Seed Processing Specialist

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 Automated Process Line Team is currently seeking a Field Research Associate, located in Slater, Iowa
Role Purpose
The Seed Processing Specialist provides daily guidance and support to production workers/contractors at our Slater and Nevada, IA facilities.  This role is responsible for ensuring the needs of our customers are met via execution of daily seed processing targets.  Specialist will adhere to all applicable HSE, Quality and Stewardship practices. 
Accountabilities

• Supervise and maintain the safe operation of Automated Seed Processing Lines (APLs), seed treaters, and associated processing equipment
• Support and enable a diverse team of production workers/contractors to meet daily throughput goals in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Focus on meeting targeted shift production levels; track and report daily output metrics
• Perform and oversee preventative maintenance, daily calibrations, and off-season equipment testing
• Develop and maintain good relationships with 3rd party vendors and service providers to guarantee operational readiness of equipment during peak periods
• Identify, recommend, and implement measures to improve production throughput, equipment performance, product quality, waste reduction, resource flow and line efficiencies
• Define and execute continuous improvement projects
• Function as an integral member of the site Operations Team by participating in all seasonal activities, whether in field, lab, greenhouse or production floor
• Perform all tasks and behave in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety and stewardship related company policies and practices, including completion of all required company training courses
• Provide task-specific training and documentation to FTEs and contract staff
• Communicate/collaborate with peers, supervisors, and stakeholders regarding the status of projects and work activities

• Competence with standard seed processing equipment (shellers, threshers, color sorters, treaters, etc.)
• Must be able to work in a team environment
• Proven record of meeting deadlines in peak seasons
• Supervise the workload to complete objectives and tasks
• Must be detail oriented, and drive attention to accuracy.
• Ability to use MS Office, Smartsheets and other standard office software.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s history
• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies
• 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
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Ability to resolve conflict, maintain unity and boost morale
• Power to influence, gain support, and build consensus

Preferred Requirements

• B.S. Degree in an engineering/agriculture/manufacturing related discipline or relevant experience
• 3 or more years previous work experience in a related field
• Experience working with cross-functional interdisciplinary teams
• Basic knowledge of research plot and agriculture fundamentals
• Ability to learn and utilize proprietary IT systems
• Demonstrate initiative and implementation of specific and measurable performance objectives
• Experience with Power BI and/or SmartSheets is a plus
• Competence with standard seed processing equipment (shellers, threshers, color sorters, treaters, etc.)
• Knowledge of best practices in warehouse/manufacturing environments
• Ability to obtain forklift certification
• History of implementation of continuous improvements and new innovations
• 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 processing and  packaging season : September through May.
• Production environment, field, laboratory, office.  Domestic and international travel limited with occasional overnight stays.
• Potential for seasonal travel to off-station testing locations, project meetings, and winter nursery locations

• 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

Work Level 2A
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. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.