Operations Specialist

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, located in Woodland, California

Role Purpose

• 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 seed cleaning, storage, shipment, or testing.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• Use different phenotyping tools to secure trial data collection and data storage. Input and maintain data in database.
• 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 daily 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 preferred.
• 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. Fluent in English. Spanish recommended.
• Ability to use professional concepts and company policies and procedures to solve a wide range of problems in practical ways.
• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies. Experience with data-management tools is a plus.
• Experience in electronic data collection, imaging or high throughput phenotyping tools. 
• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word and Excel, and other standard software’s.
• Ability to learn and use proprietary systems for label printing and inventory management.
• 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 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 Qualified Applicators Certificate or the ability to acquire within 6 months after hire.
• Ability to operate seed laboratory equipment, like seed cleaners, seed counters, and other tools needed for agricultural research project.
• Desirable experience with Lean ways of working/Lean Six Sigma, and Agile methodology.

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: 3B
• Salary Range: $55,200- $82,800 USD

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 28,000 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. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.