Seed Production Agronomist

Job Description
Management and execution of all phases of seed production for corn to ensure a high quality, reliable, and timely supply is delivered to the facility. Foster an operational culture founded on HSE and process improvement. Actively engage and provide technical agronomic expertise with seed growers.
Accountabilities
Geographically contract required production acres with seed growers to maximize yield, minimize freight costs and deliver seed meeting quality specifications.
Develop and maintain a grower evaluation system to drive increased yields and quality.
Manage pre-season planning duties including;
recruiting new seed growers, field selection and qualification, hybrid placement strategy, creating preliminary field maps, SAP data entry, and creating field recipes.
Develop and implement programs regarding agronomic issues in production fields including, fertility, weed, insect and disease programs, and timely field inspection programs.
Perform field scouting and reporting to growers. Manage irrigation and spraying applications/scheduling with contractors and growers.
Perform post season yield analysis using Geographic Information System tools to evaluate growing area strategy, AgLeader SMS
General administrative management duties including signing grower contracts, collecting crop insurance information, collecting/preparing/inputting data for reports, conducting QMS management meetings, creating/setting up new vendors, creating of vendor invoices, submitting invoices for payment, pricing grower contracts throughout the year, and managing disposition of harvest.
Foster an operational culture founded on adherence to all applicable HSE and other corporate policies, procedures and guidelines. Active leadership in the “Goal Zero” campaign
Work with Seeds Production Research or other specialists to manage projects to test new production concepts and continuous improvement technologies
Attend offseason conferences to remain current with latest production technology and develop specialized skills (i.E. systems, data analysis, equipment maintenance, fertility, irrigation management, etc.) to support seed growers
Coordinates with Plant Management Team to set schedules, determine workforce needs, and training staff
Lead Root Cause Analysis investigations into yield and quality production issues
Build relationships with Syngenta CP and Seed sales representatives
Cross functional knowledge and experience of plant activities:
conditioning, treating, packaging, and warehouse and distribution activities
Supervise employees and third party personnel as required
Critical success factors &
key challenges
Meet crop plan targets while maintaining high quality production
Achieve annual COGP and HSE targets
Proactive professional working relationships with seed producing vendors
Assessments, implementations, and execution of important business strategies relating to consistent supplies of high quality and sufficient quantity seed products
Individual skill assessments and developments