Agronomic Systems Modeling Specialist

• John Deere Contract Role
• 1332484 Cerebral Staffing, LLC
• 4.

5 Johnston, IA Job Details Full-time | Contract Up to $55 an hour 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance Life insurance Referral program Qualifications AI models Software engineering Databricks Machine learning/AI-based analysis Master's degree SQL System dynamics Machine learning cloud services Drones Software development APIs Simulation tools Python Statistical analysis tools Precision agriculture technology Full Job Description Are you an experienced agronomist, crop modeling scientist, or quantitative researcher who excels at simulating $G \times E \times M$ (Genotype $\times$ Environment $\times$ Management) interactions to optimize row crop production? Do you bring deep expertise in process-based crop models like APSIM or DSSAT, advanced proficiency in Python/R, and experience working with large machine-generated precision ag datasets? As Cerebral Staffing , we are seeking an Agronomic Systems Modeling Specialist to join our team supporting our client, John Deere , in Johnston, IA (with hybrid or fully remote options available). Whether you hold a Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, or Biological Systems Engineering, or bring hands-on experience translating complex crop physiology models into actionable, AI-assisted decision-support tools for growers, we want to hear from you. Agronomic Systems Modeling Specialist

• John Deere (Johnston, IA / Remote) This is a high-impact, long-term 1+ year contract opportunity paying up to $55/hr , including 2 weeks of PTO . Located in Johnston, IA (John Deere Financial) or Cary, NC , this position also offers fully remote flexibility (working 8:00 AM
• 5:00 PM CT with 1-2 visits to Des Moines per year).

You will build, calibrate, and scale process-based crop models and AI validation frameworks to predict crop outcomes across corn, soybean, and cotton production systems.

Position Details & Compensation Pay Rate:

Up to $55/hr (W2) .

Location:

Johnston, IA or Cary, NC (Preferred) — Fully Remote Available (Must work ~8:00 AM

• 5:00 PM CT and travel to Des Moines 1-2 times/year).

Duration:

1+ Years (Providing long-term contract stability).

Benefits:

2 Weeks PTO , Health, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k, and Referral Bonuses.

Visa Sponsorship:

Not available now or in the near future for this position. Core Responsibilities Crop Modeling & $G \times E \times M$

Simulation:

Develop, calibrate, validate, and perform sensitivity analyses on process-based crop models (APSIM, DSSAT) to predict outcomes across planting dates, variety selection, fertility, and crop care management.

AI & Agronomic Guardrails:

Create agronomic logic, constraints, and validation frameworks that ensure AI-generated recommendations are scientifically sound, defensible, and transparent.

Large Ag & Geospatial Data Pipelines:

Process, summarize, and visualize large machine-generated agricultural datasets (planter, sprayer, harvest) and geospatial layers (soils, topography, multispectral/satellite imagery).

Cloud & Automated Workflows:

Utilize Python, R, Databricks, SQL, and APIs to build scalable, reproducible analytical workflows and simulation pipelines in cloud environments.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Partner with agronomists, data scientists, software engineers, and product managers to translate scientific models into practical grower tools.

Required Qualifications & Technical Skills Education:

Master's or Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Biological Systems Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Quantitative Genetics, or related field (Ph.D. with corn/soy expertise strongly preferred).

Crop Modeling Expertise:

Demonstrated experience developing, calibrating, and applying

APSIM, DSSAT

, or equivalent process-based crop models.

Row Crop Systems:

Deep understanding of crop physiology, soil water dynamics, nutrient cycling, and US row crop systems (corn and soybean expertise preferred; cotton exposure a plus).

Programming & Cloud Data:

Advanced proficiency in Python and/or R , along with experience in Databricks, SQL , cloud computing, APIs, and AI-assisted software development.

Dataset Scale:

Proven experience handling multi-year, multi-environment ag datasets and communicating model uncertainty to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred / Standout

Qualifications Prior experience in the agricultural industry (seed, crop protection, or ag-tech companies). Hands-on familiarity with John Deere Operations Center , precision ag machine data, field boundaries, and elevation models. Experience integrating satellite/drone imagery or building validation frameworks for AI ag recommendations. Experience with visualization platforms such as Power BI or Tableau.

APPLY NOW

to bridge cutting-edge crop science with AI-driven precision agriculture, advance scalable agronomic models, and shape the future of farming with John Deere !

Pay:

Up to $55.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person