Research Associate 2

About Us
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 Trialing Team is currently seeking a Research Associate 2, to be located in Stanton, MN 
 

Role Purpose 
This role will provide the highest quality field trial data through timely and accurate note collection and sound trial execution. This includes supporting local trialing efforts to create superior products, as well as assisting the Trialing Manager’s targeted goals by continuously innovating and driving optimal field trial management.

Accountabilities

• Functioning as an integral member of a team responsible for a full range of seasonal routine tasks including but not limited to planning, actively communicating, packaging, planting, note taking, and harvesting yield trials.
• Operation and in-field maintenance of agricultural machinery and/or agricultural research equipment.
• Supporting efforts to maintain integrity of seed packaging, field layout, planting, data collection, and harvesting.
• 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.
• Supervising third-party contract labor on and off site to achieve data-driven results and resolves minor problems or complaints.
• Effectively communicating regularly with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities.

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs. Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions. Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States.

Requirements

• Associates or a B.S. Degree in an agriculture-related discipline and/or relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems.
• A basic understanding of plant genetics and breeding is desirable.
• Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that impact trial data precision and accuracy.
• Understanding and demonstrated use of modern agronomic practices.
• Proficiently communicate and work well as part of a team.
• CDL Class A with Airbrakes or ability to acquire.
• Pesticide Applicators License Holder or ability to acquire. 
• Ability to use MS Office, Smartsheets and other standard office software.
• Ability to use and support proprietary IT systems for data collection/analysis, tracking agronomic practices, and metric and KPI tracking.
• Must be able to work with a moderate level of supervision while traveling to off-site locations to accurately collect and manage data obtained from trials.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

• Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhouse.  Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.  Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the growing season
• WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Field, greenhouse, laboratory, office.  Domestic and international travel required with occasional overnight stays. Stays at off-season production/nursery locations may extend to two to three weeks.  Potential allergens pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the field or greenhouse.
• Seasonal travel to off station testing locations, project meetings.  Domestic and international travel required with seasonal overnight stays.

Preferred Requirements

• Takes a broad perspective to problems and identifies issues and patterns from partial conflicting data or information. 
• Willingness and motivation to learn, implement and champion new technologies.
• Demonstrated initiative and implementation of specific, measurable performance objectives.
• History of implementation of continuous improvements and new innovations.
• Model Syngenta’s commitment to safety, sustainability and product stewardship.
• Familiarity with seed technology industry and plant breeding methodologies.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems.
• Knowledge of best practices in agronomic management.
• Knowledge of or experience with Almaco or precision planting equipment.
• Knowledge of or experience operating commercial or research combines.

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