Nestlé USA, one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies with iconic brands including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, is seeking an experienced Agriculture Specialist to join our Morton, Illinois facility. This exceptional opportunity offers a competitive salary of $70,000 to $95,000 annually, comprehensive benefits including 401k with company match, and the chance to work directly with farmers and agricultural suppliers in pumpkin production and supplier development.
Position Overview – Agriculture Specialist Nestlé
The Agriculture Specialist provides critical professional support in developing agricultural activities with primary focus on fieldwork, supplier relationships, farmer engagement, and stakeholder management specifically in pumpkin production and supplier development areas. This hands-on role combines technical agricultural expertise, supplier development, and farmer training to ensure Nestlé’s raw material quality standards while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
As a vital member of Nestlé’s agricultural supply chain team, you will work directly with pumpkin farmers, implement Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), conduct quality assessments, provide technical assistance, and support supplier development initiatives critical to Nestlé’s iconic products enjoyed in 97% of U.S. households.
Key Responsibilities & Core Deliverables
- Farmer Engagement and Relationship Management: Responsible for regularly visiting and maintaining contact with farmers and stakeholders to ensure adequate plantation practices and successful implementation of Nestlé’s agricultural requirements and quality standards
- Technical Assistance and Support: Provide specialized technical assistance to farmers on critical topics including pumpkin seed selection, pumpkin cultivation techniques, crop quality optimization, food safety requirements, pest management, and agricultural best practices
- Farmer Training Programs: Design, develop, and deliver comprehensive training programs for farmers focusing on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), sustainable farming methods, quality standards, safety protocols, and Nestlé-specific requirements
- Supplier Development Activities: Provide hands-on field support in supplier development activities including farmer assessments, capability building, quality improvement initiatives, and long-term partnership development
- Project Management: Manage specific agricultural projects related to area of expertise including crop trials, sustainability initiatives, quality improvement programs, and innovation projects with solid problem-solving capabilities
- Business Intelligence and Market Insight: Conduct comprehensive business intelligence activities within assigned region, providing management with reliable and anticipated insights about local farming conditions, sourcing environment, market trends, and agricultural challenges
- Raw Material Purchasing Support: Support raw material purchasing operations according to local needs including supplier evaluations, quality assessments, volume planning, and procurement assistance
- Drone Operations: Support daily operations of agricultural drone technology for crop monitoring, field assessments, and precision agriculture applications
- Field Travel and Monitoring: Conduct expected daily travel within 5-mile radius of Morton facility for field visits, farmer meetings, crop inspections, and supplier assessments
- Quality and Safety Compliance: Ensure all agricultural activities meet Nestlé’s stringent quality standards, food safety requirements, and regulatory compliance throughout the supply chain
Required Qualifications & Educational Background
Academic Experience:
- University degree or technical degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, Horticulture, Food Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary Science, or equivalent field from accredited institution
- Strong academic foundation in agricultural principles, crop production, soil science, and food safety
Operational Experience:
- Hands-on exposure to work or projects directly with farmers in rural agricultural environments
- Demonstrated competencies and practical skills in specific agricultural field of expertise including crop production and quality management
- Proven competencies for effective teamwork, collaboration, and cross-functional coordination
- Experience working in field conditions with farmers and agricultural stakeholders
Business Experience:
- Professional job experience in agricultural sourcing with strong interest in purchasing and supply chain management
- Understanding of dynamics of rural societies, agricultural community development, and raw material production systems
- Basic experience in supplier development principles, farmer engagement, and relationship management (desirable)
- Knowledge and practical application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards and protocols
Essential Skills & Professional Competencies
- Agricultural Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of crop production, particularly pumpkin cultivation, seed selection, planting techniques, pest management, and harvest optimization
- Farmer Relations: Excellent interpersonal skills for building trust and maintaining productive relationships with farmers, suppliers, and rural community stakeholders
- Technical Communication: Strong ability to communicate complex agricultural concepts and technical requirements to diverse audiences including farmers, suppliers, and management
- Problem-Solving: Solid analytical and problem-solving capabilities to address agricultural challenges, quality issues, and supply chain constraints
- Project Management: Ability to manage multiple agricultural projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and coordinate diverse stakeholder activities
- Training and Education: Skills in developing and delivering effective farmer training programs on agricultural practices and quality standards
- Business Acumen: Understanding of agricultural economics, sourcing strategies, and commercial aspects of farming operations
- Field Work Adaptability: Comfort working in outdoor field conditions, rural environments, and variable weather during peak agricultural seasons
Work Schedule & Peak Season Requirements
⚠️ Important Work Schedule Information:
During peak pumpkin season, this role requires intensive schedule:
- Work Week: 6 days per week (extended schedule during harvest)
- Daily Shifts: 12-hour shifts from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Season Duration: Peak season typically spans several weeks during pumpkin harvest period
- Travel: Daily travel expected within 5-mile radius of Morton facility
Candidates must be prepared for demanding seasonal schedule and extended hours during critical agricultural periods.
Compensation & Comprehensive Benefits Package
💰 Salary Range: $70,000 – $95,000 per year
Final compensation determined based on background, knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location.
🌟 Nestlé Benefits Include:
- Retirement Savings: 401k retirement plan with generous company match
- Healthcare Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Performance Incentives: Performance-based incentive programs
- Competitive Total Rewards: Broad range of additional benefits and perks
- Professional Development: Training opportunities and career advancement
- Work-Life Balance: Paid time off and holiday benefits
- Inclusive Culture: Supportive, collaborative, innovative work environment
Why Join Nestlé USA?
- Global Leader: Work for world’s largest food and beverage company with iconic brands in 97% of American households
- Meaningful Impact: Contribute to sustainable agriculture and support farming communities
- Innovation Culture: Encouraged to challenge status quo, embrace risk-taking, and pioneer new ideas
- Career Growth: Access to continuous learning, professional development, and advancement opportunities
- Inclusive Workplace: Diverse, welcoming environment that celebrates achievements and values contributions
- Community Connection: Work directly with farmers and make tangible difference in agricultural communities
- Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary range and comprehensive benefits package
About Nestlé’s Agricultural Supply Chain
Nestlé’s agricultural sourcing programs support thousands of farmers globally while ensuring sustainable, high-quality raw materials for beloved brands. The Agriculture Specialist role is critical in maintaining strong farmer relationships, implementing quality standards, and supporting rural community development. Working with pumpkin suppliers specifically supports production of Nestlé’s popular seasonal products and maintains supply chain excellence.
The position offers unique opportunity to combine agricultural expertise with corporate resources, making real impact on farming practices, supplier capabilities, and agricultural sustainability while working for world-renowned company committed to responsible sourcing and farmer welfare.
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Implementation
Good Agricultural Practices are fundamental to ensuring food safety, environmental sustainability, and worker welfare throughout agricultural production. As Agriculture Specialist, you will implement GAP standards covering soil management, water quality, crop protection, harvest procedures, post-harvest handling, and traceability systems. Training farmers in GAP protocols ensures compliance with food safety regulations while promoting sustainable, profitable farming operations.
Location: Morton, Illinois
Morton, Illinois serves as home to Nestlé’s pumpkin processing operations, strategically located in America’s heartland surrounded by prime agricultural land. The community offers small-town living with access to larger metropolitan areas, affordable cost of living, excellent schools, and strong agricultural heritage. Working in Morton provides opportunity to engage directly with Midwest farming communities while enjoying quality of life benefits of rural Illinois.
Equal Opportunity & Inclusion Commitment
Nestlé is committed to being an inclusive workplace:
- Equal employment opportunity employer – all qualified applicants considered
- Veterans and separated service members strongly encouraged to apply
- Individuals with disabilities welcomed and accommodated
- No discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status
- Accommodations available during recruitment process – contact: accommodations@nestle.com
⚠️ Important: This position is NOT eligible for Visa Sponsorship
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Submit application through Nestlé Jobs portal at www.nestlejobs.com
- Review applicant privacy notice at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy
- Prepare resume highlighting agricultural experience and farmer engagement
- Include educational credentials and relevant certifications
- Emphasize hands-on farming experience and supplier development work
Job Requisition Number: 384374
Online Apply Now👇:
Agriculture Specialist Jobs Morton Illinois 2026 – Nestlé USA
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