Agriculture OPT Jobs in Illinois
Agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois are concentrated around the state's commodity trading hubs and research institutions, with employers like Archer Daniels Midland, Bunge, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign actively hiring international students in agronomy, food science, and agricultural data analytics roles across Chicago, Champaign, and Decatur.
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INTRODUCTION
The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.
SUMMARY
This Simplot Grower Solutions role provides customer service to growers through the sale of crop nutrition, crop protection, seed, specialty, technology and other agronomic products and consultative services. The role is led under the general direction of the Area Sales Manager, who provides support and leadership to all Crop Advisors within specifically recognized agronomic geographies to achieve the Company’s financial goals and operational objectives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Promote and live the Simplot brand as the best-in-class Agricultural distributor. Grow new business and manage a customer base within a defined area to meet and exceed area sales and profitability goals and gross margin targets.
- Seek out product and service opportunities for current customers that enhance both Simplot and the customer’s bottom line. Market products to growers by initiating sales calls, providing advice and consultative services, and monitoring individualized agronomic programs in respect to use of crop protection, crop nutrition, seed, specialty, technology and other related areas. Emphasize and sell proprietary products where appropriate to maximize profitability.
- Collaborate with other Crop Advisors, as directed by Region Managers and/or Market Managers, to increase knowledge, develop sales, marketing, manage customer relationships and increase profits in the Sales Area.
- Regularly interface with the Region Manager and Market Manager to execute market strategies, report sales trends and competitor activities, as well as opportunities and challenges in the geography.
- Ensure adequate follow-through in regards to operational aspects of the business such as delivery, application and billing are handled appropriately. Regularly and reliably communicate with operations to ensure strong performance in delivery and service outcomes.
- Maintain customer agronomic records, assist in establishing customer financial records and collaborate with the Area Financial Services Manager in the establishment of credit and resolution of credit matters.
TYPICAL EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from 4 year college or university is preferred (Equivalent experience of education and experience will be considered for meeting the minimum requirements of the role).
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
- 1-3 years of similar experience in the industry is required.
- Required computer skills include knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel and Outlook.
- Demonstrated focus on meeting customer expectations and working to deliver excellent customer service.
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with management, other team members, and customers.
- Must be self-driven, self-motivated, and customer service-oriented, while being an effective team player.
- CCA and PCA are preferred.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Must have a valid Drivers License.
OTHER INFORMATION
Job Requisition ID: 25548
Travel Required: Less than 10%
Location(s): SGS Retail - Roanoke
Country: United States
Wage range or rate of pay: $60,000 - $150,000 annually, Plus annual incentive plan eligibility.
The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons.
Attractive total rewards package that includes:
- Medical, dental, vision coverage
- 401(k) savings plan
- Paid Family Building Leave
- Generous Paid Time Off - Eligible employees may accrue up to 160 hours in year 1
- 10 Paid Holidays
- Relocation Assistance Program (where applicable)
- Education Assistance
Benefits details available at simplotbenefits.com
The J.R. Simplot Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.
OPT Agriculture Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Agriculture Jobs in IllinoisAgriculture OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agriculture companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Illinois?
Illinois is home to several major agribusiness employers with a history of hiring international students on F-1 OPT. Archer Daniels Midland and Bunge, both headquartered in Chicago, regularly bring on OPT workers in commodity trading, supply chain, and food science roles. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Illinois State University also sponsor OPT positions in agricultural research and extension programs. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and varies by role and hiring cycle.
Which cities in Illinois have the most agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Chicago leads in corporate agriculture and agribusiness roles, particularly in commodity trading, food processing, and supply chain management. Champaign-Urbana is a strong hub for agricultural research and academic OPT positions tied to the University of Illinois. Decatur, home to several grain processing facilities, offers opportunities in food science and agricultural operations. Springfield and Bloomington-Normal also see activity in agricultural policy and cooperative extension work.
What types of agriculture roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Illinois?
Roles that require a direct connection to your degree field qualify for F-1 OPT authorization. In Illinois agriculture, that commonly includes positions in agronomy, crop science, food science and technology, agricultural data analytics, supply chain management, environmental science, and agricultural engineering. Research assistant and lab positions at universities also frequently qualify. Roles that are purely manual labor or field work without a degree requirement generally do not meet OPT eligibility criteria.
How do I find agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate is a job board built specifically for international students and visa holders, making it one of the most targeted places to search for agriculture F-1 OPT jobs in Illinois. You can filter by visa type, state, and industry to surface employers actively open to OPT candidates in agribusiness, food science, and agricultural research. University career centers at the University of Illinois and Illinois State University also post OPT-eligible agriculture roles directly.
Are there any Illinois-specific considerations for agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Illinois agriculture is heavily tied to commodity markets and large-scale food processing, which means many OPT-eligible roles are with large corporations or university systems rather than small farms. STEM OPT extension applies if your degree is in a qualifying field such as agricultural engineering, food science, or environmental science, potentially extending your work authorization by 24 months. Students on STEM OPT must work for an E-Verify employer, which most major Illinois agribusinesses already are.