Field Research Associate

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 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. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture. 
 

Job Description

About Us
At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, the Clinton Trialing Team is currently seeking a Research Associate , to be located in Clinton, Illinois 

Role Purpose 
The purpose of the Research Associate is to support local trialing efforts to create superior products and support the Trialing Manager’s targeted goals for precision, accuracy and efficiency to obtain the highest quality data delivered in the designated timeframe.

Accountabilities

• Function as an integral member of a team responsible for planting, plot maintenance, spraying, note taking and harvesting yield trials. 
• Assist in operations activities of inventory management, packaging, seed processing, hand harvest as needed (dependent on site)
• Operation and maintenance of agricultural machinery, and or agricultural research equipment.
• 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.
• Overseeing tasks completed by third-party contract labor to achieve desired results, e.g., phenotyping, pollinating, harvest 
• Effectively communicating regularly with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities

Qualifications

Requirements

• B.S. Degree in an agricultural related discipline, preferred. Candidates with  relevant agriculture experience will be considered.
• Experience in operating and maintaining agricultural machinery, and or agricultural research equipment.
•  A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s history and the ability to obtain a class A CDL, within 6 months,  
• Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that affect trial data precision and accuracy.
• Understand and use of modern agronomic practices.
• Good communication skills both Verbal and Written.
• Must be able to work independently and may travel to off-site locations to accurately collect and manage data obtained from trials.
• Plant, spray, maintain and harvest crop trials to meet deadlines.
• Ability to complete objectives and tasks.
• Must be detail oriented, with an attention to accuracy.
• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word, Excel, Power Point and other standard office software.
• Ability to learn and use proprietary systems for label printing and inventory management.
• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies.
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Applicator’s License to administer Restricted Use Pesticides

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  
Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhouse.  Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.  Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the growing season.

WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Field, greenhouse, laboratory, office.  Domestic and international travel required with occasional overnight stays. Stays at off-season production/nursery locations may extend to two to three weeks.  Potential allergens pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the field or greenhouse.

TRAVEL:
Seasonal travel to off-station testing locations, project meetings, and winter nursery locations

Preferred Requirements

• Ability to learn, use and support proprietary IT systems
• A basic understanding of plant genetics and breeding is desirable
• Experience in the operation, adjustment, maintenance of and ability to do minor repairs on various plot equipment, including a planter, tractor, cultivator, sprayer, combine, truck and trailer is desirable
   

Additional Information

What We Offer:

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Saving