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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Get Access To All JobsThe FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably. FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.
Agronomy Sales Associate
REPORTS TO: Agronomy Department Manager/Plant Manager
STATUS: Exempt
SALARY: $50,000 - $60,000
PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Trains and works to generate profitable sales in the assigned territory through sales support and customer service, accurate record keeping, providing value-added agronomic products, services, and recommendations, ensuring great experience for customers, and promoting sales growth through company marketing programs.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Works to meet customer service expectations through direction of Crop Specialist and Location Manager.
Develops cropping programs with emphasis of accurate record keeping, tracking of customer programs, and use of digital systems to enhance customer experience.
Develops territory and competitive analysis to maintain a current knowledge of the marketplace and the competition.
Participates in or conducts sales interviews, identifies customer needs, and offers value-added agronomic products, services, and recommendations to patrons and prospects.
Assists with regular patron meetings on product and technical information.
Provides customer service by scheduling product deliveries and applications, soil testing, crop scouting and other programs.
Follows up on all customer complaints and seeks a reasonable "win/win" resolution.
Ensures the credit worthiness of customers, quotes prices and credit terms, and prepares sales contracts for orders obtained.
Promotes the use of credit programs as a sales tool and helps provide the required information to establish credit.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Responsible for maintaining the assigned vehicle according to company standards, adhering to the uniform policy and maintaining the appropriate professional image.
Responsible for completing and updating profile information sheets on all targeted prospects.
Collects for sales of all assigned products according to company credit policy.
Develops technical and sales skills in accordance with certification standards.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
Normally requires a degree in agriculture, marketing or business-related discipline or the equivalent thereof, or 1 - 2 years or more of business-related work experience and/or training or equivalent to demonstrate the ability to generate sales in an assigned territory.
Demonstrated essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
Must have the ability to travel independently and overnight.
Ability to work extended hours as business conditions warrant.
Normally requires the ability to obtain the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Commercial Applicator certifications to demonstrate agronomy expertise and experience.
Occasionally exposed to / required to:
- Extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, etc.).
- Noisy conditions.
- Working conditions may include dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards with appropriate safety measures.
- May be required to work at varying heights.
- Lift 51-75 lbs.
We are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.
Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.
We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.
Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.
SECURING YOUR FUTURE, ONE BENEFIT AT A TIME.
Our benefits packages are designed to support every aspect of our employees’ well-being—from health plans to life insurance, robust retirement plans, and more. We provide benefits that meet their needs today while also ensuring a secure future.
Offerings may include, but are not limited to:
UNITED STATES:
- Fully Funded Pension*
- 401(k) & Employer Match
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- HSA & Employer Contributions
- Life Insurance
- Disability
-
Identity Protection
-
The pension plan is subject to individual company participation. Those who do not participate in the pension plan enjoy a higher 401(k) employer match.
Some benefits are subject to the hiring company.
CANADA:
- DC Pension Plan
- RRSP
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life Insurance
- Disability
-
Volunteer Day
-
Benefit eligibility may be dependent on employment type
Nearest Major Market: Mount Vernon
Job Segment: Scientific, Sales Support, Electrical, Engineering, Sales, Customer Service
The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably. FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.
Agronomy Sales Associate
REPORTS TO: Agronomy Department Manager/Plant Manager
STATUS: Exempt
SALARY: $50,000 - $60,000
PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Trains and works to generate profitable sales in the assigned territory through sales support and customer service, accurate record keeping, providing value-added agronomic products, services, and recommendations, ensuring great experience for customers, and promoting sales growth through company marketing programs.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Works to meet customer service expectations through direction of Crop Specialist and Location Manager.
Develops cropping programs with emphasis of accurate record keeping, tracking of customer programs, and use of digital systems to enhance customer experience.
Develops territory and competitive analysis to maintain a current knowledge of the marketplace and the competition.
Participates in or conducts sales interviews, identifies customer needs, and offers value-added agronomic products, services, and recommendations to patrons and prospects.
Assists with regular patron meetings on product and technical information.
Provides customer service by scheduling product deliveries and applications, soil testing, crop scouting and other programs.
Follows up on all customer complaints and seeks a reasonable "win/win" resolution.
Ensures the credit worthiness of customers, quotes prices and credit terms, and prepares sales contracts for orders obtained.
Promotes the use of credit programs as a sales tool and helps provide the required information to establish credit.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Responsible for maintaining the assigned vehicle according to company standards, adhering to the uniform policy and maintaining the appropriate professional image.
Responsible for completing and updating profile information sheets on all targeted prospects.
Collects for sales of all assigned products according to company credit policy.
Develops technical and sales skills in accordance with certification standards.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
Normally requires a degree in agriculture, marketing or business-related discipline or the equivalent thereof, or 1 - 2 years or more of business-related work experience and/or training or equivalent to demonstrate the ability to generate sales in an assigned territory.
Demonstrated essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
Must have the ability to travel independently and overnight.
Ability to work extended hours as business conditions warrant.
Normally requires the ability to obtain the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Commercial Applicator certifications to demonstrate agronomy expertise and experience.
Occasionally exposed to / required to:
- Extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, etc.).
- Noisy conditions.
- Working conditions may include dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards with appropriate safety measures.
- May be required to work at varying heights.
- Lift 51-75 lbs.
We are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.
Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.
We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.
Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.
SECURING YOUR FUTURE, ONE BENEFIT AT A TIME.
Our benefits packages are designed to support every aspect of our employees’ well-being—from health plans to life insurance, robust retirement plans, and more. We provide benefits that meet their needs today while also ensuring a secure future.
Offerings may include, but are not limited to:
UNITED STATES:
- Fully Funded Pension*
- 401(k) & Employer Match
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- HSA & Employer Contributions
- Life Insurance
- Disability
-
Identity Protection
-
The pension plan is subject to individual company participation. Those who do not participate in the pension plan enjoy a higher 401(k) employer match.
Some benefits are subject to the hiring company.
CANADA:
- DC Pension Plan
- RRSP
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life Insurance
- Disability
-
Volunteer Day
-
Benefit eligibility may be dependent on employment type
Nearest Major Market: Mount Vernon
Job Segment: Scientific, Sales Support, Electrical, Engineering, Sales, Customer Service
OPT Agriculture Job Roles in Illinois
See all 36+ Agriculture OPT Jobs 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.