Operations Technician

Supporting the Trials and Nursery team in the delivery of glasshouse, field and seed processing operations for Syngenta’s cereals breeding programmes. Undertaking a wide range of tasks in scope of the nursery team from growing plants in glasshouses, crossing, seed preparation for nurseries and trials, field recording and harvesting.

Accountabilities

• Undertake and support all other ongoing activities within Seeds Trialing and Nurseries as required withing the field and glasshouses including threshing, cleaning, counting, weighing, treating, casetting and racking of seed, sowing, labelling, in-season scoring, tissue sampling, crossing and harvesting
• Tissue sampling for marker projects
• Crossing and harvesting of Cereals breeding lines

• Preparation and dispatch of seed shipments to Syngenta and external recipients

• To assist in the maintenance of Parental lines and seeds stocks
• Routine use of Syngenta’s MINT track & trace system for all seed movements
• To be proficient in the use of breeding related software including MINT, used in the planning and management of the breeding programmes.
• To perform all tasks and behaving in a manner compliant with and in support of all health and safety related company policies and practices, including completing all required company training courses.
• To communicate effectively and liaise on a regular basis with the team and manager on the status of activities
• Where appropriate, oversee seasonal temporary labour and students working within the Nurseries area to maintain the same high standards of Health and Safety

Knowledge, Experience & Capabilities

• Reliable, with attention to detail, accuracy and confidentiality
• Enthusiasm for and an interest in the Cereals breeding industry
• Experience of working with tight and changing deadlines
• Demonstrate ability to apply theoretical knowledge to achieve practical outcomes
• Willingness to learn and receive appropriate direction and training to complete the necessary tasks.
• Experience of working in a plant breeding environment and basic understanding of plant genetics or breeding systems is desirable
• HND or BTEC in Agricultural or Biologic science or relevant industry experience is advantageous
• Ability to use MS Office, especially Outlook, Access and Excel, and other standard software.

Additional information

• The role requires variable working hours and field and glasshouse work including weekend/evening work during critical business periods
• Occasional travel within Europe as needed or required

Syngenta will offer

• A commitment to innovation
• Leading edge technology
• Competitive salary and benefits scheme including bonus, healthcare & generous pension
• Flexible working hours
• 31.5 days annual holiday
• Vibrant R&D focused workforce with wide and varied social communities to join

We embrace and encourage diversity, and this is what drives our innovation and lets us outperform the market. https://www.syngenta.com/careers/working-syngenta/diversity-and-inclusion

About Syngenta

Syngenta is leading science-based ag-tech company; 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.