Seed Production Agronomist

Company Description

Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture. Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture. 

Job Description

Management and execution of all phases of seed production for corn to ensure a high quality, reliable, and timely supply is delivered to the facility.  Foster an operational culture founded on HSE and process improvement.  Actively engage and provide technical agronomic expertise with seed growers.

Accountabilities

• Geographically contract required production acres with seed growers to maximize yield, minimize freight costs and deliver seed meeting quality specifications.
• Develop and maintain a grower evaluation system to drive increased yields and quality.
• Manage pre-season planning duties including; recruiting new seed growers, field selection and qualification, hybrid placement strategy, creating preliminary field maps, SAP data entry, and creating field recipes.
• Develop and implement programs regarding agronomic issues in production fields including, fertility, weed, insect and disease programs, and timely field inspection programs.
• Perform field scouting and reporting to growers. Manage irrigation and spraying applications/scheduling with contractors and growers.
• Perform post season yield analysis using Geographic Information System tools to evaluate growing area strategy, AgLeader SMS
• General administrative management duties including signing grower contracts, collecting crop insurance information,  collecting/preparing/inputting data for reports, conducting QMS management meetings, creating/setting up new vendors, creating of vendor invoices, submitting invoices for payment, pricing grower contracts throughout the year, and managing disposition of harvest.
• Foster an operational culture founded on adherence to all applicable HSE and other corporate policies, procedures and guidelines.  Active leadership in the “Goal Zero” campaign
• Work with Seeds Production Research or other specialists to manage projects to test new production concepts and continuous improvement technologies
• Attend offseason conferences to remain current with latest production technology and develop specialized skills (i.e. systems, data analysis, equipment maintenance, fertility, irrigation management, etc.) to support seed growers
• Coordinates with Plant Management Team to set schedules, determine workforce needs, and training staff
• Lead Root Cause Analysis investigations into yield and quality production issues
• Build relationships with Syngenta CP and Seed sales representatives
• Cross functional knowledge and experience of plant activities: conditioning, treating, packaging, and warehouse and distribution activities  
• Supervise employees and third party personnel as required

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Meet crop plan targets while maintaining high quality production
• Achieve annual COGP and HSE targets
• Proactive professional working relationships with seed producing vendors
• Assessments, implementations, and execution of important business strategies relating to consistent supplies of high quality and sufficient quantity seed products
• Individual skill assessments and developments

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or related field
• Preferred qualifications
• Certified Crop Advisor designation from the American Society of Agronomy
• Typically requires 2-4 years of related experiences

Critical experience

• Knowledge of seed production procedures, practices, and terminology
• Excellent communication skills
• Leadership and project management skills
• PC and business software skills
• Strong agronomic and pest management skills

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Ability to adapt to changing environmental/situational needs
• Ability to make timely, effective decisions
• Clearly Decisive: Ability to make timely and well thought out recommendations that are supported by data and analysis.
• Ability to remain flexible and responsive when faced with m