Production Technician - Line Maintenance

About Us:

We invite you to help us shape the future of agriculture. 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 Soybean Production and Operations Line Maintenance Team is currently seeking a Soybean Nursery Production Technician in Slater, IA. As a Production Technician you will support the execution of all phases of Line Maintenance (LM) seed production and inventory management for soybeans at our nursery locations in North America to ensure a reliable supply of LM seed that meets quality, quantity, and timeline specifications.

You will help shape the future of agriculture by:

• Reliably creating high quality seed for our stakeholders
• Develop/implement best practices in LM nursery seed production
• Foster an operational culture founded of HSE and operation excellence

Accountabilities

• Assist with managing the agronomic and cultural practices of the Line Maintenance nursery to ensure quality specifications and timelines are achieved.
• Write nursery trials and packet seed.
• Aid with coordinating the planting, , evaluating, harvesting and conditioning seed from the of the nurseries.
• Assist winter-season nursery activities with seed packing, shipping, and shelling conditioning
• Assist the Soybean Parent Seed group as well as other LM locations with operational activities.  Minimal travel will be required and some overnight stays.
• Coordinate with the site management team to set schedules, determine workforce needs, and train/oversee seasonal staff.
• Create a “safety first” working environment to safeguard employees, Syngenta assets and the environment.
• Ensure efficient management of seed inventory.
• Remain current with latest production and nursery technologies and develop specialized skills (i.e., systems, data analysis, equipment maintenance, fertility, irrigation, etc.) to support continuous improvement of LM processes.
• Meet LM seed targets in terms of quality, quantity, cost and timing.
• Collaborate cross functionally with other departments such as Syngenta’s Parent Seed, Biological Assessment and Genotyping groups to ensure a smooth and efficient hand-off of relevant data and LM Seeds.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Experience operating and making minor repairs on farm equipment: Tractor, Planter, Sprayer
• Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing
• Commercial Pesticide Applicators License or ability and willingness to obtain
• Currently Forklift Certified, or the ability and willingness to obtain (On-site training & Certification provided.)
• Ability to lift 50 lbs., walk seed production fields and work a 7-day work week during critical times of the year.
• Ability and willingness to work in various environments, Office and Lab Environment as well as Dusty and hot conditions in the fields.
• Knowledge of office functions and processes, including MS Office, MS Databases Spreadsheets, and Power Apps
• Exceptionally detail oriented with high accuracy - Data entry into data management systems must be accurate due to decisions being made by other departments based on the information given

Preferred Requirements

• Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in agronomy (or related plant science), Ag. Business
• An agricultural background
• 1-2 years of experience in nursery or seed production processes

• PC and business software skills including Spirit, MINT and SAP
• Working knowledge of inventory management principals

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 15 days Vacation, 5 Floating Holidays, 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) 

#LI-SA2 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

About Syngenta 

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.