Research Associate 1

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. 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. 
 

Job Description

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 for the Soy Nursery Seed Production & Operations team in Bay, Arkansas (AR). 

You will help meet the world’s most pressing needs by:
The purpose of the Research Associate 1 is to lead the execution of 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.

Accountabilities 

• Function 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.
• Perform all tasks 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.
• Lead 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
• Lead 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.
• Work independently and travel to off-site locations to accurately collect and manage data obtained from trials.
• Lead manual pollination crews related to planting, maintaining, and harvesting seed production trials to meet deadlines.
• Coordinate and manage workload to complete objectives and tasks.
   

Qualifications

Requirements

• B.S. Degree in an Agriculture, Logistics, or Engineering related discipline and/or relevant experience required.
• 1 or more years of previous work experience in a related field
• Fluent with MS Office and other standard office software.
• Proficient skills in MS Excel 
• Ability to use and support proprietary IT systems.
• Demonstrated initiative and implementation of specific, measurable performance objectives.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems
• A basic understanding of plant genetics and breeding is desirable.
• Familiarity with seed technology industry and plant breeding methodologies
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems
• Knowledge of best practices in agronomic management 
• History of implementation of continuous improvements and new innovations
• 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 
• Ability to obtain a Chemical Applicators License within 3 - 6 months of hire date, is strongly recommended.
• Excellent communication skills
• Must be detail oriented, driven and an eye for details and accuracy.
• Individual must be authorized to work in the United States for Syngenta without work authorization sponsorship now or in the future. 

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field. (Position will work in various environments: (Field / Laboratory / Office)  
Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.  
Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the growing season.
Potential allergenspollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the field or gre