Nursery Operations Lead

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs. 

Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions.  

Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States. 

The Greenhouse Operations Manager leads an operational team conducting Corn Trait Introgression (TI) greenhouse and nursery operations with a focus on the marker-assisted inbred conversion (MAIC) backcrossing protocol. The Conversion Manager ensures timely completion of tasks including data entry and delivery of materials meeting specifications. This role involves coordinating the planning of activities to optimize resource use, driving continuous operational improvement, and communicating effectively within the broader operational team. Adherence to company, state, governmental stewardship, and regulatory requirements is paramount to maintaining freedom to operate.

Accountabilities:

• Lead the Corn TI Conversion team by managing greenhouse operations (planting through harvest), coordinating with embryo rescue labs, overseeing personnel (including recruitment and training of Syngenta and third-party labor), conducting project tracking meetings, implementing OPEX methodology, and fostering a culture of excellence through mentoring and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure on-time delivery of project seed to Version Test nurseries.
• Ensure best-practice documentation and timely process compliance with established protocols, process metrics, and KPIs, including up-to-date data entry and management of company databases and Team space files.
• Report and track cycle success rates and reasons for failure, and make any necessary process improvements to ensure a consistent > 95% cycle success rate in all generations.
• Write and manage TI nursery trials in corporate databases; interpret and execute on Genotyping Lab data reports. Record phenotypic notes as necessary and upload them to databases.
• Perform all tasks in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety and stewardship-related company policies and practices, including completing all required training courses.
• Communicate effectively and regularly with peers and supervisors regarding operational and project status and supply input needs. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align trial activities with broader company goals.
• Ensure the local nursery operations team has the capabilities to collect accurate observations and measurements from nursery plots.

Required:

• PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must already be located in the United States and do not require visa sponsorship now or in the future (includes OPT).
• Bachelor's degree with significant experience or master's degree in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in agriculture, ideally in plant breeding or greenhouse operations.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively organize, manage, and assign workload of multiple tasks with both full-time personnel and third-party labor.
• Good computer skills and proficiency with MS Office and corporate software.
• Results-oriented and driven to deliver high-quality trait conversions to the business.
• Ability to work effectively in greenhouse, lab, and field conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to obtain Idaho Pesticide Applicator's license.
• Flexibility to work weekends, overtime, and holidays as needed.

Desired:

• Experience with Trait Introgression.

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: 3A

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