Seed Production Agronomist

Role purpose

Management and execution of all phases of seed production for corn to ensure a high quality, reliable, and timely supply is delivered to the facility.  Foster an operational culture founded on HSE and process improvement.  Actively engage and provide technical agronomic expertise with seed growers.

Accountabilities

• Geographically contract required production acres with seed growers to enhance yield, minimize freight costs and deliver seed meeting quality specifications.
• Develop and maintain a grower evaluation system to drive increased yields and quality.
• Manage pre-season planning duties including; recruiting new seed growers, field selection and qualification, hybrid placement strategy, creating preliminary field maps, SAP data entry, and creating field recipes.
• Perform post season yield analysis using Geographic Information System resources to evaluate growing area plan, Ag Leader SMS
• Develop and implement programs regarding agronomic issues in production fields including, weed and insect programs, and timely field inspection programs.
• Perform field scouting and reporting to growers. Manage irrigation and spraying applications/scheduling with contractors and growers.
• General administrative management duties including signing grower contracts, collecting/preparing/inputting data for reports, conducting QMS management meetings, creating/setting up new vendors, creating of vendor invoices, submitting invoices for payment, pricing grower contracts throughout the year, and managing disposition of harvest.
• Foster an operational culture founded on adherence to all applicable HSE and other corporate policies, procedures and guidelines. Active guidance in the “Goal Zero” campaign
• Work with Seeds Production Research or other specialists to manage projects to test new production concepts and continuous improvement technologies
• Attend offseason conferences to remain current with latest production technology and develop specialized skills (i.e. systems, data analysis, equipment maintenance, fertility, irrigation management, etc.) to support seed growers
• Coordinates with Plant Management Team to set schedules, determine team needs, and training staff
• Lead Root Cause Analysis investigations into yield and quality production issues
• Develop relationships with Syngenta CP and Seed sales representatives
• Cross functional knowledge and experience of plant activities: conditioning, treating, packaging, and warehouse and distribution activities
• Supervise employees and third party personnel as required

• Meet crop plan targets while maintaining high quality production
• Achieve annual COGP and HSE targets
• Proactive professional working relationships with seed producing vendors
• Assessments, implementations, and execution of important business strategies relating to consistent supplies of high quality and sufficient quantity seed products
• Individual skill assessments and developments

Critical knowledge

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or related field
• Typically requires 2-4 years of related experiences

Critical experience

• Knowledge of seed production procedures, practices, and terminology
• Excellent communication skills
• Leadership and project management skills
• PC and business software skills
• Strong agronomic and pest management skills

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Ability to adapt to changing environmental/situational needs
• Ability to make timely, effective decisions
• Clearly Decisive: Ability to make timely and well thought out recommendations that are supported by data and analysis.
• Ability to remain flexible and responsive when faced with multiple urgent requests
• Knowledge of experimental design and field trialing

Critical leadership capabilities

• Drive Results:  Focuses on customers - Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers.  Manages for performance - Skillfully plans, organizes and monitors performance to create value and achieve excellence in delivery.
• Liberate Potential:  Collaborates across boundaries - Collaborates effectively across organizational and functional boundaries, and leverages diversity.
• Creates Edge:  Leads change and holds ambiguity - Uses effective strategies to facilitate organizational change initiatives and overcomes resistance to change.
• Team-Oriented: Works well across all Business Units and functions; values input from others

Physical demands of the essential functions:

• Position requires being able to walk seed production fields in any weather
• Position requires working 7 days a week during critical time of year
• Position requires travel by car/pickup during certain periods of year
• Position requires extensive travel during peek times of the year

Working conditions while performing essential functions:

• Position requires be able to work in dusty and hot conditions
• Office environment a portion of the year.

Other:

• Must have a valid driver’s license
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.
• Two years current position preferred.  Candidates who have been in their current position a minimum of one year will be considered if they have the approval of their current business unit leader and hiring business unit leader.

       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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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.