International Shipping Associate - Seeds

Role Purpose:

The Logistics Research Associate is to support North America Seeds Development teams by executing the movement of trials and materials for continuous/contra-season activities as well as other international seed movements.  The position is expected to execute processes to ensure the consistent and timely movement of seed between research sites in order to meet seasonal planting deadlines.  Complying with shipping processes and meeting timelines for principal stakeholders and continuous nursery site managers is required to optimize the effectiveness of the winter nursery effort.

 Accountabilities

• Execute shipments originating from and destined for North America Seeds Development sites, including obtaining and maintaining phytosanitary and commercial documentation needed for international shipments.
• Centrally audit phytosanitary and regulatory qualifications of materials destined to and originating from international winter nursery sites utilized by North America Corn, Soy, Sweet Corn, and other crops.
• Organize shipment inventories and ensure the qualifications of the materials being shipped are met, as defined by official phytosanitary and stewardship regulations.  
• Manage electronic data of trials and materials that are included in shipments to ensure traceability and tracking is maintained from origin to destination.
• Coordinate shipments of Regulated materials as defined by protocol to select destinations and observe all internal stewardship requirements for seed movement.
• Assist with the development of strategic plans to increase shipping efficiency and success of winter season efforts.  This includes developing processes and working through standardization issues to ensure efficient operations.
• Facilitate communication with other internal Syngenta entities and continuous nursery site managers to ensure that all requirements are met according to individual site protocols.

• Be an expert MINT internal database-user and provide support to the development of the program and limited support to other users.
• Assist with contra-season supply shipments.

• Assist with Site Stewardship and Quality by managing the Site Training Tracker and setting up site process trainings on behalf of trainers.  This includes leading some shipping-specific process trainings for North America sites.
• Oversee, organize, and facilitate 3rd Party and freight movements in and out of Nevada Pack & Sort.

Key challenges

• Effectively working with principal contacts to include Internal (Breeding Project Leads, Station Management and technical staff, Continuous Nursery Site Leaders, IS, Continuous Nursery Head, Data Managers, Global Continuous Nursery Demand Planners) and External Consultants (logistics brokers, nursery service providers, State Ag Dept).

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

• 2 or 4 year degree in an Agricultural, Biological, or Logistics field or equivalent experience in a related area.
• Knowledge of International Shipping requirements for seed and equipment.
• Competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, and other proprietary database environments (SPIRIT, MINT, RIMS)

• Ability to manage, develop and refine protocols
• Organization and time management
• Communication – written and oral
• Understanding of the logistic and phytosanitary requirements in shipping seed across international borders.

Critical experience

• One to two years experience in a work related field.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Must be able to independently travel by car or by air to domestic locations to provide support and oversight.
• Must be able to independently rent a car and legally drive in the U.S.

• A minimum of two years in current position is required (requirement for internal applicants only)
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US.
• The ideal candidate will have experience in a lead customer-focused support role with demonstrated independent troubleshooting skills.

Physical demands of the essential functions:

• Candidates must be able to lift at least 60 lbs and sit at a computer workstation for extended periods of time.

• Must be able to drive forklift and operate similar equipment.
• Capable of working extended hours during time-critical periods of the shipping seasons.
• Must be willing and able to work at both the Slater and Nevada location.

Working conditions while performing essential functions:

• Candidates must be available during unpredictable workload peaks, including weekends as necessary.
• Candidates must be able to travel between Slater and Nevada.

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

WL2A

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)

#LI-MD1

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.

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 Research Associate 2 for the International Shipping Logistics team in Slater IA/Nevada IA.