Turf Agronomist

Join a collaborative turf Research & Development team at the Vero Beach Research Center (VBRC) and be an active participant in the Crop Protection Field Development Professional Solutions Region (SPS).

Manage a 4-acre fine turf research area. Implement a comprehensive maintenance program including fertilization, irrigation, sprigging/overseeding, mowing, and other cultural practices. Carryout all aspects of the program that will deliver premium turfgrass research and development trialing as well as internal and external customer engagement.

Collaborate with R&D Scientists to conduct and implement field and greenhouse experiments to evaluate products in development.

Accountabilities:

• Incorporate new digital technologies to enhance the turfgrass research plots at VBRC and maintain excellent quality turfgrass plots for trialing purposes. 
• Diagnose and solve biotic and abiotic problems.
• Coordinate with R&D scientists to promote conducive test conditions for target pathogens, nematodes, and insects, allowing for rotation of field trials with key agronomic maintenance practices. Assist scientists during critical periods (applications, data collection, etc.).
• Operates equipment used for maintaining turf grasses, including, but not limited to mowers, sprayers, tractors, top dressers, aerators, spreaders, and backpack sprayers. Manages preventative maintenance of turf equipment, including mower reel settings, calibration of spray equipment, and irrigation heads system.
• Excellent ability to plan and execute simple or complex series of experiments or equivalent tasks both independently and in collaboration with a team under field, greenhouse, and laboratory conditions.
• Adhere to Syngenta and VBRC Health, Safety, and Environmental policies and procedures and complete all required training.

As a world market leader in crop protection, we help farmers to counter these threats and ensure enough safe, nutritious, affordable food for all – while minimizing the use of land and other agricultural inputs.  

Syngenta Crop Protection keeps plants safe from planting to harvesting. From the moment a seed is planted through to harvest, crops need to be protected from weeds, insects and diseases as well as droughts and floods, heat and cold.  

Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Switzerland. 

• B.S/B.A or MS degree in Agronomy or related field, or commensurate experience, in culturing and maintaining resilient stands of warm-season turfgrass, including Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass at both greens and fairways height of cut (HOC) and St. Augustine lawn HOC.
• In Florida conditions, experience in culturing and maintaining cool-season turfgrass systems such as creeping bentgrass & perennial ryegrass.
• Strong working knowledge of turf pesticide use and application methods, growth potential & fertility programs, and irrigation systems.
• Field and greenhouse research trial experience would be preferred.

Critical Experience:

• 2-5 years of leading and/or assisting in leading a turfgrass facility, golf course, and/or landscape company.
• Proven record of planning, implementing, and maintaining turf for bio-efficacy tests and experience communicating maintenance programs and benefits of healthy turf to key stakeholders.
• Ability to physically wear the required PPE to safely apply pesticides under various climatic conditions and lift 50 lbs. 
• Able to work weekends and after regular working hours during time-critical trial periods.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• Florida pesticide applicator license, drone license, or ability to obtain one upon hiring.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

What We Offer: 

• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development, and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs. 
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.  
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution. 
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits. 

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. 
Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI 

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. 

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