1. C h e m i c a l Dealer Dr. Frank Flanders and Asha Wise - Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education - May 2006 Agricultural Careers

2. Job Duties & Responsibilities Recommending and selling chemicals according to the needs of the customer Finding and maintaining clients Traveling to business meetings or to client locations for sales Advertising Analyzing sales statistics Providing educational and safety materials to the retailer, producer or consumer Keeping up to date on new products Keeping informed of the latest agricultural production techniques Maintaining a distribution system

3. Qualities and Skills Have the ability to understand and interpret technical data, application directions and safety guidelines. Must supervise a sales staff as well as workers in the distribution system. Need to be friendly and outgoing, demonstrate excellent people and communications skills, both written and oral. Have good math skills and be able to analyze and use sales data. Honesty in product representation is crucial to developing clientele.

4. Physical Requirements Must be able to handle potentially toxic chemicals in a safe manner The ability to travel occasionally May work over 40 hours a week during the busy season Possibly will have night meetings with clients or educational workshops Standing for long periods may be required, especially at trade shows Ability to handle the equipment and chemicals for demonstrations

5. Work Environment Because of technology (computers, etc.) much of the work can take place in an office using telephone and computers If the dealer has a store front, much time will be spent there making sales or directing the work of a sales staff It may be necessary to visit clients individually at their place of work Time may also be spent at conferences or sales expositions Traveling to manufacturing facilities or demonstration sites for updates

6. Education A college education is a must for a chemical dealer Must have a good working knowledge of agriculture with sales skill and the ability to manage people and a company Courses in business, advertising, chemistry, agriculture, biochemistry and computers are highly recommended

7. Career Resources Manufacturers’ Agents National Association P.O. Box 3467 Laguna Hills, CA 92654-3467 http://www.manaonline.org Manufacturers’ Representatives Educational Research Foundation P.O. Box 247 Geneva, IL 60134 http://www.mrerf.org Specialty Chemical Sales, Inc. http://specialtychemicalsales.com/