Seed Production Agronomist

Company Description

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs.

Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions.

Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States.

The Seed Production Agronomist manages and executes all phases of seed production soybeans, ensuring high-quality, reliable, and timely supply. Leverages advanced agronomy, digital technologies, and data-driven insights, including AI and agricultural technology, to optimize yield, quality, and resource efficiency. Fosters strong grower relationships and drives continuous improvement.

Job Description

**WILL NEED TO BE LOCATED IN JONESBORO OR SURROUNDING AREAS**

Strategic Production & Grower Management:

• Contract production acres with growers, utilizing digital platforms for efficient management and transparent communication.
• Develop and maintain data-driven grower evaluation systems to optimize yield, quality, and sustainability.
• Build strong grower relationships, providing technical expertise and promoting sustainable practices.
• Optimize seed availability and market responsiveness based on variety characteristics, quality standards, and crop delivery.

Advanced Agronomic Program Execution:

• Design and implement cutting-edge agronomic programs (IPM, nutrient management, field inspections) using imagery and AI-driven predictive analytics.
• Make data-informed pesticide and agronomic recommendations to optimize yield, COGP, and environmental impact.
• Awareness and practical knowledge of current and emerging precision agriculture technologies (e.g., VRT, auto-steer, advanced irrigation, robotic scouting).
• Evaluate, pilot, and integrate new agricultural technologies and digital tools for efficiency and sustainability.

Data Management & Digital Tool Implementation:

• Oversee comprehensive data collection from field operations and grower interactions using advanced digital tools (GIS, farm management software, IoT sensors, Cropwise).
• Analyze data to identify trends, optimize decisions, and generate actionable insights for yield, quality, and resource allocation.
• Develop digital dashboards and reporting systems for KPI monitoring.
• Champion AI/machine learning applications for predictive modeling (e.g., yield forecasting, pest risk) and prescriptive agronomy.

Operational Excellence & Quality Assurance:

• Coordinate receiving activities with Plant Operations using digital scheduling and inventory systems.
• Manage administrative duties (contracts, data input, QMS meetings, pricing, harvest disposition) within digital frameworks.
• Coordinate bin sampling for timely, safe, and QMS-compliant representative samples, using digital tracking.
• Oversee site internal Quality Labs and personnel, integrating digital quality control and traceability.

Innovation, Sustainability & HSE Leadership:

• Foster an operational culture adhering to HSE and corporate policies; lead "Goal Zero" initiatives.
• Collaborate with R&D to test/implement new production concepts, focusing on sustainable and resource-efficient solutions.
• Stay current with production technology, scientific advancements, and develop specialized skills (e.g., data analytics, AI/ML, automation, fertility/irrigation management).
• Possess cross-functional knowledge of plant activities (conditioning, treating, packaging, warehousing) with an emphasis on digital integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field.
• 5+ years in seed production, precision agriculture, or advanced agronomy.
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) highly preferred; precision agriculture/data analytics certifications a plus.
• In-depth understanding of row crop physiology, soil science, IPM, nutrient management, and sustainable practices.
• Familiarity with AI/Machine Learning principles and applications in agriculture. Hands-on experience preferred.
• Proficiency in agricultural software (e.g., SMS Advanced, Climate FieldView), GIS, remote sensing, and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau).
• Strong knowledge of IoT d