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. Join us and help 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. We are currently seeking a Field  Research Associate , to be part of our Trialing Team  to be located in Highland, Illinois
Role Purpose
The purpose of the Trialing Specialist is to support the Trialing Manager in executing research level yield trials on time, with high precision and accuracy in a safe, compliant manner in order to generate the highest quality data to allow identification of superior performing products in corn, soybean and wheat

• Function as an integral member of a team responsible for planting, plot maintenance, spraying, note taking (phenotyping) and harvesting research level yield trial plots.
• Serve as expert point of contact for the team on operations and maintenance of agricultural machinery, and or agricultural research equipment to include: precision planters, drones, automated phenotyping equipment and research combines
• Set the standard for the local team by performing all tasks and behaving in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety and stewardship related company policies and practices, including completing all required company training courses.
• Explain and supervise tasks completed by both full time and third-party contract labor in order to achieve the Trialing Manager’s desired results, e.g., assisting the team with field layout, planting, phenotyping, harvest.
• Effectively and regularly communicate with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects, status of work related activities, quality and timeliness of data collected.
• Propose improvements to processes that have impact both at and across sites

• Master’s Degree (preferably in an agriculture-related discipline) or a Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience is required. Associates degree with significant years of experience will be considered. Degreed candidates with relevant operational training or experience outside of agriculture will also be considered.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems is required.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s history is required
• Must be able to work without supervision while traveling to off-site locations to prepare, plant and accurately collect and manage data obtained from trials.
• Plant, spray, maintain and harvest research level corn, soybean and wheat trials to meet data quality standard and operational deadlines.
• Work with Trialing Manager to coordinate workload in order to complete objectives and tasks in a timely manner.
• Must possess a strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Strong organization skills with ability to explain tasks to others.
• Ability to receive, conduct detailed analysis and pass on complex data/information
• Model Syngenta’s commitment to safety, sustainability and product stewardship
• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word and Excel, Smartsheets and other standard software.
• Ability to use and support proprietary IT systems for data collection/analysis, tracking agronomic practices, and metric and KPI tracking.
• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies
• In depth knowledge of agriculture and agronomy practices is required.
• A strong understanding of the practices and procedures that impact trial data precision and accuracy.
• Strong communication skills and proven ability to work well as part of a team.
• Pesticide Applicators License Holder or ability to acquire.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems.
• Knowledge of best practices in agronomic management.
• Knowledge of or experience operating precision planting equipment.
• Knowledge of or experience operating commercial or research combines
• Ability to obtain and maintain a class A CDL is desirable.
• Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhouse.  Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.  Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the growing season.
• Field, greenhouse, laboratory, office. Potential allergenspollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the field or greenhouse.
• Seasonal travel to off station testing locations, project meetings.  Domestic and international travel required with seasonal overnight stays.

• 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

Work Level 3A

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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