Hybrid Wheat 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. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.

Job Description

Support the successful scaling of hybrid wheat parent seed production by providing region-specific agronomic recommendations and coordinating field management to ensure delivery of seed products that meet forecasted production demands and quality standards.

Accountabilities

• Oversee and actively participate in the execution of field management to ensure that standards and timelines are met for packaging, planting, agronomic management, and harvesting.
• Coordinate with Production Technicians to identify and recommend production environments that will maximize yield, ensure high-quality seed, and minimize freight costs. Assist the P&S Manager in utilizing defined resources, budget, and personnel to deliver on field production and seed quality objectives.
• Assist in establishing/maintaining quality and purity standards for hybrid parent seed productions. Support Production Technicians in ensuring purity and phytosanitary standards are met for all seed production fields. 
• Lead out documentation and continual improvement of protocol to guide P&S team and contract growers in region-specific best management practices for hybrid parent seed production.
• Assist in the proper storage, conditioning, packaging, and inventory records for seed products.
• Ensure all seed crop management information is captured and recorded.
• Support Production Technicians in ensuring the production, conditioning, and timely distribution of existing and new hybrid parent wheat releases.
• Ensure continuous improvement in production efficiency and overall seed purity and quality by evaluating production systems and providing feedback to P&S Manager.
• Coordinate and/or execute special R&D projects focused on delivering efficiencies, reducing COGs, and the release of superior hybrid/conventional products.
• Assist with coordinating the maintenance of all Syngenta-owned equipment and facilities.
• Support and model a team culture that prioritizes compliance in Syngenta stewardship standards.
• Train, guide, and mentor other staff members in all aspects of their duties while maintaining a safe work environment and ensuring compliance with all HSE and stewardship requirements.
• Manage all operational affairs for assigned responsibilities. Communicate regularly with P&S Manager to inform on progress and any complications/limitations/delays.
• General administrative management duties including preparing contracts, collecting – preparing – inputting data for field management records and production reports.
• Facilitate and foster good communication and working relationships with Production Technicians, P&S Manager, and contract growers within each region.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.
• Support other functional groups including Quality lab, Greenhouses, R&D, and Commercial.

Qualifications

• Meet all quality and production needs set forth by Cereals P&S Manager and Commercial team.
• Ability to actively participate and contribute in all field activities.
• Flexibility and resourcefulness in a fast-paced work environment.
• Possess work ethic that strives for excellence in productivity, accuracy, timeliness, and innovativeness.
• Timely and complete reporting of information

Critical knowledge

• Demonstrated understanding of agronomic best management practices for irrigated and dryland production environments for maximizing seed yield while prioritizing cost of goods
• Knowledgebase in tractor/farm/field equipment utilization and operation.
• Knowledge of seed industry procedures, practices, and terminology.
• Understanding of cultural practices (e.g., crop rotation, weed control, soil fertility practices).

Critical experience

• 3-5 years experience in seed production or providing agronomic recommendations. 
• BS degree in Agriculture-related field 
• CCA preferred

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Excellent agronomic and irrigation management skills.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment an