Operations Specialist Crop Management- Woodland CA

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 Operations team is currently seeking a Operations Specialist Crop Management for the Trialing team located in Woodland, California

Role Purpose

• The purpose of Operations specialist crop management is to support the different breeding projects in delivering on project goals by running the greenhouse/cages/open field crop management operations and supervising a crew of third-party contract labor.
• Manage all the growing management-agronomy programs in greenhouse and open field at Woodland site. Continuously improving cultural practices, introducing new technologies and processes for effective and qualitative delivery of Vegetables Seeds Development various crop portfolio.
• Responsible for operation and maintenance of greenhouses, greenhouse controls, field control and seed research equipment
• The operation specialist crop management is responsible for all activities within cultivation and plant handling from preparing the soil until harvest of seeds to secure operational delivery in line with expectations of requestors. In addition, the senior grower is responsible scouting, spraying and using fertilizers including the administration.
• Follow and apply all HSE (Health, Safety, & Environment) and Stewardship practices, as well as to provide support to site management with the functional activities of a research facility. 

Accountabilities

• Directly manage the crop cultivation activities with responsibilities for irrigation, fertilization programs, growing & climate management, pest management.
• Function as an integral member of the site Operations Team by participating in all in-scope activities, including agronomic activities, maintenance of equipment and facilities, documentation, and training.
• Directly manage the production of seedlings with responsibilities of deadlines, quality and protocols
• Participate in research and process-improvement projects related to the growing of vegetables crops portfolio.  
• Managing, coaching and training of third-party contract labor to ensure accurate results are achieved. Monitoring performance indicators for third-party contract labor.
• On-call for greenhouse emergencies or unscheduled work based on business needs or weather conditions (including weekends).
• Performing all tasks and behaving in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety and stewardship related company policies and practices, including completing all required company training courses and attending local safety meetings.
• Effectively communicating on a daily basis with peers, breeding teams and supervisor regarding the status of projects and work activities.
• Participate in research and process-improvement projects related to the growing and breeding of vegetable varieties.

• BS with equivalent experience in plant breeding, agronomy, biology, or horticulture Required, master’s degree in Agronomy preferred.
• Highly prefer field experience over greenhouse experience, with at least 2 to 5 years experience in agronomic field management etc. 
• MS Office Suite and database management skills
• Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that affect trial data precision and accuracy.
• Good ability to plan activities. Basic understanding of project management and planning
• Excellent Communication Skills both Verbal and Written
• Experience in Vegetable crops farming or management of research field operations
• Ability to use professional concepts and company policies and procedures to solve a wide range of problems in practical ways
• Experience in managing operational processes including management of infrastructure and relevant resources.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence
•  Demonstrated ability to identify critical issues and engage with cross functional stakeholders to solve problems in timely manner
• Results orientation and drive to deliver high quality of cropping and young plant production.  
• Ability to work on problems where situation or data requires an in-depth analysis of various factors.
• Ability to have a multi-year track record of high yield or quality performance, when compared to like areas / growers.  Prevents problems before they occur
• Must be able to work in a team and communicate with individuals throughout the organization.
• Experience in managing, coaching and training a diverse crew of third-party contract labor.
• Valid US driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s history.
• Flexibility and resourcefulness in a fast paced, team-oriented work environment.
• A demonstrated work ethic that strives for excellence in productivity, accuracy, timeliness, and innovation.
• Ability to work independently, and also in team situations.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US without visa support
• Travel – 10% and seasonal travel to off-station trialing locations

Preferred Requirements

• A basic understanding of plant physiology and breeding is desirable.
• Desirable to have a QAC or the ability to acquire within 6 months after hire.
• Ability to operate equipment, such as tractors, implements, greenhouse climate control systems like ARGUS or PRIVA, irrigation systems, etc.
• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies: Irrigation systems, climatic control, GPS and GIS systems, etc.
• Administration of the use of both biological and chemical crop protection and fertilizers
• Bilingual is a plus         

Working Conditions/ Physical Demands

• Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhouse.
• Potential allergens; pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the greenhouse.
• Work is performed in the field, greenhouse, cages, lab, and office
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the growing season

• 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
• Work Level: 3A
• Salary Range: $66,000- $83,000

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.