Operations Specialist - Data Collection

Please note - this position is 100% onsite in Woodland, CA and cannot support visa sponsorship

The Woodland, CA site is seeking an Operations Specialist to support overall activities of the site Seed development operations team by leading the logistics, organization and execution of on-site crossing blocks and nurseries in greenhouse, field cages or open field.

• The purpose of Operations specialist is to support the different breeding projects in delivering on project goals by running the greenhouse/cages/open field operations and supervising a crew of third-party contract labor.
• Support overall activities of the site Seed development operations team by leading the logistics, organization and execution of on-site crossing blocks and nurseries in greenhouse, field cages or open field. Support field product evaluation trials activities and data collection.
• Support continuous process improvements on site through Lean Six Sigma methodology.
• Support site stewardship and quality practices.
• 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

• Functioning as an integral member of operations team covering all data collection activities from seed to seed process from sowing to harvest including but not limited to planning, request, sowing list, labelling,  plantation list, organize pollination plan, harvest list, seed health measures, seed cleaning and storage.
• Use different phenotyping tools to secure trial data collection and data storage. Input and maintain data in database.
• Collect data for trials, operations KPIs, and work flow KPIs in breeding trials in greenhouses, nethouses, and field locations
• Provide operational management information by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing operating and compliance data and trends
• Directly manage and supervise including but not limited to planning, seeding, sampling, planting, growing, note taking, harvesting, seed extraction and packaging of vegetable trials and vegetable breeding nurseries.
• Supporting efforts to maintain seed stewardship principles of inventory and performing tasks that include but are not limited to: seeding, sampling, planting, spraying, threshing and data collection.
• Implement and train site on site stewardship practices with quality and compliance at the forefront of all site activities
• Assist with identifying, developing, and sustaining process improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma techniques
• 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.
• 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).

• Bachelor’s degree required, Masters degree preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.
• MS Office Suite and database management skills
• Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that affect trial data precision and accuracy.
• A basic understanding of plant physiology and breeding is desirable.
• Excellent communication skills. Fluent in English. Spanish recommended.

Critical experience

• Ability to operate seed laboratory equipment, like seed cleaners, seed counters, and other tools needed for agricultural research projects.
• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies. Experience with data-management tools is a plus.
• Desirable experience with Lean Six Sigma techniques and Agile methodologies, including but not limited to GEMBA, value stream mapping, process mapping, optimization studies, kaizens, etc
• Experience in electronic data collection, imaging or high throughput phenotyping tools.
• Able to solve sophisticated challenges by demonstrating Improvement Process tools to lead teams through problem solving projects from start to finish

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word and Excel, and other standard software.

• Ability to learn and use proprietary systems for label printing and inventory management
• Exemplary project management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical skills

Critical leadership capabilities

• Must be able to work in a team and communicate with individuals throughout the organization.
• Build solid cross functional relationships and work effectively with the operations personnel and stakeholders in R&D, P&S, Pathology, Commercial, etc.
• Experience in managing, coaching and training a diverse crew of third-party contract labor.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s history.

Critical success factors & key challenges

• 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.
• Strong communication skills.

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

• ​​​​​​All applicants must be eligible to work in the US without visa support
• Travel – 10% and seasonal travel to off-station trialing locations

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
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC)
Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

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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.