Grower Assistant

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 fields for the required daily activities, including participation in the pesticide sign removal. Collection, sampling and analyzing of fertilization, soil and tissue samples.  Maintain field sanitation standards according to protocols.  Make sure WPS is done according to the HSE regulations.  Follow all safety regulations and protocols to ensure a safe working environment at all times.

• In concert with the grower, manage all aspects of the Horticulture processes and procedures in your assigned area, including but not limited to; propagation, fertilization, irrigation, growth regulator requirements and other crop needs on a daily basis.
• Adherence to all applicable HSE regulations and processes.
• Support all HSES activates and be a very active participant will all HSES activities and processes.
• Ensuring that the activities within your area adhere to all corporate, site and regulatory protocols and processes.
• Inspect and maintain the area of responsibility at all times, making sure that all necessary structurers and equipment are 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 in the field to make sure that the moisture requirement is up to the standard.
• Be able to maintain the crops, by pinching, pruning and cutting back in conjuncture with the grower and the planning department.  
• Responsible for housekeeping, sanitation and weed control for your area at all times.
• Ensuring that the equipment for growing proposes is in proper working conditions.
• Record and report inputs like water, feed, PGR, 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 daily EC and pH measurement, weekly 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 request from the grower and established criteria.
• Responsible to make sure that the area under your responsibility is in compliance with WPS practices all the time.
• Responsible for other areas depending on the request from your grower.
• Helping during frost patrol and preparation of winterization and de-winterization process.  
• Be able to set up the overhead irrigation and drip irrigation in the computer system.
• Making sure that all solenoids, valves and rain birds are maintained and working according to the protocol.
• Making sure that the lights in your area is checked once every week.
• Responsible to make sure that the standard rooting hormones and regular PGR application signs are in place and the cards are prepared and applied in accordance to the instructions.
• Be able to maintain or fix some minor technical problems in your area of responsibility.
• Maintain required fertilizer inventory levels.
• Being able to work closely with all stakeholders at all times to foster team work

Working conditions
Work conditions will be in an outside environment in a sandy soil setting.  95% will be field work.  Outside environment will be in all types of weather situations, mostly warm and humid.

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Ability to learn and execute tasks according to the instructions and procedures.
• Solving minor equipment problems related to irrigation, fertilization and environmental computer system issues.
• Ability to learn the environmental computer system; for climate and irrigation control.
• Flexible work hours. Will require some weekend, overtime and night work.
• Work closely with other stake holders.
• Must be a team player. 
• Making sure that all activities are done efficiently, effectively and according to the schedule.
• Basic understanding of growing and agriculture production practices.

Critical knowledge and experience

• Minimum 2 years college diploma or above in horticulture or other agriculture related discipline.
• 2 years of horticulture or propagation experience in the industry.
• Very good understanding of basic horticulture and agricultural practices.
• Familiarity with working in the green house and open field.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Understanding of plant propagation
• Understanding of basic irrigation and fertility management.
• Working knowledge of WPS requirements and applications
• Basic computer skills.

Physical demands of the essential functions: 

• Ability to walk in sandy soil.  Work in outdoor environment in various weather situations including frost/freeze conditions. 
• Ability to carry 50 lbs. for up to 20 minutes. 
• Must be able to wear respirator.
• Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the production season.

Working conditions while performing essential functions: 

• Field work is subject to field environment conditions.  Working with and around approved agricultural chemicals. 

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
• Open Vacation Policy with a minimum of 15 days of vacation and up to 30 days with manager approval, 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
• Salary range $23-$24 an hour

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 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. 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.