- The purpose of Operations Specialist is to support the different breeding projects in delivering on project goals by running the greenhouse and open field operations, and supervising a crew of third-party contract labor.
- Support overall activities of the site Seeds Development operations team by leading the logistics, organization and execution of on-site crossing blocks and nurseries in greenhouse, and open field. Support field product evalution trials activities and data collection. Support seed cleaning, storage, shipment and testing.
- Follow and apply all HSE (Health, Safety, & Environment) and Stewardship practices, as well as to provide support to site management with the functional activities of a research facility.
Accountabilities
- Functioning as an integral member of operations team covering all activities from seed to seed process from sowing to harvest including but not limited to planning, request, sowing list, labelling, plantation list, organize pollination plan, harvest list, seed health measures, seed cleaning and storage.
- Directly manage and supervise including but not limited to planning, seeding, sampling, planting, growing, note taking, harvesting, seed extraction and packaging of vegetable trials and vegetable breeding nurseries.
- Supporting efforts to maintain seed stewardship principles of inventory and performing tasks that include but are not limited to: seeding, sampling, planting, spraying, threshing and data collection.
- Use different phenotyping tools to secure trial data collection and data storage. Input and maintain data in database.
- Managing, coaching and training of third-party contract labor to ensure accurate results are achieved. Monitoring performance indicators for third-party contract labor.
- On-call for greenhouse emergencies or unscheduled work based on business needs or weather conditions (including weekends).
- 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 and attending local safety meetings.
- Effectively communicating on a daily basis with peers, breeding teams and supervisor regarding the status of projects and work activities.
- Participate in research and process-improvement projects related to the growing and breeding of vegetable varieties.
Requirements: Critical knowledge
- Masters or BS with equivalent experience in plant breeding, agronomy, biology, or horticulture.
- A basic understanding of plant physiology and breeding is desirable.
- MS Office Suite and database management skills.
- Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that affect trial data precision and accuracy.
- Good ability to plan activities. Basic understanding of project management and planning.
- Excellent communication skills. Fluent in English. Spanish recommended
Critical experience
- Ability to use professional concepts and company policies and procedures to solve a wide range of problems in practical ways.
- Ability to operate seed laboratory equipment, like seed cleaners, seed counters, and other tools needed for agricultural research projects.
- Demonstrated ability to identify critical issues and engage with cross functional stakeholders to solve problems in timely manner.
- Ability and motivation to learn new technologies. Experience with data-management tools is a plus.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Experience in electronic data collection, imaging or high throughput phenotyping tools.
- Desirable experience with Lean ways of working/Lean Six Sigma, and Agile methodology.
- Desirable experience with quality management system (QMS).
Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities
- Ability to use MS Office, especially Word and Excel, and other standard software.
- Ability to learn and use proprietary breeding management software systems.
Critical leadership capabilities
- Must be able to work in a team and communicate with individuals throughout the organization.
- Experience in managing, coaching and training a diverse crew of third-party contract labor.
- All applicants must be eligible to work in the US without visa support.
- Seasonal travel to off-station trialing locations.
- Must possess Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s history.
Working Conditions/ Physical Demands
- Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhouse.
- Potential allergens: pollen, fungal spores, and chemical pesticides in the greenhouse.
- Work is performed in the field, greenhouse, lab, and office.
- Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the growing season
What We Offer:
- Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do
- Salary range: $60,000 - $70,000
- 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
WL3B
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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