Soy TI Conversion Lead

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 Soy Trait Introgression Team is currently seeking a Conversion Lead, located in Malta, Illinois. 
Role Purpose
The purpose of the Conversion Lead is to assist the facility manager in successfully delivering soybean trait development/conversion projects in a high throughput facility.  This role is responsible for implementing all conversion activities to support GM soybean conversion projects

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.

Accountabilities

• Oversee all Trait Introgression Conversion specific tasks to include: capacity planning, trial preparation, planting, and cross-pollination activities.  
• Lead support staff through trainings and task execution to achieve goals.
• Support staff through team development and continuous improvement opportunities.  
• Provide technical assistance such as printing pots stakes/pollination tags, running trial reports, and all related SPIRIT/MINT activities to support key functions.
• Perform all assigned responsibilities and behave in a manner compliant with, and in support of, all company safety policies and practices, including required company training and safety meetings.
• Ensure all tasks are completed efficiently, accurately, and in full compliance with USDA/EPA regulations and Syngenta’s Stewardship guidelines.
• Effective daily communication with supervisors and peers regarding the status of projects and tasks.

Requirements

• B.S. Degree in an agricultural related discipline and/or relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with greenhouse controls and artificial environments and or demonstrated ability to operate and maintain similar equipment desired.
• A basic understanding of plant genetics and breeding is preferred.
• Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that affect trial data precision and accuracy.
• Understand and use of modern agronomic practices.
• Demonstrated outstanding communication skills.
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams. 
• Demonstrated initiative and implementation of specific, measurable performance objectives.
• Ability to use and support proprietary IT systems and MS Office, especially Word, Excel, Power Point and other standard office software.
• Ability to obtain a Chemical Applicators License to assist with TI spraying activities conducted on site.
• Must have a valid US Driver’s license.  

Preferred Requirements

• Experience creating and maintaining Excel macros
• Familiarity with seed technology industry and plant breeding methodologies.
• Knowledge of best practices in agronomic management.
• History of implementation of continuous improvements and new innovations.
• Plant, maintain, and harvest crop trials to meet deadlines.
• Coordinate and manage workload to complete objectives and tasks with very tight deadlines.
• Must be detail oriented, and drive attention to accuracy. Along with the ability to continually improve a process.

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)

#LI-ES1