Specialist Grower

Company: Syngenta
Location: Gilroy
Posted on: September 15, 2023

Job Description:

The purpose of the Specialist Grower is to support the different growing trials and programs in delivering on project goals by providing technical assistance in the greenhouse and supervising a crew of greenhouse technicians, assistant growers, and/or irrigators. Follow and apply all HSE (Health, Safety, & Environment) and Stewardship practices, as well as to provide feedback to site management with the functional activities of a research facility. Accountabilities Guide the growing process for designated crops and trials including propagation, transplanting, irrigation, fertilizer, plant growth regulator application, plant maintenance, insect and disease management, and crop schedulingProactively monitor the plants to early detect deviations and diseases (fungi, insects, viruses, bacteria, stretched growth etc.)Develop with the Head Grower and maintain IPM program (facilitate spray applications as needed, collect IPM data, determine pest thresholds, determine preventative IPM program)Screening field trials to identify, remedy and/or prevent pest and diseasesRegular communication with trial stakeholders (breeders, marketing team, etc) regarding trial progress, deviations, and challengesAlign growing protocols for each specific trial with the pre-set quality standards as set by the stakeholders (breeders, marketing team, etc).Work closely with operations and planning,To utilize IS tools (e.g., Kikker) and review weekly work schedules based on tasks that need to be executed to grow trialsto prioritize actions based on plant growth and cultural needsSetting guidelines on the required climate control (temperature, humidity, day length and assimilation lighting) and the frequency of watering, fertilization, and crop protection strategyUsing a climate computer to create an optimal environment for the plants (temperature, humidity, day length and assimilation lighting)Comparing crop yield/performance with soil test data, chemical application patterns, or other information to develop (site-specific) crop management plansMonitor and enforce data collection regarding plant health or performanceGuiding leaders and employees in the specific department in cultivation activities, so that the work is carried out in a proper technical waySupport and implement high throughput Phenotyping as neededTogether with the team and stakeholders, conduct cultivation evaluations and make sure that improvements and findings from those evaluations are being included in the growing protocolsEnsure all HSE and phytosanitary protocols are followed and enforced by the growing and operation teamsMake suggestions on renewal (quality) improvements, hygiene, efficiency (LEAN) and capacity adjustment (equipment, manpower) for production of breeding cropsPerforming 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 with peers and supervisor regarding the status of projects and work activities.Other duties that may ariseQualificationsUnderstanding of plant physiology and growing techniques.Experience growing potted floral plants in a R&D greenhouse environment desirableAbility to use MS Office, especially Word and Excel, and other standard software.Ability to learn and use proprietary systems for label printing and inventory management.Must be able to work in a team and communicate with individuals throughout the organization.Ability to use professional concepts and company policies and procedures to solve a wide range of problems in practical ways.Ability and motivation to learn new technologies.Ability to use and understand greenhouse control hardware and software (Argus).  B.S. degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Biology, crop, or plant science. Candidates with several years of relevant agriculture experience may be considered.Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that affect trial data precision and accuracy.Excellent communication skillsMust have experience applying pesticides and a PCA and/or CCA license, or the ability to acquire within 6 months after hire.  Experience with IPM (Integrated Pest Management)All applicants must be eligible to work in the US without visa supportTravel ? 10% and seasonal travel to off-station trialing locationsWorking Conditions/ Physical DemandsCapable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhouse.Potential allergens; pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the greenhouse.Work is performed in the field, greenhouse, lab and officeCapable of lifting up to 50 pounds.Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the growing season.Additional InformationFull Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings ContributionGenerous Vacation Policy plus 9 Paid HolidaysMaternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among othersSalary Range: $65,600 - $82,000 A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity, and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the yearWork Level:  3A 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)#LI-MD1 Company DescriptionSyngenta Flowers North America is one of the largest wholesale breeders of hybrid flower seed and cuttings in the world ? developing and producing flower seeds and cuttings for growers internationally. Syngenta Flowers is dedicated to the breeding innovative flower varieties that offer outstanding performance in the professional greenhouse, at retail, in the landscape and in the home garden. In addition to legendary genetics, we support industry professionals with world-class customer service, in-depth cultural information, flexible and exciting marketing programs, and a deep understanding of plants from many points of view. Syngenta Flowers has garnered more than 35 international awards for introducing hybrid annuals to the world, including such garden mainstays as Calliope? Interspecific Geraniums, Diabunda? Dianthus, Endurio? Violas, Sparkler? Cleome, and Magellan? Zinnias. We are currently seeking a Specialist Grower for our team based in Gilroy, California.  https://www.syngentaflowers-us.com/about-us

Keywords: Syngenta, Gilroy , Specialist Grower, Other , Gilroy, California