Position: Agronomy Grower Relations
Location/Department: Lancaster, PA/Agronomy
Status: Full-Time Exempt
Reports To: Agronomy Manager
Our Company:
Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Co. Inc., a subsidiary of Universal Corporation, manages dark air-cured tobacco operations in the traditional growing areas of the United States. The company contracts directly with local farmers and exports globally. The Global Leader in Premium Leaf Tobacco Supply Universal Leaf Tobacco Company is the world's leading supplier of premium leaf tobacco, with over 100 years of experience sourcing, processing, and delivering tobacco crops tailored to customer specifications. With operations spanning major tobacco-regions across five continents, we connect hundreds of thousands of farmers to global manufacturers through a reliable, transparent, and traceable supply chain. Our portfolio includes flue-cured, burley, oriental, and dark tobaccos, supported by deep agronomic expertise and advanced processing capabilities. Beyond the leaf, we offer value-added services such as customized blending, next-generation nicotine solutions, recycled by-products, and digital traceability tools that enhance efficiency and sustainability across the supply chain. Universal Leaf Tobacco is more than a supplier - we are a long-term partner committed to responsible sourcing, farmer support, and continuous innovation. By investing in agricultural communities and upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance, we help ensure a resilient tobacco supply for generations to come.
Summary:
As an Agronomy Grower Relations at Lancaster Leaf, you will provide technical and operational support for Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Company's grower relations. This position will be responsible for the supervision, technical oversight, coordination and recommendations of Company and/or Customer agronomy programs, guidelines and policies. This may include the selection of new tobacco production areas, recommendations of approved products, general agronomic production recommendations, development of agronomy programs and development of good agricultural practice protocols. This position requires both field and office work, as well as domestic travel.
What You'll Be Doing:- (Essential Duties)
- Serve as the primary point of contact for contracted growers by maintaining regular communication, responding to inquiries, and supporting positive working relationships.
- Assist growers with production-related concerns by providing guidance, coordinating follow-up, and helping resolve issues that may impact crop quality, yield, or delivery expectations.
- Manage grower compliance programs by monitoring participation, maintaining required documentation, communicating program requirements, and supporting adherence to company, customer, and regulatory standards.
- Assist with development projects by coordinating field activities, gathering data, supporting trials or program initiatives, and helping evaluate opportunities to improve grower support and production practices.
- Assist the buying team with the receiving, inspection, grading, and purchasing of contracted tobacco by supporting operational workflow, verifying product condition, and ensuring accurate documentation throughout the buying process.
- Conduct regular farm visits and field evaluations to monitor crop progress, identify production issues, and provide timely agronomic recommendations.
- Support implementation and monitoring of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), crop protection, sustainability, and customer compliance programs.
- Maintain accurate grower records, field observations, compliance documentation, and program reporting.
- Provide training, guidance, and technical support to growers on approved production practices, product use, quality expectations, and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor crop conditions, pest pressure, disease concerns, weather impacts, and other agronomic factors affecting yield and quality.
- Assist with audits, inspections, trials, research projects, and customer-driven agronomy initiatives as needed.
- Ensure work is performed in accordance with company safety policies, environmental requirements, and applicable agricultural regulations.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree with a focus on Agriculture or equivalent of education and on-farm experience.
Thorough understanding of agronomy practices, soil evaluations, and crop protection agents.
Excellent and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to cultivate effective working relationships with local tobacco farmers.
Technical aptitude, including PC and tablet experience.
Valid driver's license, driver history in good standing and ability to travel.
Preferred Requirements: Tobacco production experience
Benefits:
We offer a wide range of market-competitive total rewards that include 401(k) match, pension, merit increases, paid holidays, medical, dental, life, vision, short and long-term disability benefits, and tuition assistance to name a few.
EOE M/F/Disabled/Vet Employer: All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
