Operations Specialist

The purpose of Operations Specialist is to support the successful execution of sweet corn and green brean research trials in open field and greenhouse. This position combines hands on operation of specialized farm equipment with strategic leadership of third-party crews to ensure optimal trial management and data integrity.

• Assist in the end-to-end Trialing process to include setup and maintenance of yield trials from planting to harvest and tracking of different experimental entries.
• Operate and maintain GPS-equipped tractors/planters and other seed research equipment  with complex mechanical and electronic components.
• Use data collection tools to collect and record detailed observations and measurements from trial plots, ensuring accuracy and consistency in data collection.
• Optimize the vegetable field-agronomy program by critically evaluating and implementing best practices to maximize crop yield and quality in open field and greenhouse environments.
• Function as an integral member of the operations team supporting all activities from seed to seed, including but not limited to seed request, packaging, labelling, seed treatment, tissue sampling, pollination, data collection, seed processing, documentation, training, etc.
• Participate in research and process-improvement projects related to the growing of vegetables crops portfolio. 
• Managing, coaching and training of third-party contract labor to ensure accurate results are achieved.
• Effectively communicating on a daily basis with peers, breeding teams and supervisor regarding the status of projects and work activities.
• Follow and apply all HSE (Health, Safety, & Environment) and Stewardship practices, as well as provide support to site management with the functional activities of a research facility.

At Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, we’re passionate about helping people in the vegetable industry succeed and putting growers at the heart of all that we do. Our energies are focused on creating solutions that help them get more out of their crops, now and in the future. A commitment in every seed. We do this by: protecting seed, bulb, or small plant quality from the start to enable growers to achieve the highest yield potentials in their operations; continually investing in R&D to bring cutting-edge innovations to the market; and striving to make a real world difference through more sustainable practices on farms, in shipping, and at the grocery store.

PLEASE NOTE -- Candidates must be already located in the United States and not require visa sponsorship now or in the future (includes OPT).  This position is 100% onsite.

• BS/BA in agronomy, horticulture, plant science or an agricultural related field.
• Hands on experience in operating GPS-equipped tractors/planters, combines, embarked electronic equipment, farming softwares, robotics, and other precision agriculture equipment.  
• Expert level experience in the operation, adjustment, maintenance and ability to do minor repairs on precision agriculture equipment including planters and combines is required.
• An expert level understanding of agriculture and agronomy practices is required.
• An expert level understanding of the practices and procedures that affect trial data quality is desirable.

Critical capabilities

• Pesticide Applicators License Holder or ability to acquire.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s history is required.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a federal medical card to operate commercial motor vehicles is required.
• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word and Excel, and other standard softwares.
• Ability to learn and use proprietary breeding management software systems.
• Ability to work in a team and to communicate with individuals throughout the organization.
• Must be available for unscheduled work based on field conditions and weather (including weekends).

​Additional information

• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US without visa support.
• On-call for greenhouse emergencies or unscheduled work based on business needs or weather conditions (including weekends).
• Seasonal travel to off-station trialing locations.

Working Conditions/ Physical Demands

• Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhouse.
• Potential allergens: pollen, fungal spores, and chemical pesticides in the greenhouse.
• Work is performed in the field, greenhouse, lab, and office.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the growing season.

What We Offer: 

• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development, and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs. 
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.  
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution. 
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits. 

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. 
Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI 

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. 

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