Operation Specialist - Field

Syngenta Group; United States; Remote; USD 64,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

401k with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Education assistance

Job summary

Syngenta is seeking an Operations Specialist – Field to lead field, greenhouse and cage activities supporting breeding programs in the United States. You will supervise contract labor, coordinate with the Agronomy and Breeding teams, and ensure safety, quality and timely execution of trials.

Weekend work may be required and bilingual English/Spanish is preferred. Candidates should have a degree in Plant Breeding or related field, knowledge of IPM, soil and irrigation, and proficiency with MS

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Plant Breeding, Agribusiness, Agronomy, Biology, Horticulture, General Agriculture or related field.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and database management.
• Knowledge of crop production systems, soil fertility, irrigation, and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Experience conducting field trials, collecting agronomic data, and evaluating crop performance
• Ability to identify crop health issues, nutrient deficiencies, diseases, weeds, and insect pests.
• Experience with agricultural equipment.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication skills; bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Experience with or ability to learn specialized software and data collection tools.

Responsibilities

• Execute field and cage operations such as sowing, marker sampling, transplanting, pollination, plant maintenance, harvest, and seed extraction.
• Communicate with, supervise and train third‑party contract labor teams of up to 40 people, ensuring quality standards and performance metrics are met.
• Maintain detailed records about status of trials and plant metrics, while working closely with the data collection team.
• Partner with the Agronomy team to support irrigation, fertility, crop management, and other agronomic activities as needed.
• Collaborate with breeding teams and peers to coordinate project activities and communicate status updates.
• Respond to field emergencies and weather‑related challenges, including occasional weekend work as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and stewardship practices.

Job description

SyngentaAt Syngenta Vegetables and Flowers, we're cultivating tomorrow's diversity through innovative breeding that brings vibrant colors to gardens and nutritious vegetables to tables worldwide. We combine centuries of seed heritage with cutting‑edge innovation to develop resilient, high‑performing varieties that thrive in diverse climates. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable horticulture, where every seed holds the potential to enhance lives through better nutrition and natural beauty.

The Operations Specialist – Field is responsible for the successful execution of field, greenhouse, and cage operations, ensuring breeding activities are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule. This role provides day‑to‑day operational leadership and serves as a key operational partner to the Agronomy team, supporting irrigation, crop management, field readiness, and other agronomic activities as needed.

Accountabilities:

• Execute field and cage operations such as sowing, marker sampling, transplanting, pollination, plant maintenance, harvest, and seed extraction.
• Communicate with, supervise and train third‑party contract labor teams of up to 40 people, ensuring quality standards and performance metrics are met.
• Maintain detailed records about status of trials and plant metrics, while working closely with the data collection team.
• Partner with the Agronomy team to support irrigation, fertility, crop management, and other agronomic activities as needed.
• Collaborate with breeding teams and peers to coordinate project activities and communicate status updates.
• Respond to field emergencies and weather‑related challenges, including occasional weekend work as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and stewardship practices.

PLEASE NOTE --Candidates must be already located in the United States and not require visa sponsorship now or in the future (Includes OPT).

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Plant Breeding, Agribusiness, Agronomy, Biology, Horticulture, General Agriculture or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and database management.
• Knowledge of crop production systems, soil fertility, irrigation, and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Experience conducting field trials, collecting agronomic data, and evaluating crop performance
• Ability to identify crop health issues, nutrient deficiencies, diseases, weeds, and insect pests.
• Experience with agricultural equipment.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication skills; bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Experience with or ability to learn specialized software and data collection tools.

Salary range for this position is $64,000 - $96,000 annually.

What We Offer:

• A culture that celebrates belonging & collaboration, 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 ourmission 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.