Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a top-tier agricultural company that combines the power of science and technology with the Human Element to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. Dow AgroSciences provides innovative technologies for crop protection, pest and vegetation management, seeds, traits, and agricultural biotechnology to serve the world's growing population. Global sales for Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, are $4.5 billion. For more information, please visit our website: www.dowagro.com.

Dow AgroSciences is seeking an experienced Hybrid Seed Production Agronomist.

Under the direction of the Canola Operations Work Process Leader, serves as the primary field contact for Certified Hybrid Canola seed production. This includes grower contracting and management, vendor contracting, data collection and reporting.
Responsible for quality control and sampling processes and assists with the conditioning schedules at contract facilities. Works on complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Manages all aspects of grower relationship, including grower recruiting, grower interviewing, grower education, grower evaluation, and grower replacement, field selection, and contracting and grower payments.
2. Works with Canola Operations Team to develop a production plan from the crop plan. Uses geographic risk management and cost effectiveness to develop the production plan
3. Manages all seed stock ordering and allocation to the growers including recording information into company database
4. Develop and implement best practices that can be leveraged across production locations.
5. Monitors production throughout growing season, advising growers of appropriate production methodology, to meet and exceed established quality standards.
6. Monitors production for isolation distances, genetic purity and responsible for rogueing of seed fields.
7. Responsible for records management including crop updates in NASPR (North America Seed Production Reporting) and crop certificates
8. Updates Supply Chain Planner on crop progress and yield estimates.
9. Responsible for seed sample collection, sample handling, distribution of samples to testing facilities, and inputting sample data into LIMS. (Laboratory Information Management System)
10. Implements, procedures to ensure federal and provincial regulatory, safety and security guidelines are met and/or exceeded.
11. Collaborates with Production Research on projects to improve yields, quality and reduce costs
12. Communicates agronomic attributes of new varieties to sales management and the commercial group
13. First level of approval for contract payments
14. Supports the Sales and Operations (S&OP) process
15. Reviews and updates Standard Operating Procedures for canola

Job Information and working conditions:

This role requires technical knowledge of canola and hybrid seed production. Experience with canola seed production Quality Assurance Principles will be an asset. Role requires a valid driver's license and passport as both domestic and international travel may be required

Examples of goals that would be typical for this Job:

1. Exemplary EH&S
2. Unquestionable reliability - execution of the certified hybrids seed production plan to meet business needs
3. Manage costs and provide agronomic support associated with certified hybrid seed production
4. Participate in development and implementation of quality assurance program for certified hybrid seed production and have the capacity for growth
5. Communication of production status to Operations Leader and Stakeholders

Competencies for this role:

Initiative:
The incumbent is required to take independent action to facilitate production plans, and achieve results. You will proactively identify issues and problems and move them forward for resolution

Teamwork:
You are part of the Dow AgroSciences (DAS) Supply Team and contribute to the outcome through participation, cooperation and commitment to shared vision and goals

Innovation:
You are constantly working on your development and driving improvements in our seed production processes. Key focus is on quality and driving down cost of goods for parent seed production.

Technical Expertise:
This role requires good technical knowledge of parent seed production and your ability to leverage this knowledge to meet business goals

Interpersonal Effectiveness:
The incumbent must be able to build strong relationships with growers. You will be interacting with multiple functions and will require excellent written and verbal skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy, Ag Business, or other related field of study is required.
2. Knowledge or experience in certified hybrid seed production. A minimum of 2 years experience is required.
3. Ability to handle 25 kg bags of seed is a requirement.
4. Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal effectiveness and ability to lead and motivate individuals.
5. Strong negotiation, contract management and people management skills.
6. Ability to facilitate complex problem solving through good organization, management skill, written and verbal communication
7. Candidate must have the ability and legal right to work in Canada without company sponsorship. Candidate must be able to provide documentation of his/her legal right to work in Canada.
8. Job location is in Lethbridge, AB
9. Valid drivers license for Canada is a requirement.

HOW TO APPLY:

Candidates must apply online at www.dowagro.com/careers (job number 1000599) to be considered.

Primary Location: North America-Canada-Alberta-Virtual Office-Canada AB

Dow AgroSciences is an equal opportunity employer offering excellent career opportunities, as well as competitive compensation and benefits package. We seek motivated individuals to join a growing team in Dow AgroSciences.