Reference: 18037853

About Syngenta

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.  

About Us 

At Syngenta, we are working to build the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture that provides leading seeds and crop protection innovations to enhance the prosperity of farmers. We are currently seeking a Seed Production Agronomist for the Production and Supply in Lonetree, IA. As a Seed Production Agronomist, you will manage and execute all phases of inbred Parent Seed production for corn to ensure a high quality, reliable, and timely supply is delivered to the facility. 

You will enhance the prosperity of farmers by: 

• Fostering 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 maximize 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, inbred placement strategy, creating preliminary field maps, and SAP data entry
• Develop and implement programs regarding agronomic issues in production fields including, weed and insect programs, and timely field inspection programs
• Understand species and variety characteristics, seed quality standards, and crop delivery requirements to optimize seed availabilities
• 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, creating/setting up new vendors, creating of vendor invoices, submitting invoices for payment, pricing grower contracts throughout the year, and managing disposition of harvest
• Work with Seeds Production Research or other specialists to manage projects to test new production concepts and continuous improvement technologies
• Managing logistics for key peak activities (planting & harvest)
• 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 workforce needs, and training staff
• Coordinates receiving activities to meet conditioning schedules in conjunction with Plant Operations
• Cross functional knowledge and experience of plant activities: conditioning, treating, packaging, and warehouse and distribution activities  
• Supervise employees and third-party personnel as required
• Lead Root Cause Analysis investigations into yield and quality production issues

Active leadership in the “Goal Zero” campaign

Qualifications

Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or related field and a minimum of 2 years of related experience required
• Knowledge of seed production procedures, practices, and terminology
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills
• PC and business software skills
• Strong agronomic and pest management skills
• Ability to walk seed production fields in any weather and work 7 days a week during critical time of year
• Position requires extensive travel during peak times of the year
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must be authorized to work for Syngenta in the United States without work authorization sponsorship
• Position will be REMOTE, however Candidate should reside near Grundy Corner

Preferred Requirements 

• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) preferred but not required

 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, 12 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 

Application

Please click HERE to learn more and to apply online.

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.