Date of posting here January 15, 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 Slater, 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 02.15.2010 Date position available 01.15.2010 Description of duties Marketing Research Agronomist/Site Leader - Slater, IA- 1568 Role Purpose - To identify, design, prepare, plant, maintain, harvest, and analyze agronomic studies on corn and soybean varieties that support Syngenta marketing objectives. Types of studies include product characterization, product interaction, technology validation, technology efficacy, and general agronomy. Assist in presentation of educational handouts, reports, updates, and presentations on results of research studies and basic agronomy information for use by Syngenta Seeds personnel in sales calls, dealer training sessions, customer meetings, and influencer updates. Coordinate day-to-day research and farming activities and prioritize personnel workload and task assignments at all research sites in which the station is responsible for. Accountabilities - Assist Agronomy Marketing Manager with determination of research topics and design studies. 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 (obtaining technology testing agreements, obtaining seed treatment materials, determining common use rates/activities of other agricultural products and obtaining these products for inclusion in studies, creating plot plans and field maps, treating seed, and counting/packaging seed). Coordinate field activities such as planting, plot maintenance, and harvest of research plots and bulk crop areas. This includes routine site/farm maintenance activities such as tillage, soil sampling, and fertilizer applications, planting plots and bulk areas, 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. Manage field research/farming activities of Marketing Research Agronomy staff. Includes prioritizing tasks, assigning workloads, and coordination of treatment application and note taking activities of Marketing Research Agronomy staff and part-time workers. Analyze data and prepare agronomic reports and presentations. Prioritize and conduct statistical analysis of yield and in-season data for each study, including combining data for multi-year and/or multi-site/multi-site-year analyses. Interpret analysis and develop initial presentation plan for discussion with Marketing Research Agronomy group. Write report/update/presentation (or multiples of the three) of group consensus study interpretation in a user friendly and technically sound format. Present research and general agronomy information to Syngenta Seeds personnel, dealers, customers, prospects, and influencers. Examples of agronomy data presentation opportunities include Seed Advisor Training, Company Conferences, Winter Agronomy Meetings for customers and prospects, Crop Consultant Technical Updates, local dealer meetings, Field day event tours, and one-on-one contact with farmers. Marketing Research Agronomists present information through a number of formal and in-formal avenues and must be able to speak on a wide variety of agronomic and product issues with very short or no notice. Oversee equipment maintenance. Marketing Research Agronomy equipment must constantly be maintained and updated to insure maximum precision in all treatment applications. This area includes daily routine maintenance activities, seasonal equipment preparation, design and/or design and creation of new pieces of equipment to improve treatment effectiveness and/or general farm efficiency, and a continuing understanding of equipment needs and status. Personal development. Attend appropriate professional society meetings, university updates, and training seminars, and read scientific literature to maintian a strong agronomic resource base. Attend Company sanctioned and/or outside source training seminars on personal development and communication skills as agreed upon with Argonomy Marketing Manager. Qualifications sought Critical knowledge: Ph.D. and/or MS in Agronomy / related field or BS in Agronomy with a minimum of 5 years experience with direct involvment in agrononomy research and data analysis. Strong written and oral communication skills. Good personnel and facility management skills. Understanding of statistical principals and data analaysis Understanding of current agriculture crop protection and seed industry offerings Critical experience: A basic understanding of general agronomy, 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. Effective at communications and presentation of marketing materials Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities: Prioritizes actions and ensure appropriate support and resources. Helps us see how our objectives are aligned to the company strategy and add value. Skillfully plans, organizes and monitors performance to meet deadlines. Coaches people to excel by giving clear, direct and skillful feedback. Critical leadership capabilities: Timely Decision Making Drive for Results Action Oriented Planning & Organization Creativity Process Management Additional Information - All applicants must be eligible to work in the US. Must be willing to locate near an assigned Syngenta Research Station. Working Conditions / Physical Demands 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 occurs at both home and remote research sites and 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. Late fall, winter, and early spring involve office work on a computer analyzing data and preparing educational materials and/or preparing for growing season research activities. Winter also includes presenting information at Syngenta meetings and attending University/professional society meetings. Limited travel required during all periods of year. WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: - Working outside occasionally involves exposure to inclement weather conditions. Pesticide application a required element of work tasks and use of suitable protective clothing is required, regardless of weather conditions or personal comfort preferences. Contact for additional information june.layng@syngenta.com Application procedure   Submit what resume and online application Submit to june.layng@syngenta.com Additional Information EOE