Agronomist Research Associate

About Us 
We invite you to help us shape the future of agriculture. 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 Seeds Development Operations team is currently seeking an Agronomist in Clinton, IL. 

Role Purpose 
The purpose of the Operations Agronomist is to manage the field nursery location agronomic specifications for corn and soybean field trials.  They are responsible for providing quality yield and agronomic conditions in the field trial locations, as well as to support site management with the functional activities of a research station strictly follow HSE and Stewardship practices.

  
Accountabilities  

• Works on problems of diverse scope and analyses data to evaluate solutions. 
• Exercises judgment within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Develop acreage placement plans in conjunction with Operations team. 
• Participates in field improvement efforts
• Participates in Six Sigma field improvement activities
• Understand species and variety characteristics, seed quality standards, PLC advancement priorities, and crop delivery requirements to optimize seed availabilities.
• Develop and implement programs to address agronomic issues in nursery fields including weeds, insect programs, and timely field inspections.  Make pesticide and agronomic recommendations to optimize yield.
• Assist in additional Operations nursery tasks in order to deliver quality seed and data on time and within budget.
• General administrative management duties including preparing grower contracts and collecting, – preparing, – inputting data for reports.
• Lead seasonal farm management duties and activities including field prep, bedding, and maintenance tasks; irrigation scheduling; take opportunistic notes, and seek resolution to control noted pests or weeds through applicable methods. 
• Remain current with latest production technology and develop specialized skills (i.e. systems, data analysis, equipment maintenance, fertility, irrigation management, etc.) to support Operations nursery team.
   

Requirements 

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy or related field
• 2-4 years related experience preferred
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) preferred or obtain one within 12 months of accepting the role
• Knowledge of general industry procedures, practices, and terminology
• Strong agronomic and pest management skills
• Individual must be authorized to work in the United States for Syngenta without work authorization sponsorship now or in the future.
• Have an applicable Illinois spray applicators license or obtain within 12 months of accepting the role.

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, 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.

Seasonal travel to off station testing locations, project meetings.  Domestic and international travel required with seasonal overnight stays.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with high-throughput automated systems and relevant information technology
• A basic understanding of plant genetics and breeding is desirable.
• Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that affect trial data precision and accuracy.
• Chemical Applicator’s license w/ Seed Treatment application experience a plus
• Proven record of meeting deadlines in peak seasons.
• Ability to use and support proprietary IT systems.
• Experience with Power BI, SmartSheets is a plus
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word, Excel, Power Point and other standard office software.
• Ability to use and support proprietary IT systems for data collection/analysis, tracking agronomic practices, and metric and KPI tracking.
• 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.
• Ability to learn and use proprietary systems for label printing and inventory management.
• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies.

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Meet seasonal plan targets while maintaining high quality production.
• Achieve annual HSE, Continuous Improvement, and KPI targets.
• Proactive professional working relationships with seed producing vendors.
• Assessments, implementations, and execution of important business strategies relating to consistent supplies of high quality and sufficient quantity seed products. 
• Ability to remain flexible and responsive when faced with multiple urgent requests
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Self-motivated  

What We Offer: 

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution 
• Open Vacation Policy with a minimum of 15 days of vacation and up to 30 days with manager approval, 9 Paid Holidays 
• Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others 
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity, and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year 

 
  
Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 
 
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)  
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmla.htm) 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) 
(http://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/firststep/poster_direct.htm) 
 
Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) 
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppa.htm) 
 
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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.