Field Research Associate

About Us
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 Team is currently seeking a Independent Trialing Specialist, to be located in Norfolk, NE 

Role Purpose 
This role will provide the highest quality field trial data through timely and accurate note collection and sound trial execution. This includes supporting local trialing efforts to create superior products as well as assisting the Trialing Manager’s targeted goals by continuously innovating and driving optimal field trial management.

Accountabilities

• Function as an integral member of a team from a remote location responsible for the full range of seasonal activities related to conducting yield trials including but not limited to planning, actively communicating, packaging, planting, note taking and harvest.
• Evaluate and secure quality yield trial land in the desired testing area
• An expert source of information on yield trialing processes/protocols
• Complete work with a very limited degree of supervision the ability to work autonomously
• Solve complex and varied problems with a very limited degree of supervision
• Recruit, hire and supervise third-party contract labor to assist with planting, phenotyping, harvest
• Lead projects with impact both on and across station/sites and provide formal and/or informal guidance, training, and support to other team members. 
• Provide input to development of new process protocols / standards
• Effectively communicate regularly with trialing manager regarding the status of projects and work activities.

Requirements

• B.S. Degree in an agricultural related discipline and/or relevant experience of 5 plus years.
• Understanding of plant genetics and breeding required.
• Knowledge of multiple crops that are tested in trialing
• Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that impact trial data precision and accuracy.
• Understanding and demonstrated use of modern agronomic practices.
• Proficiently communicate and work well as part of a team.
• Pesticide Applicators License Holder or ability to acquire within 3 months.
• Willingness and motivation to learn, implement and champion new technologies.
• Demonstrated initiative and implementation of specific, measurable performance objectives.
• Model Syngenta’s commitment to safety, sustainability and product stewardship
• Ability to use MS Office, Smartsheet 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.
• Knowledge of best practices in agronomic management.
• Must be able to work independently without supervision from a remote office
• Coordinate and manage workload to complete objectives and tasks.
• Must possess strong attention to detail and an unrelenting commitment to quality.
• Good organization skills and ability to explain tasks to others. 
• Receive and pass complex information on to required parties while making calculations and straightforward analysis as needed.

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, greenhouse, laboratory, office. Potential allergens, pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the field or greenhouse.
Seasonal travel to the home station in Waterloo, NE for peak seasons of seed prep. Travel to other locations as necessary for meetings and to assist other locations..

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems.
• CDL Class A 
• Takes a broad perspective to problems and identifies issues and patterns from partial conflicting data or information. 
• History of implementation of continuous improvements and new innovations.
• Knowledge of or experience with Almaco or precision planting equipment.
• Knowledge of or experience operating commercial or research combines

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.