progress
• Promote farm understanding of operational costs to establish goals and marketing plans
• Maintain customer service, along with pleasant and courteous attitude at all times.
• Follow-up on customer complaints as necessary

Administration

• Review and verify checks/settlements from Office Manager before presenting for Facility Manager signature.
• Effectively communicate with Lansing Hedge Desk and corporate traders, keeping Lansing informed of all grain related merchandising and accounting matters.
• Have a complete understanding of customer status in Agris. Be able to determine accurate contract balances and applications
• Assist in reporting procedures that detail the amount and specific quality of facility inventory
• Assist Facility Manager in budgeting and projections for the facility annual plan
• MAC Customer Relationship Management program
  • Log customer interactions per MAC Merchandising expectations document
  • Develop/maintain current customer call list
  • Utilize information for customer tracking and communication

Shipping & Receiving

• Assist with handling of incoming calls, receiving of product, order preparation, billing and distribution of product as directed
• Assist in scale room, weighing and grading as needed
• Operations assistance as directed by facility manager

Other

• Collaboratively communicate with Marlette & Brown City Staff
• Develop good understanding of local facility offers to enhance value for both customer and MAC
• Adhere to and enforce MAC contract policies.
• Positively represent company and self when interacting with customers and colleagues
• Promote cooperation and communication with fellow employees, customers, and other MAC facilities
• Other duties as assigned

Desired Skills/Competencies

• Demonstrate good personal and communication skills
• Motivation to learn new skills and information
• Organizational and attention to detail required
• Problem analysis and problem-solving mindset
• Customer service skills and positive attitude necessary
• Ability to self-direct and accomplish goals
• Sales or grain/agronomy experience preferred
• A bachelor’s degree in agricultural or business-related discipline or 3-years industry experience is highly desirable, however not required.
• Required: must be able to pass a comprehensive background check and substance screening.

Download Overview ›

Position Summary
Michigan Agricultural Commodities is seeking Visual Observers (VO’s) for an exciting opportunity working with agricultural drones to support drone pilots out of the Middleton location during the summer.  Working long hours and some weekends, they will wear provided PPE and handle chemicals. Background in agriculture or UAV’s is beneficial, but all required training will be provided.

 Working Conditions:

• Seasonal employment                 Hourly wages
• Hours: varied based on workload. Job is weather dependent so may be off on rainy or windy days, however time will include some weekends. Overtime hours as assigned. Schedule to be determined by supervisor.
• Meals and lodging covered while traveling. All required PPE provided.

Supervision: This position is a hands-on job. Supervisor: Agronomy Sales Lead; Drone Pilots provide additional direction.

Job Requirements:

• Safety: It is the policy of MAC to provide a safe and healthy workplace. Operations will require the wearing of protective gear, such as hazmat suits and respirators. The ability to perform all tasks in a safe manner and in accordance with company policy is essential. All company policies and procedures to be followed.
• Operations:
  • Assist in setup/teardown at operation location following Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Constantly scan skies and ground for hazards, maintaining visual line of sight.
  • Assist in pre-flight procedures and mission understanding.
  • Verbally direct drone operators during flights.
  • Assist with minor aircraft and vehicle maintenance.
  • Swap batteries, load/fill drone after each flight.
  • Maintain an orderly trailer and assist in cleaning.
  • Mix fungicides on-site.
  • Assist with trailer refilling and cleaning after base arrival.
• Physical Requirements: Physical condition must not limit the ability to walk over various terrain or lift at least 30 lbs which is necessary to perform the basic tasks of this position. Some operations require the wearing of protective gear that may seem heavy or restrictive. Good vision and hearing are essential to personal safety and the safety of co-workers.
• Other tasks: as assigned.

Desired Skills/Competencies

• Able to work long hours and travel overnight, as well as work in inclement weather.
• Adept at interpreting and following maps.
• Experience mixing RUP’s preferred.
• General drone knowledge and understanding of DJI’s operating system desired.
• Strong communication, organizational, and attention to detail skills.
• Good teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• Required: must be able to pass a comprehensive background check and substance screening.

Download Overview ›

Position Summary
Michigan Agricultural Commodities is seeking a full-time hourly Custom Applicators for the Middleton location.  MAC is a progressive leader in the grain industry, continually investing in our facilities and employees to expand our footprint across Michigan.  The ideal individual for this role will have experience or interest in agricultural application, demonstrating a desire to utilize skills to positively impact the company and customers.

 Scope of Responsibilities

• This is a precision job which requires attention to detail in all aspects.
• The role will require continuing education to maintain current license with the MDA or other supervisory body to legally apply prescribed products.
• Will work closely with agronomy manager to fulfill custom application work orders.
• Supervision of tender drivers in conjunction with agronomy manager to ensure adherence to company policies and procedures outlined in the employee handbook will be necessary
• Ensure daily operations are being completed, and provide efficient, friendly and precise service to customers.
• Ensure duties are being properly performed and understand the importance of precision application of all products, dry and liquid.

 Job Requirements

• Housekeeping, Shipping and Receiving
• Equipment Operation and Maintenance
• Physical Requirements: Physical condition must not limit ability to climb (highest point 250’), lift at least 20#, get in and out of confined spaces, or the wearing of protective gear. Good vision and hearing are essential to personal safety and the safety of co-workers. Some operations may require the wearing of protective gear that may seem heavy or restrictive. Safety is a priority in performing all company functions, including following all company policies and procedures.
• Other Tasks as Assigned
• Safety: PPE selection must be done and utilized by all applicators and tender drivers at all times. Safety is top priority.

 Desired Skills/Competencies

• Motivation to learn new skills and information to grow in individual’s role at MAC
• Organizational and attention to detail skills
• Demonstrate excellent customer service
• Great attitude is a must
• Minimum high school degree required
• Required: must be able to pass a comprehensive background check and substance screening.

Download Overview ›