Greenhouse Agronomy Coordinator

Role Purpose
Coordinate Agronomy team operations with a focus on delivery of high-quality plants that enable successful pollination and high seed yield. Responsible for performing crop maintenance activities, management of the day to day fertilization and irrigation, setting up irrigation, and fertigation programs within the environmental computer system, Preparing the greenhouse for the required daily activities, sampling and analyzing of fertilization, soil and tissue samples, pest scouting and treatment, and pest prevention. Maintain greenhouse sanitation standards according to protocols. Always follow all safety regulations and protocols to ensure a safe working environment. Coordinate activities to optimize use of resources; drive continuous operational improvement. Communicate and work to resolve issues within broader operational team.
 
 

Accountabilities

• Lead a team of Agronomy technicians to top performance in all aspects of plant health; includes Syngenta and 3rd party staff
• Perform all tasks in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety and stewardship related company policies and practices, including completing all required training courses; ensure lab personnel do the same
• In concert with the Agronomy manager, manage all aspects of the Horticulture processes and procedures in your assigned area, including but not limited to; fertilization, irrigation, pest control and other crop needs on a daily basis.
• Inspect and maintain the area of responsibility, making sure that all necessary equipment is in order and functioning at all times.
• Keeping and maintaining the sanitation standards in your area of responsibility according to the protocol.
• Recording and reporting all data required to the supervisor, make sure all data are recorded and kept according to the requirements.
• Consistent Crop and irrigation system inspection to ensure that the moisture requirement is up to the standard.
• Ensuring that the equipment for growing proposes is in proper working conditions. Record and report inputs like water, feed, on all crops for all stages from the beginning to the end of the crop cycle.
• Making sure all required samplings are done on time, this includes water EC and pH measurement, soil analysis for EC and pH, media and foliar sampling for lab Analysis depending on the requirement
• Monitor and adjust computer control systems based on optimal soil moisture content.
• Responsible to make sure that the area under your responsibility follows WPS practices all the time.
• Be able to program boom and drip irrigation in the computer system. Making sure that all solenoids, valves nozzles and emitters are maintained and working according to the protocol.
• Identify pest and record population and control data.
• Responsible for other areas depending on the request from Agronomy manager.
• Maintain required fertilizer inventory levels.
• Being able to work closely with all stakeholders at all times to foster teamwork

Requirements

• AS or BS degree in Horticulture, Plant Sciences or Biology
• Understanding of basic horticulture and agricultural practices
• Understanding of basic irrigation, fertility management and Insect Control
• Minimum 1-year experience in irrigation and nutrient management
• Ability to lead and motivate others to high performance
• Good computer skills and proficiency with MS Office and corporate software
• Ability to effectively organize, manage and assign workload of multiple tasks
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability and motivation to learn, experiment with and deploy new technologies
• Results oriented and driven to deliver high quality trait conversions to the business
• Pesticide Applicators License Holder (Core, 1A, 1B, 1C, Seed Treatment) or ability to acquire within 3-6 months of starting position.
• Ability to interact with and manage full-time personnel and 3rd party labor to meet project deadlines

 
Preferred Skills

• Basic Spanish language competency
• Experience in irrigation control
• Experience in greenhouse growing
• Experience leading an irrigation team
• Relentless focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence

 
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.
• Potential allergens pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the field or greenhouse.
   

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, 9Paid 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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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.