Research Associate 2- Nursery Operations

Company Description

About Syngenta

Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 30,000 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.

About Us

Through leading innovations, we help farmers around the world meet the challenge of feeding a growing population and taking care of our planet. We are currently seeking a Research Associate 2- Nursery Operations for the Seeds Development/Seeds Nursery Operations team in Slater, IA.   

Job Description

Role purpose

The purpose of the Research Associate 2 is to lead the execution of corn and soybean nursery seed production, strictly follow HSE and Stewardship practices, provide quality seed meeting quantity and timeline targets to assist scientists in delivering project goals, as well as to support site management with the functional activities of a research station.

• This role will have a greater responsibility throughout the year with field machinery and operations; will operate and perform basic maintenance on farm and other specialized research equipment.

Accountabilities

• Operate, troubleshoot, and perform basic maintenance on farm and specialized research equipment
• Functioning as an integral member of a team leading aspects of packaging, planting, cultivating, note taking and harvesting in seed production nurseries.
• Responsible for efforts to maintain integrity of seed inventory, packaging, field layout, pollinating, seed processing, and data collection.
• Performing all tasks and behaving in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety and stewardship related company policies and practices, including completing all required company training courses.
• Leading tasks completed by other FTE staff and third-party contract labor to achieve desired results.
• Provide daily direction to contract staff
• Provide task specific training to FTEs and contract staff
• Leading complex projects and deliver on key targets.
• Understand and operate within given budget
• Effectively communicating regularly with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities.

Key challenges

• Must be able to work independently and will travel to off-site locations to accurately collect and manage data obtained from trials.
• Plant, lead manual pollination crews, maintain and harvest seed production trials to meet deadlines.
• Coordinate and manage workload to complete objectives and tasks.
• Operate and perform basic maintenance on research farm equipment.
• Must be detail oriented, and drive attention to accuracy.

Qualifications

Requirements

• B.S. Degree in an Agriculture, Logistics, or Engineering related discipline and/or relevant experience preferred.
• Prefer 3 or more years previous work experience in a related field
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems
• Have current Part 107 Drone operating license or ability to obtain certification
• Ability to obtain a Chemical Applicators License within 3 - 6 months of hire date, is strongly recommended.
• A basic understanding of plant genetics and breeding is desirable.
• Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that affect nursery seed production quality, quantity, and timelines.
• Understand and use of modern agronomic practices.
• Demonstrated outstanding communication skills
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s history
• Excellent communication skills

Critical knowledge

• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word, Excel, Power Point and other standard office software.
• Ability to use and support proprietary IT systems.
• Demonstrated initiative and implementation of specific, measurable performance objectives.

Critical experience

Basic Farm equipment and maintenance background

• Familiarity with seed technology industry and plant breeding methodologies
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and softwa