Agronomy Lead

The position is responsible for leading the different Agronomy Areas at the Continuous nursery operations for Corn, Soybean and Sunflower Seed Production, the role will be responsible of developing the IPM strategy, Precision Irrigation Program, Plant nutrition, Scouting & Pest Bioassays, Farm Management Agronomics, Land Preparation and Equipment/Rolling Stock Maintenance.

The role will develop the annual strategic plans and engage with the site leadership to ensure all resources are available to execute and deliver excellence of seed production.

The role will be responsible for hiring, supervising, continuous development and budgeting for the area expenses and resources on a yearly basis.  

On a daily basis will be engaged in the operation with the direct reports to ensure execution according to strategy and plans.

Accountabilities:

• Demonstrate innovation by staying aware of emerging trends and recommending new processes, products, training opportunities or techniques that will increase plant health, efficiencies or improve skills.
• Find and rent best fields for seed production in compliance with all requirements.
• Develop the annual IPM, Irrigation, Nutrition, Farm management and Maintenance site strategy.
• With the team and Field Crops team coordinate all activities of the field activities, including personnel, equipment, materials, training, monitoring, and problem solving to achieve the site goals to ensure compliance.
• Develop a high quality and process improvement culture across the team and areas of responsibility
• Ensure local compliance related to areas of responsibility and within the team.
• Train, develop and manage staff in the functional, safety and stewardship aspects of their responsibilities.
• Be a mentor to develop site talent.
• Budget and expenses monitor: ensure inventory is accurate, orders are prompted, Purchase Orders match and costing is correct. Establish an annual budget for supplies. Ensure that costs are track and operations stay within established financial parameters. Track costs by department and report reasons for deviations from established budget on a monthly basis.
• Ensure Maintenance team of equipment provide on-time preventive and corrective services to equipment and that they are operating and calibrated properly prior to each use.
• Develop and maintain a scouting system in which problems are discovered and diagnosed early enough to implement effective control prior to non-reversable damage. Anticipate potential problems for the purpose of avoiding crop loss or lack of availability.
• Compliance with local regulations as well as all site HSE and Quality protocols.

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs.

Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions.

Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

• B. S in Agriculture, Crop science or Biology related to field.
• M.S. or Ph.D. in entomology, crop production, agronomy, or related field (Preferentially).
• +10 years of experience on agronomy role leading teams and preferably seed production operations experience and IPM roles;
• Excellent understanding of all relevant agronomic/cultural practices in a tropical environment (irrigation, planting, IPM, pesticide applications).
• Knowledge of seed crop research, production and quality assurance practices.
• Knowledge and experience in the Corn seed production, soybeans and sunflower desirable.
• Experience on field, shade and greenhouse operations.
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer software for data management, e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, GIS mapping software and other relevant software required to operate efficiently
• English proficient: written and speaking
• Demonstrated experience leading and influencing activities of cross-functional teams on agriculture related field
• Ability to lead and influence key stakeholders through challenges and opportunities; facilitates solutions
• Analytical, ability to demonstrate critical thinking across complex situations
• Results orientation with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects/priorities simultaneously
• Excellent oral, written and communication skills to onboard, motivate and engage others at all levels of the organization.

Be part of the Syngenta Experiential Group

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Dynamic and international environment.
• Modern, professional, safe and collaborative environment.
• State-of-the-art employment policies (eg flexible working, focus on goals).
• Individual development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Important

Syngenta and its affiliated companies will never request any remuneration for participating in the processes that we publish on our job portal, nor on social networks or job boards with which Syngenta has an agreement.

Beyond believing in the power of diversity, the Syngenta Group promotes an inclusive culture that embraces differences in all their forms. Here I believe that the feeling of belonging allows people to be the best version of themselves, building an increasingly welcoming and productive environment.

All qualified individuals will be considered for our positions, without regard to race, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Be part of a leading company that brings the potential of plants to life.