Sales Trainee

Pay: From $24.00 per hour

Job description:

About AvidWater:

In 2017 two of the largest Ag Irrigation companies came together, Agri-Valley Irrigation, LLC and Irrigation Design and Construction, LLC. We have operated as two entities yet together as one, and now since 2023 we officially came together as AvidWater. The employee generated name comes from a combination of our companies Av- from Agri-Valley and id - from Irrigation Design & Construction. New Name. Same Commitment. Same People. Focusing on our customers.

www.avidwater.com

Summary: The Sales Trainee is an entry-level development position designed to build the technical, commercial, operational, and customer relationship skills required for a successful career in sales at AvidWater. The position works alongside experienced sales, operations, construction, retail, design, and service personnel to develop a working knowledge of agricultural irrigation systems, products, applications, project execution, and customer needs. The Sales Trainee will initially support existing sales personnel while progressively assuming responsibility for customer relationships, account development, estimating, quoting, prospecting, and sales opportunities. Successful completion of the training period is intended to prepare the employee for an independent sales position within AvidWater.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Participate in a structured training program covering AvidWater products, services, customers, sales processes, and operational functions. Spend significant time in the field with experienced sales personnel visiting growers, farms, project sites, and customer facilities. Learn the fundamentals of agricultural irrigation systems, including drip and micro irrigation, filtration, pumping, automation, pipe, valves, fittings, and related products and services. Develop an understanding of how irrigation systems are evaluated, designed, estimated, sold, installed, serviced, and supported. Learn to identify customer needs through field observation, questioning, system evaluation, and interaction with growers and farm personnel. Assist sales personnel with customer meetings, site visits, measurements, project information gathering, material lists, proposals, quotations, and follow-up. Develop the ability to prepare accurate quotations and proposals under the supervision of experienced sales personnel and management. Learn AvidWater pricing practices, gross margin expectations, labor estimating, freight, deposits, payment terms, credit requirements, and other commercial requirements associated with customer projects. Prospect for new customers and sales opportunities as directed by the Regional Sales Manager and follow up on leads, quotations, open opportunities, and customer requests in a timely manner. Develop and maintain professional relationships with growers, farm managers, purchasing personnel, vendors, manufacturers, and other industry contacts. Identify opportunities to introduce customers to additional AvidWater capabilities, including construction, service and repair, retail and material sales, pumping, electrical, automation, water treatment, and other company offerings. Coordinate with design, operations, construction, retail, accounting, and other departments to ensure customer commitments are communicated accurately and projects transition properly from sales to execution. Learn the importance of complete project documentation, deposits, credit approval, change orders, billing information, and customer payment requirements. Participate in manufacturer training, internal product training, field demonstrations, trade shows, grower meetings, and other industry events as assigned. Develop a working understanding of agricultural production, major crops, irrigation practices, water management, and market conditions within the assigned territory. Demonstrate continuous improvement in product knowledge, technical understanding, selling skills, customer communication, and independent account management. Meet training milestones, activity expectations, and performance objectives established by the Regional Sales Manager. Follow all AvidWater safety policies and procedures while working in stores, yards, construction sites, farms, and other field environments. Maintain a professional appearance and represent AvidWater appropriately when interacting with customers, vendors, and industry partners. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

Education and/or Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's or bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Business, Irrigation, Water Management, Construction Management, Business, Sales, or a related field preferred but not required. Previous experience in agriculture, irrigation, construction, mechanical trades, customer service, retail, or sales is preferred but not required. Entry-level candidates with strong mechanical aptitude, agricultural experience, customer service skills, or demonstrated interest in a professional sales career will be considered. Valid driver's license and ability to meet company driving requirements. Bilingual English/Spanish skills are preferred depending on assigned territory. Basic mathematical and computer skills, with the ability to develop proficiency in estimating, pricing, margins, measurements, CRM systems, email, and Microsoft Office applications. 

Qualifications:

Strong interest in developing a career in agricultural irrigation and professional sales. Coachability, strong work ethic, personal accountability, and consistent follow-through. Ability to communicate professionally with growers, customers, coworkers, vendors, and management. Mechanical and technical aptitude with the ability to learn irrigation systems and applications. Ability to organize multiple customer requests, quotations, priorities, and follow-up activities. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across sales, operations, construction, retail, design, service, and accounting. Willingness to spend substantial time in agricultural and outdoor environments and travel throughout the assigned territory. High level of integrity and ability to protect customer and company confidential information.

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Work Location: In person