Apprentice-Production Technician

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 Seed Production Team is currently seeking a Production Technician Apprentice in Pekin, Illinois. You will help shape the future of agriculture by:

• Producing a reliable supply of high-quality seed by executing production plant tasks assigned by Plant Management
• Organizing, performing, and leading in assigned departments to ensure required processes, procedures, and production requirements are met; and
• Managing field operations, seed receiving, and conditioning equipment operations to ensure seed is properly handled and conditioned so the highest quality seed will be packaged to meet sale demands

Apprenticeship Program Details

• Syngenta’s Illinois Production Technician Apprentices work part-time as a Production Technician Apprentice at Syngenta (Pekin, Illinois) while simultaneously attending agribusiness courses at Illinois Central College, East Peoria, IL. On-the-job training allows the apprentice to practice what they are learning in the classroom on the job site and learn real-world skills from identified mentors.
• Apprenticeships are an earn and learn program. The associated tuition, fees and books for the agribusiness courses are sponsored and paid by Syngenta up front, allowing the Apprentice to earn a degree with minimal debt. In addition, apprentices have paid wages during the two-year program.
• Apprentices will report to the Operations Manager who will support the Apprentice throughout the year by mentoring, guiding, and confirming skill set accomplishments. Entry Level Pay will be $20.00/hr., with the opportunity for incremental increases upon successful completion of job responsibilities, during the program.
• Successful completion of Syngenta’s Production Technician Apprenticeship program includes finishing the required on-the-job training plan and earning a related educational degree, such as the Agronomy or Agricultural Business Management Specialization from Illinois Central College.
• Upon successful completion of the full program, and consistent with Syngenta’s hiring needs, apprentices will have the opportunity to apply for and promote into a full-time Production Technician, including a salary increase, with benefits.

• Operate, monitor, and adjust seed conditioning equipment for top quality and low discard. Responsible for product quality assessments and adherence to product specifications; Ensure all clean-downs and changeovers are done correctly to eliminate any product mixture
• Participate in site safety initiatives and goals. Foster an operational culture founded on adherence to all applicable Health/Safety/Environment (HSE) and other corporate policies, procedures, and guidelines; Strict adherence to HSE protocols and all corporate policies and processes
• Participate in Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to meet annual improvement objectives
• Assist Site Agronomist with field and production activities
• Perform other duties as required to meet plant or site needs

Requirements 

• High School Diploma / GED or equivalent experience
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to be forklift certified
• Enrollment in the Agribusiness program at Illinois Central College

Preferred Requirements 

• Agricultural or Warehousing background preferred
• Ability to receive a chemical applicators license
• Excellent analytical and deductive reasoning skills
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Working knowledge of inventory management principals
• Ability to adapt to changing environmental and situational needs such as rain, snowstorms, and cold temperatures that may affect scheduling and plant operation
• Ability to be CDL certified

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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Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 30,000 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 and 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.