Operations Specialist

Company Description

At Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, we’re passionate about helping people in the vegetable industry succeed and putting growers at the heart of all that we do. Our energies are focused on creating solutions that help them get more out of their crops, now and in the future. A commitment in every seed. We do this by protecting seed, bulbs, or small plant quality from the start to enable growers to achieve the highest yield potentials in their operations; continually investing in R&D to bring cutting-edge innovations to the market; and striving to make a real-world difference through more sustainable practices on farms, in shipping, and at the grocery store. 

Job Description

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 Operations & Trialing Team is seeking an Operations Specialist in Nampa, ID.

The Operations Specialist – Farm Manager ensures optimal field equipment and farm conditions for the successful execution of open-field vegetable research trials. This position involves both hands-on operation of specialized farm equipment and strategic oversight of farm activities.

Accountabilities

• Manage all farm activities, including but not limited to soil preparation, planting, spraying, cultivation, irrigation (furrow and drip), harvesting, and chemical inventory.
• Develop and implement an annual work plan, in consultation with various stakeholders, to ensure timely execution of farm activities.
• Conduct preventive maintenance and necessary repairs on field equipment (tractors, planters, sprayers, disks, cultivators, etc.) to ensure reliable operation.
• Operate and maintain GPS-equipped tractors/planters and other seed research equipment with complex mechanical and electronic components.
• Coordinate water schedules with the irrigation district to ensure crops are irrigated properly.
• Manage, coach, and train third-party contract labor to optimize farm operations.
• Coordinate fleet vehicle maintenance, ensuring timely and proper service completion.
• Function as an integral member of the operations team supporting all activities from seed to seed.
• Ensure effective daily communication with peers, breeding teams, and supervisors on work progress.
• Follow and apply all HSE (Health, Safety, & Environment) and Stewardship practices, as well as provide support to site management with the functional activities of a research facility.

Qualifications

PLEASE NOTE -- Candidates must be already located in the United States and not require visa sponsorship now or in the future (Includes OPT).

• BS/BA in agronomy, horticulture, plant science or an agricultural related field.
• Hands-on experience in operating GPS-equipped tractors and planters.
• Expert level experience in the operation, adjustment, maintenance and ability to do minor repairs on precision agriculture equipment is required.
• An expert level understanding of agriculture and agronomy practices is required.
• An expert-level understanding of sweet corn, green beans, peas, and onions production is desirable.
• Pesticide applicators license holder.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driver's history is required.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a federal medical card to operate commercial motor vehicles is required.
• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word and Excel, and other standard software.
• Must be available for work based on field conditions and weather (including weekends).

Additional Information

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.

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