Employment Opportunities

The Farmer Relations Associate is responsible for being the primary internal contact for Producers. The Farmer Relations Associate is expected to consistently provide excellent customer service to all customers primarily being Organic Valley Members through the Farmer Hotline, letters and email inquiries. The Farmer Relations Associate will interact internally to consistently be up to date on farmer communications of departments including, but not limited to, Consumer Relations, Organic Meat Company, Quality Assurance, Marketing and all Pools sub-departments. This position is expected to be a SME (Subject Matter Expert) for the Pools Department to ensure absolute superior customer service to our producers contacting headquarters.

• A team member of the Farmer Hotline answering incoming calls from CROPP Cooperative Member/Owners.
• Responsible for directing and answering all Membership Services inbox emails and Social Media outreach to Members.
• Log all calls, letters and email inquiries into the Organic Valley Information System database including producer information, reason for calling, resolution and any other pertinent information.
• Serve as SME on CROPP Cooperative products, standards, farmer communications and programs, hot issues, Pools news and communications during core business hours.
• Research questions or issues and coordinate input from key staff to identify and confirm best reply to fully assist producers.
• Responsible for ensuring all producer calls and emails are handled fully to ensure superior customer service has been followed through for all interactions and document the resolution taken.
• Assist producers with base adjustments and long-term production plans, equity issues, general feed questions and general policy interpretation.
• Identify and communicate issue patters with supervisor.

• Write producer signature responses.
• Research marketplace, industry and CROPP issues.
• Maintain proficiency with business tools including Microsoft Office programs, social media space and understanding of call center atmosphere.
• Cross-train with Consumer Relations Department in order to be prepared to provide back-up as needed for Consumer inquiries.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Associates degree in Agriculture, Business or related field preferred; some college or commensurate experience is required.
• Minimum 2 years customer service experience required; call center experience preferred.
• Ability and initiative to remain up to date on all Producer messaging with little to no direction.
• Must be comfortable working on computers and in a call center environment for extended periods of time.
• Knowledge of organic production systems and organic certification standards and requirements preferred.
• Strong communication skills including verbal, written and listening.
• Must be a team player with willingness to take initiative independently.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs required.
• Practical dairy and livestock experience preferred.
• Critical thinking and decision making skills; able to make effective decisions among primarily known/understood conditions.