About Syngenta

Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 30,000 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

Through leading innovations, we help farmers around the world meet the challenge of feeding a growing population and taking care of our planet. We are currently seeking a Research Associate 3 for the Research and Development Seeds Operations team in Highland, Illinois.   

Role Purpose

The purpose of the Research Associate is to support the local operations teams’ efforts to create superior products and support the Manager’s targeted goals for quantity, quality and efficiency for Seed Production Breeding Nurseries. This role will assist in nursery management and site operation.

Accountabilities

• Assist the Operations Manager, planting, note taking, pollination and harvesting of Corn and Soybean Seed Production Nurseries.
• Assist in training, overseeing and leading tasks completed by third-party contract labor to achieve desired results.
• Effectively communicating regularly with supervisors, breeders and peers regarding the status of projects and work activities.
• 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
• Functioning as an integral member of a team supporting all activities. These duties include packaging, planting, note taking and harvesting.

Requirements

• Must be able to follow and implement specific instructions and train others.
• Ability to complete objectives and tasks in a team setting or independently
• Plant, maintain, pollinate and harvest trials to meet deadlines out lined in the seed production plan.
• Must be detail oriented, organized and drive attention to accuracy. Along with the ability to continually improve a process and data driven.
• May travel to off-site locations to accurately collect and manage data obtained from trials.
• Ability to operate specialized research equipment and preform basic maintenance

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

• B.S. Degree or 2 year  in an agricultural related discipline, required. Candidates with relevant agriculture experience may be considered. M.S degree preferred.
• Experience and an understanding of plant genetics and breeding is desirable
• Open to the use of new technology to improve the quality and quantity of operations
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s history. The ability to obtain a Chemical Applicators License and Drone License within 3 - 6 months of hire date, is required.
• A basic understanding of Agriculture R&D Seed Production is desirable.
• Experience with project management tools.

• Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that affect trial seed production.
• Good communication skills with the ability to present to groups outside department.
• Bilingual in Spanish

Critical knowledge

• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word, Excel, Power Point and other standard office software.
• Ability to use and support proprietary IT systems.
• Ability to use electronic project management tracking tools.

Critical experience

• Experience in field corn and sweet corn seed production, leading groups of people to complete a task is desirable.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Ability to learn and use proprietary systems for tracking workload and data management.
• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies.
• Comfortable operating agricultural equipment

Critical leadership capabilities

• Lead Self – Be a self-leader by completing task with minimal input or use experience of what needs to be done and when.
• Lead Internally – ability to work with and lead co-workers
• Lead Others – Working with others locally and regionally to accomplish goals of the bigger team.

• A minimum of two years in current position is (required for internal)
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field, labs, or shop. Capable of lifting to 50 pounds.  Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the growing season.

WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Field, labs, shop, and office settings.  Domestic travel required with occasional overnight stays. Possible International travel requirements.  Potential allergens¾pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the field.

TRAVEL: Seasonal travel to off-station testing locations, project meetings and equipment trainings

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
• Open Vacation Policy with a minimum of 15 days of vacation and up to 30 days with manager approval, 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

WL2A/3B

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.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmla.htm)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC)

(http://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/firststep/poster_direct.htm)

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppa.htm)

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