R&D and Sustainability Manager - Agronomist

Black Gold Farms

Black Gold Farms is seeking a highly capable R&D & Sustainability Manager to bridge applied field research with agricultural sustainability at scale. This role is ideal for a research-minded agronomist who thrives in real-world production systems and can translate data into actionable insights that improve both farm performance and environmental outcomes .

The successful candidate will lead applied research efforts, manage sustainability data and reporting platforms. The position will collaborate closely with farm operations, agronomy, and supply chain teams to ensure research and sustainability initiatives are practical, credible, and impactful.

Applied Research & Field Trials

· Design, execute, and analyze multi-location, on-farm research trials

· Translate trial results into practical recommendations for production teams

· Collaborate with farm managers and agronomy teams to align research with field-level decision-making

Sustainability Strategy & Metrics

· Maintain and advance Farm Regenerative Roadmaps

· Track, analyze, and communicate sustainability performance metrics and impacts

· Lead and manage the company’s Sustainability Metrics Platform, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and usability

· Support internal and external sustainability reporting needs

Collaboration & Innovation

· Partner cross-functionally with agronomy, operations, and supply chain teams

· Stay current on regenerative agriculture science, sustainability frameworks, and emerging precision-ag technologies

· Evaluate and implement new tools, methods, and data systems that improve sustainability measurement and outcomes

· MS or PhD preferred , combined with hands-on commercial farming experience

o Potato production experience is highly relevant

· Demonstrated experience conducting applied agricultural research

· Strong working knowledge of regenerative agriculture and sustainability science

· Proficiency with statistics, data management, and sustainability tools (e.g., SAS, R, Field-print Calculator, Cool Farm Tool, or similar platforms)

· Experience with databases or coding applications is a plus (e.g., SQL, Python)

· Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills

· Ability to operate effectively across research, operations, and business teams

Black Gold Farms has been in operation for more than 90 years and has grown into a global leader in potato and sweet potato production, sales, and service. Our mission is rooted in feeding the world responsibly , serving our customers, and being thoughtful stewards of the land.

At Black Gold Farms, we believe meaningful work comes from shared purpose. Our success depends on skilled, dedicated people working across farms, fields, offices, and supply chains—doing many things right, every day. We are committed to sustainability, strong communities, and long-term partnerships across the industry.

Black Gold Farms offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

· Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

· Company-funded Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

· Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

· 401(k) with generous company match

· Paid time off and paid holidays

· Paid training and education opportunities

· Incentive compensation

· Relocation assistance may be available