Operation Specialist - Field

Syngenta Seeds; Woodland (CA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Full benefits package (medical, dental

Vision

401k with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Syngenta Seeds is seeking an Operations Specialist – Field to lead field, greenhouse, and cage operations supporting breeding activities. You will ensure safety, efficiency, and on-schedule execution while partnering with the Agronomy team on irrigation, crop management, and data collection.

The role requires hands-on field experience, strong organizational skills, and the ability to supervise up to 40 contract workers.

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 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.
• Experience with or ability to learn specialized software and data collection tools.

Responsibilities

• Execute field and cage operations including sowing, sampling, transplanting, pollination, maintenance, harvest, and seed extraction.
• Supervise and train contract labor teams up to 40 people, ensuring quality and performance metrics.
• Maintain detailed records of trial status and collaborate with the data collection team.
• Support irrigation, fertility, crop management, and other agronomic activities with the Agronomy team.
• Coordinate with breeding teams to align project activities and communicate status.
• Respond to field emergencies and weather-related challenges, including occasional weekend work.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and stewardship practices.

Skills

Strong organizational and planning

MS Office Suite proficiency

Data collection

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Plant Breeding, Agribusiness, Agronomy, Biology, Horticulture, General Agriculture or related field

Tools

Database management

MS Office Suite

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.

Job Description

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.

Qualifications

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.
• Experience with or ability to learn specialized software and data collection tools.

Additional Information

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 atop employer by Science Journal. Learn more about ourteam 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.

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