Reference: 18024763

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

We invite you to help us shape the future of agriculture. 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, we are currently seeking a Seed Production Agronomist in Phillips, NE. As a Seeds Production Agronomist, you will manage and execute all phases of seed production for corn to ensure a high quality, reliable, and timely supply is delivered to the facility.  This role will also foster an operational culture founded on HSE and process improvement and will 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, hybrid placement strategy, creating preliminary field maps, SAP data entry, and creating field recipes
• Lead Root Cause Analysis investigations into yield and quality production issues
• Perform post season yield analysis using Geographic Information System tools to evaluate growing area strategy
• Understand species and variety characteristics, seed quality standards, PLC advancement priorities, and crop delivery requirements to optimize seed availabilities
• 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 QBS 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
• Managing logistics for key peak activities (harvest and detasseling)
• Foster an operational culture founded on adherence to all applicable HSE and other corporate policies, procedures and guidelines.  Active leadership 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 workforce needs, and training staff
• Build 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

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or related field and a minimum of 2 years of related experience
• 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

Preferred Requirements

• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) preferred

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

To apply

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.