Research Associate 2- Nursery Operations

Role Purpose

The purpose of the Research Associate 2 is to support the local seed production and processing team in meeting the targeted goals for quantity, quality and efficiency for Seed Production Breeding Nurseries of  field corn and soybean in a timely manner, strictly following HSE and Stewardship practices, as well as to support site management with the functional activities of a research station.

Accountabilities

• Responsible for efforts to maintain integrity of seed inventory, packaging, field layout, pollinating, seed processing, and data collection.
• Functioning as an integral member of the production and processing team, leading aspects of packaging, processing, planting, cultivating, note taking and harvesting in seed production nurseries.
• 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.
• Leading tasks completed by other FTE staff and third-party contract labor to achieve desired results.
• Provide daily direction to contract staff
• Provide task specific training to FTEs and contract staff
• Leading complex projects and deliver on key targets.
• Understand and operate within given budget
• Effectively communicate regularly with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities.

Requirements

Critical success factors & key challenges

• A team player with an ability to lead independent projects.
• Ability to work for continuous improvement through understanding, critical observation, everyday learning
• Plant, lead manual pollination crews, maintain and harvest seed production trials to meet deadlines.
• Coordinate, collaborate and manage workload to complete objectives and tasks.
• Must be detail oriented, and drive attention to accuracy.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

• B.S. Degree in an agricultural related discipline and/or relevant experience preferred.
• Two or more years of previous work experience in a related field
• 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 affect nursery seed production quality, quantity, and timelines.
• Understand and use of modern agronomic practices.

• Team player with demonstrated outstanding communication skills
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s history and ability to obtain a Chemical Applicators License within 3 - 6 months of hire date, is strongly recommended.

Critical knowledge

• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word, Excel, Power Point and other standard office software.
• Ability to use and support proprietary IT systems.
• Demonstrated initiative and implementation of specific, measurable performance objectives.

Critical experience

• Familiarity with seed technology industry and plant breeding methodologies
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems
• Knowledge of best practices in agronomic management
• History of implementation of continuous improvements and new innovations

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word and Excel, and other standard software.
• Ability to learn and use proprietary systems for label printing and inventory management.
• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies.
• Role model Syngenta’s commitment to safety, sustainability and product stewardship.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively function as a team member in cross functional activities.

• A minimum of two years in current position is (required for internal)
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field.  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, 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.

TRAVEL: Seasonal travel to off-station testing locations, project meetings, and winter nursery locations

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

WL2A

#LI-MD1

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)

Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and 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.

About Us: Through leading innovations, we help farmers around the world meet the challenge of feeding a growing population and taking care of our planet. We are currently seeking a Research Associate 2 for the Seeds Development/Seeds Nursery Operations team in Stanton, Minnesota.