H-1B Visa Agronomist Jobs
Agronomist roles qualify for H-1B sponsorship as specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in agronomy, crop science, or a closely related field. Employers in agricultural research, biotech seed companies, and cooperative extension programs regularly file H-1B petitions for these positions. The annual cap applies, so timing your job search around the April lottery window matters.
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Get Access To All JobsPURPOSE:
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE), an 1890 Land-Grant Institution, seeks a highly motivated Agronomist (State Extension Specialist – Row Crop Systems) to provide statewide leadership in agronomic education and outreach. The Agronomist will design, implement, and evaluate science-based extension programs in row crop systems, including corn, soybeans, small grains, and cover crops, with an emphasis on sustainability, soil health, and profitability for Missouri producers.
This position will serve as a statewide subject-matter expert, working collaboratively with extension educators and specialists, research faculty, USDA agencies, and commodity groups to translate agronomic research into practical, accessible recommendations that strengthen agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience, particularly among limited-resource and historically underserved farmers.
This is a 12-month Assistant Professor, non-tenure track, full benefit-eligible position, with 100% extension responsibilities located on the main Campus at Jefferson City, MO.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Provide statewide leadership in agronomy and row crop systems, including soil fertility, nutrient management, and sustainable cropping practices.
- Identify statewide needs and emerging challenges in row crop production through assessments and stakeholder engagement.
- Develop and deliver innovative educational programs through field demonstrations, workshops, webinars, and training events.
- Create and disseminate extension materials such as fact sheets, bulletins, manuals, and multimedia resources.
- Collaborate with the university and external partners to integrate applied agronomic research findings into educational outreach.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support adoption of soil health practices, cover cropping, conservation tillage, and integrated pest management (IPM).
- Mentor and support extension educators, program associates, and student interns in agronomy programming.
- Evaluate program outcomes and document impacts using established extension accountability systems.
- Seek external funding (grants, contracts, industry support) to expand agronomic extension initiatives.
- Represent Lincoln University in state and regional meetings, professional conferences, and stakeholder coalitions.
- Participate in professional development and serve as a resource to state and regional agricultural networks.
- Comply with all Extension federal, state, and university reporting requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned by Extension Administrator(s).
QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
- Demonstrated experience with field crop production systems, particularly corn, soybean, and small grains.
- Documented success in designing and delivering educational or extension programs for agricultural audiences.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to translate scientific information into practical recommendations.
- Demonstrated commitment to serving diverse and historically underserved producers consistent with the 1890 Land-Grant mission.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within Missouri.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience leading statewide or multi-county extension programs in agronomy or crop systems.
- Familiarity with Missouri and Midwestern cropping environments, soils, and production challenges.
- Proven ability to secure and manage extramural funding.
- Demonstrated record of professional collaboration and teamwork across agencies and stakeholder groups.
- Experience working within a Land-Grant University, preferably an 1890 institution.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong technical foundation in crop and soil management.
- Proven leadership and organizational skills.
- Ability to engage with diverse audiences using culturally responsive and inclusive programming approaches.
- Skill in program evaluation and impact reporting.
- Proficiency with digital platforms and tools for outreach and communication.
Working Conditions:
- Frequent travel across Missouri for farm visits, field days, and regional meetings.
- Occasional evening or weekend programming.
- Field work in variable outdoor conditions as needed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- The position involves fieldwork in all weather conditions and at weekends.
- Lifting or carrying objects (up to 20 lbs.)
- Farm equipment and crop restraining and handling.
- Possible exposure to pesticides, allergens, and animal waste.
REFERENCES:
- Contact information for three professional references.
This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Lincoln University. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.
PURPOSE:
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE), an 1890 Land-Grant Institution, seeks a highly motivated Agronomist (State Extension Specialist – Row Crop Systems) to provide statewide leadership in agronomic education and outreach. The Agronomist will design, implement, and evaluate science-based extension programs in row crop systems, including corn, soybeans, small grains, and cover crops, with an emphasis on sustainability, soil health, and profitability for Missouri producers.
This position will serve as a statewide subject-matter expert, working collaboratively with extension educators and specialists, research faculty, USDA agencies, and commodity groups to translate agronomic research into practical, accessible recommendations that strengthen agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience, particularly among limited-resource and historically underserved farmers.
This is a 12-month Assistant Professor, non-tenure track, full benefit-eligible position, with 100% extension responsibilities located on the main Campus at Jefferson City, MO.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Provide statewide leadership in agronomy and row crop systems, including soil fertility, nutrient management, and sustainable cropping practices.
- Identify statewide needs and emerging challenges in row crop production through assessments and stakeholder engagement.
- Develop and deliver innovative educational programs through field demonstrations, workshops, webinars, and training events.
- Create and disseminate extension materials such as fact sheets, bulletins, manuals, and multimedia resources.
- Collaborate with the university and external partners to integrate applied agronomic research findings into educational outreach.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support adoption of soil health practices, cover cropping, conservation tillage, and integrated pest management (IPM).
- Mentor and support extension educators, program associates, and student interns in agronomy programming.
- Evaluate program outcomes and document impacts using established extension accountability systems.
- Seek external funding (grants, contracts, industry support) to expand agronomic extension initiatives.
- Represent Lincoln University in state and regional meetings, professional conferences, and stakeholder coalitions.
- Participate in professional development and serve as a resource to state and regional agricultural networks.
- Comply with all Extension federal, state, and university reporting requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned by Extension Administrator(s).
QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
- Demonstrated experience with field crop production systems, particularly corn, soybean, and small grains.
- Documented success in designing and delivering educational or extension programs for agricultural audiences.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to translate scientific information into practical recommendations.
- Demonstrated commitment to serving diverse and historically underserved producers consistent with the 1890 Land-Grant mission.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within Missouri.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience leading statewide or multi-county extension programs in agronomy or crop systems.
- Familiarity with Missouri and Midwestern cropping environments, soils, and production challenges.
- Proven ability to secure and manage extramural funding.
- Demonstrated record of professional collaboration and teamwork across agencies and stakeholder groups.
- Experience working within a Land-Grant University, preferably an 1890 institution.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong technical foundation in crop and soil management.
- Proven leadership and organizational skills.
- Ability to engage with diverse audiences using culturally responsive and inclusive programming approaches.
- Skill in program evaluation and impact reporting.
- Proficiency with digital platforms and tools for outreach and communication.
Working Conditions:
- Frequent travel across Missouri for farm visits, field days, and regional meetings.
- Occasional evening or weekend programming.
- Field work in variable outdoor conditions as needed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- The position involves fieldwork in all weather conditions and at weekends.
- Lifting or carrying objects (up to 20 lbs.)
- Farm equipment and crop restraining and handling.
- Possible exposure to pesticides, allergens, and animal waste.
REFERENCES:
- Contact information for three professional references.
This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Lincoln University. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Agronomist
Align your degree to the specialty occupation standard
USCIS requires that your degree field directly relates to agronomy work. A crop science or soil science degree is a clean match. A general biology degree needs supporting coursework documentation to satisfy the specialty occupation requirement.
Target employers with active LCA filing histories
Use Migrate Mate to filter Agronomist roles by employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for this occupation code. That filing history confirms the employer understands H-1B sponsorship and has done it before for this exact role type.
Check prevailing wage levels before negotiating salary
Run the OFLC Wage Search for SOC code 19-1011 in your target county before any offer conversation. Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the prevailing wage for your location, so knowing the Level I through IV thresholds puts you in a stronger negotiating position.
Flag seasonal fieldwork contracts to your attorney early
Some agronomist roles are structured around growing seasons with variable hours or split-site assignments. USCIS scrutinizes whether such arrangements constitute full-time employment. Get your offer letter to explicitly state full-time status and a fixed work location before the petition is filed.
Prioritize cap-exempt employers for faster timelines
Universities, USDA-affiliated research stations, and nonprofit agricultural research organizations are cap-exempt H-1B employers. A position with a cap-exempt institution lets you start work without waiting for the April lottery or an October 1 start date.
Secure foreign credential evaluation before applying
If your agronomy degree is from outside the U.S., get a course-by-course equivalency evaluation from a NACES-member organization before submitting applications. Employers and USCIS both require documentation that your foreign degree meets the bachelor's-level equivalency standard for the specialty occupation.
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Find Agronomist JobsAgronomist H-1B Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Agronomist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. USCIS recognizes Agronomist positions as specialty occupations when the role normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, or a closely related discipline. Employers must document that the specific position requires this degree, not just that it is preferred. Roles framed as requiring any science degree without field specificity are more likely to receive a Request for Evidence.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Agronomists?
Seed and crop biotech companies, agricultural chemical manufacturers, USDA research facilities, land-grant university extension programs, and large farming cooperatives are the most active H-1B sponsors for agronomy roles. Government-affiliated research institutions are often cap-exempt, meaning you can start work outside the standard lottery cycle. Browse verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate to see which have filed Labor Condition Applications for this occupation.
How does the H-1B cap lottery affect the timeline for Agronomist job seekers?
The standard H-1B cap allows 85,000 new visas per fiscal year, with registration opening each March. If selected, the earliest employment start date is October 1. This means most cap-subject agronomist roles require you to have an offer finalized by February or March. Pursuing cap-exempt employers at universities or USDA-affiliated nonprofits eliminates this constraint entirely.
Can fieldwork-heavy Agronomist roles create problems with H-1B worksite requirements?
They can. H-1B petitions must specify a primary worksite, and working across multiple farm locations or client fields can trigger compliance issues around the LCA's worksite posting requirements. Your employer needs to file an amended petition or follow DOL short-term placement rules if you're regularly assigned to sites not listed on the original LCA. Clarify worksite arrangements before the petition is filed, not after.
Does O*NET classify Agronomist as a job zone that supports the specialty occupation argument?
Yes. O*NET places Agronomists (SOC 19-1011) in Job Zone 4, requiring substantial preparation and typically a four-year degree. This classification is useful supporting evidence when an employer builds the specialty occupation case for USCIS, particularly if the job description includes duties like soil fertility analysis, crop variety trials, or precision agriculture program management that align directly with degree-level training.
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