Research Associate 2

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta's R&D team is seeking a Research Associate 2 in Salinas, Puerto Rico. This role will support continuous nursery operations for corn and soybean by developing integrated pest management strategies, overseeing pesticide selection and application, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with company, local, and federal regulations.

In the IPM Research Associate 2 role, you will spend a large amount of your time in the field working with auto-propelled sprayers and backpacks, performing applications and assisting in diagnosing, identifying, and controlling weeds, diseases, pest problems, and other issues that may jeopardize the viability of the crops.

Accountabilities:

• Conduct or supervise pesticide spraying events according to the plan established by the IPM Research Associate 3.
• Ensure that spraying equipment is in optimal operating condition. Inform the supervisor, Farming System Manager, or shop personnel of any failures.
• Participate in regular maintenance of sprayers, including backpacks. This could include fluid checks, filter replacements, hose replacements, refueling, nozzle body replacements, and cleaning of the equipment.
• Be accountable for technical aspects of the sprayer, such as calibrations, to perform effective pest control.
• Train new hires to operate and maintain the sprayer equipment and its components.
• Collaborate with the farming team in other tasks or cross-training activities, such as land preparation, planting, and irrigation when necessary.
• Guarantee proper mixing and application of pesticides on fields.
• Ensure compliance with all EPA, USDA, and local regulations, as well as all site HSE and quality protocols.
• Be able to assist in crops and site activities according to company needs.

Required:

• B.S. in Agriculture or related field.
• Understanding of all relevant agronomic/cultural practices in a tropical environment (IPM, pesticide applications).
• Knowledge of seed crop research, production, and quality assurance practices.
• Knowledge and experience in corn and soybean seed production.
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer software for data management, e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, GIS mapping software, and other relevant software required to operate efficiently.
• Proficient in English: written and spoken.

Desired:

• 3+ years of experience in agronomy roles and preferably in IPM (Integrated Pest Management).
• Ability to communicate and influence key stakeholders through challenges and opportunities; ability to facilitate solutions.
• Analytical skills; ability to demonstrate critical thinking across complex situations.
• Results-oriented with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects/priorities simultaneously.

What We Offer:

• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, 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.

WL: 2A

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