Field Equipment Specialist

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 Field Equipment Specialist on the Operations Team in Slater, Iowa

Role Purpose
We are seeking an individual with a passion for agriculture and expertise in research level small plot field equipment to drive improved “in season” performance in Syngenta’s corn, soybean and wheat operations program through the development of, and ensuring team level execution on, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for both field equipment/processing equipment and agronomy best practices

Accountabilities:

• Subject Matter Expert (SME) for small plot, nursery plots research equipment (planters/sprayers/combines)
• Conduct initial equipment training for new Operations team members within the region. 
• Conduct equipment refresher training for Operations team members within the region.
• Develop, train and ensure implementation of equipment Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). 
• Support troubleshooting of in season equipment breakdowns
• Develop and ensure execution of post season equipment maintenance plans
• Perform all activities in accordance with the Syngenta Health, Safety, Environmental Policy
• Develop preventive maintenance schedule and cost for all Ops equipment. 
• Work with the manufactures to schedule maintenance and repairs.
   

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering or equivalent.
• Proven ability to communicate, influence and interact well with a large and diverse team.
• Proven ability to champion new “ways of working”.
• Detailed understanding of production agriculture practices.
• Deep technical knowledge in agricultural research level planting and harvesting equipment.
• Knowledge of drones utilized to support automated phenotypic data capture
• Ability to effectively interface with and influence teams without having direct reporting line accountability
• Must be able to use MS office Suite
• Experience with production agriculture
• Self-driven with a passion for solving complex problems.
• Basic project management skills. 
• Advanced stakeholder engagement and change management skills. 
• Effective interpersonal and visual communication skills.

Preferred Requirements

• Solid foundation in Agronomy with strong knowledge of grower level “best practices”
• Experience with research plot equipment.
• Experience with research level nursey operations
• Automation equipment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  
Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field. 
Capable of working for extended periods from a field setting. 
Capable of working for extended periods from a desktop setting.
Capable of working long hours during critical periods of the growing season.

WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Both field and office setting. 

TRAVEL:
Possibility of travelling to different sites

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 
• Paid Vacation, 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. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.