Sunflower Seed Production Research Intern

Company Description

Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown.   We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities.

Job Description

As an intern at Syngenta, you have the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry, and work on real projects finding real solutions. Work with us and you’ll get:

• Competitive wages
• Ongoing career development resources
• The opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects.
• Meaningful projects that solve problems

Duration: May1, 2024 - September 30, 2024

Salary Range: $18- $30 per hour 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide the intern the opportunity of being exposed to the Seed Parent Characterization activities, allowing him/her to apply academic background and assist in the department activities from trial design, preparation, maintenance, harvesting, lab tasks, and data analysis.
• Allow the intern to develop a good understanding about new sunflower hybrid development, and parent characterization activities, by taking a lead role for one of the Seed Parent Characterization’s projects.
• Strengthen new product advancements through the assessment of important traits for seeds production at early breeding stages.
• Take the lead on the project management and execution according to the assigned project. Assure that field activities (planting, plot maintenance, applying spray treatments, bird netting, harvest, and sample processing) for research plots are executed. This includes routine site/farm maintenance activities such as planting plots, applying treatments, collecting observations and in-season data, and maintaining the plots throughout the growing season. Fall activities include harvest stand counts and actual plot harvest and sample processing.
• Support other Seed Parent Characterization, as well as agronomic trial and seed production activities at the home site.
• Develop and maintain two-way communication with project managers, Seed Production Research (SPR) Scientists, Agronomists and Hybrid Seed production colleagues at the home site. Additionally, look for communicating with people from different areas, from breeding all the way to commercial seeds production, aiming to gain a good understanding of the whole chain.
• Assist with managing and developing part time workers.
• Analyze data and prepare a research report and presentation for the assigned project.
• Lead daily routine equipment maintenance and preparation to ensure maximum precision in all treatment applications.
• Make sure all activities are performed according to the Company safety procedures and recommendations and promote environmentally sustainable solutions.

Qualifications

• Requires a High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Biology, Ag Business, or another closely related field of study.
• Familiarity with working on a farm, working with crops, irrigated crops, sunflowers or working outdoors is preferred.
• Must have a valid Driver's License.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, Traits & Abilities:

• Communication-The ability to communicate information well (both written and spoken) is highly desired.
• Detail Oriented-All procedures and policies must be understood and followed.
• Autonomous-An independent individual who is self-motivating and needs little supervision.
• Previous internship and/or co-op experience related to Agriculture is preferred but not required.
• The intern will be working in sunflower research plots and willingness to work in areas where beehives are present for pollination purpose.
• Confidence- Not afraid to ask bold questions and be curious.
• Eagerness to learn and grow in the role.

Additional Information

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Syngenta Contact Information: 
If you need assistance during the application process, please contact the Service Desk at sta_support.northamerica@syngenta.com
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