Agronomist - Product Development

Job Overview

We’re seeking a hands-on Agronomist to help develop new liquid fertilizer and pest repellent formulas. You will turn ideas into products through ingredient research, formulation development, controlled trials, and collaboration with manufacturing partners.

The ideal candidate combines a strong understanding of plant nutrition and pest management with practical product development experience. You enjoy experimenting, interpreting results, and improving formulas until they deliver consistent, measurable performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop liquid fertilizers: Design and refine nutrient formulations that support plant health, nutrient uptake, root development, and growth.
• Develop pest repellents: Research potential ingredients and develop formulations for defined target pests and intended uses, working with formulation chemists and other specialists as needed.
• Plan and conduct trials: Establish controlled, replicated tests to evaluate plant response, pest repellency, application rates, and potential plant damage.
• Evaluate formulation quality: Assess nutrient availability, solubility, pH, ingredient compatibility, stability, and shelf life; coordinate specialized laboratory testing where needed.
• Research and source ingredients: Evaluate raw materials and suppliers based on performance, consistency, availability, and cost.
• Improve existing formulas: Diagnose issues such as settling, separation, inconsistent performance, or plant sensitivity and recommend practical improvements.
• Support production: Work with manufacturers to translate successful prototypes into repeatable production processes, including batch instructions and quality specifications.
• Document the work: Maintain accurate formulation records, trial protocols, results, and technical reports.
• Support product readiness: Collaborate with qualified regulatory and safety specialists on testing requirements, product documentation, labeling, and evidence supporting product claims.
• Guide development decisions: Communicate findings clearly and recommend which concepts to advance, revise, or discontinue.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, plant science, soil science, agricultural chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Practical experience in plant nutrition, fertilizer development, crop protection, or closely related product research.
• Experience developing or evaluating liquid formulations, including an understanding of ingredient interactions and product stability.
• A strong foundation in plant physiology, nutrient management, and integrated pest management.
• Experience designing experiments, analyzing data, and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Strong documentation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple development projects.
• A practical, collaborative approach and comfort working across laboratory, growing, and manufacturing environments.
• Availability to work full-time in Seattle and participate in hands-on development and testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bringing a fertilizer, plant care, or pest management product from concept through commercial production.
• Working with botanical ingredients, biological inputs, micronutrients, or biostimulants.
• Conducting greenhouse, nursery, or indoor plant trials.
• Collaborating with contract manufacturers, analytical laboratories, and regulatory specialists.
• An advanced degree in a relevant scientific field.

What Success Looks Like

You will establish a clear testing process, develop promising prototypes, and produce reliable evidence of their performance. Successful formulas will meet agreed standards for efficacy, plant compatibility, stability, cost, and manufacturing consistency.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• Do you hold a bachelor’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, plant science, soil science, agricultural chemistry, or a related field?
• How many years of hands-on experience do you have developing or evaluating liquid fertilizer or pest repellent formulations?

Work Location: In person