Seed Production Agronomist

Company Description

At Syngenta Vegetables and Flowers, we're cultivating tomorrow's diversity through innovative breeding that brings vibrant colors to gardens and nutritious vegetables to tables worldwide. We combine centuries of seed heritage with cutting-edge innovation to develop resilient, high-performing varieties that thrive in diverse climates. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable horticulture, where every seed holds the potential to enhance lives through better nutrition and natural beauty. 

Job Description

Execute established Large Seeded Vegetable (LSV) seed production plans to assure that Syngenta has a consistent and timely supply of high-quality seed. Assure successful production of critical genetics assigned to the region through active technical liaison with Supply Chain (SC), Research & Development, growers, and third-party vendors.

Accountabilities:

• Geographically contract required production volumes with growers and vendors to maximize yield, minimize costs and deliver seed meeting quality specifications.
• Develop and maintain grower and vendor evaluation system to drive increased yields and quality.
• Understand species and variety characteristics, seed quality standards and crop delivery requirements to optimize seed availabilities.
• 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.
• Develop and implement programs regarding agronomic issues in production fields including, weed, disease and insect programs, and timely field inspection programs.  Provide pesticide and agronomic recommendations to optimize yield, quality and COGP.
• General administrative management duties including signing vendor contracts, collecting – preparing – inputting data for reports and conducting Quality Management System (QMS) meetings.
• Foster an operational culture founded on adherence to all applicable Health Safety Environment (HSE) and other corporate policies, procedures, and guidelines.  Active leadership in the “Goal Zero” safety campaign.
• Work with Research & Development (R&D) and Global Seed Production Specialists (GSPS) to test/implement new production concepts.
• Remain current with latest production technology and develop specialized skills (i.e. systems, data analysis, equipment maintenance, fertility, irrigation mgmt., etc.) to support growers/vendors.
• Cross functional knowledge and experience of plant activities: conditioning, treating, packaging, and warehouse and distribution activities. 
• Coordination with site internal Quality Labs and personnel to ensure high quality seed is delivered to the customer.
• Supervise employees and third-party personnel as required.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or related field; equivalent professional experience. and/or training in addition to the experience requirement will be considered.
• 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.
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) preferred.

Additional Information

What We Offer: 

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs. 
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day. 
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution. 
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits. 

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI 

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.

WL3A

#LI-ONSITE