Operations Specialist - Stanton Yield Accelerator

The Operations Specialist will manage the Yield Accelerator Building, which is a small scale food processing lab used for sweet corn & garden bean R&D samples, and oversee field activities at Syngenta’s Vegetable Research Station in Stanton, MN.  Work to improve existing cultural practices and introduce new technologies and processes for the management of research trials. 

Accountabilities

• Directly manage the vegetable field-agronomy program, with responsibilities for planning, planting, growing, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and equipment maintenance.
• Oversee vegetable trialing activities from planting, note taking thru harvest.
• Deliver data for KPI metrics of operations in a timely manner.
• Accountable for the operation of the Yield Accelerator Building and all activities for Sweet Corn & Garden Bean sample processing.
• Ability to build and maintain cooperator and vender relationships.
• Lead and execute continuous improvement projects within the vegetable processing to drive efficiencies and cost savings to the business.
• Maintain all process equipment within the Yield Accelerator Building and Planting/Harvest equipment.
• Participate in research and process-improvement projects related to the growing and breeding of vegetable varieties.  Collaborate with breeders to meet trialing needs. 
• Incorporate leading capabilities and technologies into daily operations in order to bring the highest quality products to market in an efficient, safe and environmentally sound manner.
• Ensure/propose investment in capabilities and infrastructure in alignment with R&D strategy.
• Own and optimize trialing and nursery delivery (Quality, quantity and timeliness).
• Coordinate and supervise the activities of Syngenta employees and 3rd party labor.
• 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 vegetable field-agronomy program, with responsibilities for planning, planting, growing, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and equipment maintenance.
• Oversee vegetable trialing activities from planting, note taking thru harvest.
• Deliver data for KPI metrics of operations in a timely manner.
• Accountable for the operation of the Yield Accelerator Building and all activities for Sweet Corn & Garden Bean sample processing.
• Ability to build and maintain cooperator and vender relationships.
• Lead and execute continuous improvement projects within the vegetable processing to drive efficiencies and cost savings to the business.
• Maintain all process equipment within the Yield Accelerator Building and Planting/Harvest equipment.
• Participate in research and process-improvement projects related to the growing and breeding of vegetable varieties.  Collaborate with breeders to meet trialing needs. 
• Incorporate leading capabilities and technologies into daily operations in order to bring the highest quality products to market in an efficient, safe and environmentally sound manner.
• Ensure/propose investment in capabilities and infrastructure in alignment with R&D strategy.
• Own and optimize trialing and nursery delivery (Quality, quantity and timeliness).
• Coordinate and supervise the activities of Syngenta employees and 3rd party labor.
• 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.
• Accountable for Daily process record review.
• Effectively communicate with peers and supervisors regarding the status of trials, projects and work activities.

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 both independently and in team situations.
• Ability to use data to drive decision making process
• Strong communication skills.

• BS degree in agricultural, plant science, or food science and 3+ years of experience.
• Experience in farming or management of research field operations.
• Experience within a food processing facility (Thermal Processing).
• Ability to use MS Office tools, especially Word and Excel, and proprietary company software.
• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies.
• Ability to acquire FDA Better Process School certification within 6 months of hire
• Already possess or able to obtain within 6 months of hire, a 2nd class B or higher MN Boiler License
• Experience with Precision Ag equipment (required)
• Must have strong mechanical and troubleshooting skills
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain Class A CDL with air brakes license within one year of hire (nice to have).
• Must be available for unscheduled work based on field conditions and weather (including weekends) – in season (mid Summer – July/August) – this mostly happens if suddenly there’s a sudden session of great weather and all hands on deck are necessary to not miss the opportunity.

Preferred

• Vegetable experience is highly desired.
• Experience in agricultural research.

• All applicants must be eligible to work in the USA without visa support
• Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhouse, capable of lifting to 50 pounds, capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the research cycle.
• Field, greenhouse, laboratory, office. Domestic travel required with occasional overnight stays. Travel outside continental U.S. may be required. Potential allergens, pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the field or greenhouse.

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 

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. 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.