Date of posting here February 12, 2010 Type of position full time Employer Syngenta Description of Employer As global demand for food and fuel continues to rise, we are dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries. We work in a collaborative and inspiring culture where personal contribution is rewarded and growth and development are at the heart of our culture. Through our world-class science, global reach and commitment to working with our customers, we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. There’s never been a more important time to join Syngenta. Location Washington, IA Salary DOE Benefits Syngenta offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including market-based pay, health/dental insurance, a generous 401(k) program, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance. Closing date of competition 03.08.2010 Date position available 02.08.2010 Description of duties Role Purpose - Research Agronomist assists the Production Research Scientist in identification, design, preparation, planting, maintenance, harvest, and analysis of production research studies. The Research Agronomist takes the lead on most traditional studies which mainly include agronomic studies such as populations, herbicide, etc. Take lead role in supporting farm/lab activities at home research site, including primary tillage, fertilization, seedbed preparation, irrigation, harvest, grain handling, equipment maintenance, and lab preparation of seed samples for various analyses. Coordinate day-to-day research and farming activities and manage personnel workload and task assignments at the research site. Accountabilities - Develop and maintain two-way communications with various department customers in the Syngenta seed division which include Supply Chain, Product Development, Supply Planning, Parent Seed and Quality Assurance. This includes other seed industry contacts (University, Chemical Reps tec.) outside of Syngenta. Assist with determination of research topics and design studies that will help department customer. This involves identifying and prioritizing important study topics, determining seed and other agricultural product entry lists, designing studies, and making all necessary pre-planting preparations to conduct studies. Take the lead on most traditional studies and cultural practices. This includes all work from design to presentations of projects. Assure that field activities of all projects such as planting, plot maintenance, and harvest of research plots are completed. This includes routine site/farm maintenance activities such as tillage, soil sampling, and fertilizer applications, planting plots, applying/implementing treatments, collecting observations and in-season data, and maintaining the plots throughout the growing season. Fall activities include harvest counts and actual plot harvest. Hire, manage and develop part-time workers required to achieve departmental workloads. Analyze data and prepare research reports and presentations. Interpret analysis and develop presentations of Production Research for department customers. Present research and general agronomic information to department customers. Research agronomists’ present information through a number of formal and informal avenues and must be able to communicate with audiences ranging from scientists to producers. Equipment/Farm maintenance. Research equipment must constantly be maintained and updated to insure maximum precision in all treatment applications. This area includes lead responsibility in daily routine maintenance activities and seasonal equipment preparation. Personal development. Attend Company sanctioned and/or outside source agronomic events and/or personal development and communication skills training seminars as agreed upon with Supervisor. Qualifications sought Critical knowledge: MS in Agronomy or related field preferred or BS with 3 years field research experience. A basic understanding of hybrid seed production and of pest management, crop physiology, and plant growth and development. Ability to use a personal computer to create graphs, data tables, and presentations. Ability to conduct and interpret statistical analysis of data. Critical experience: Field research experience and analysis of research data. Experience operating farm equipment. Ability to obtain a Pesticide Applicators licence and possibliy a CDL operators license for transport of farm equipment to off-site research locations. Ability to effectively operate a wide variety of farm equipment. Good personnel and facility management skills. Critical success factors: This agronomist will need to properly organize the research product portfolio. Seasonal temporary labor is required to meet departmental needs. Another key challenge for the Research Agronomist is the management (hiring, training, development) of this labor source along with the quality of work provided by them. Additional Information - PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: This job involves working outside for a majority of the growing season and will require long hours during peak seasonal periods. Field work involves operating a wide range of farm equipment of multiple sizes. Growing season work can be physically demanding and requires ocassional lifting of up to 60 pounds. WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Working outside occasionally involves exposure to inclement weather conditions. Pesticide application is a required element of work tasks and use of suitable protective clothing is required, regardless of weather conditions or personal comfort preferences. - Some travel required - All applicants must be eligible to work in the US. Contact for additional information email Application procedure   Submit what resume Submit to kathy.rhodes@syngenta.com Additional Information EOE