Production Specialist

Iowa Ag; Iowa, Northern (LA, KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Vylor, Inc. is seeking a Production Specialist to drive safe, high-quality seed production at a Corteva site. You will operate process equipment, monitor automation, and ensure compliance with Quality Plans and regulatory requirements.

The role emphasizes teamwork, data collection, and training others on best practices. You will support preventive maintenance, lead or contribute to safety initiatives, and assist with warehousing, field activities, and harvest-related processes as part of a

Qualifications

• Safety-focused work habits and following safety policies.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts including overtime.
• Strong initiative to identify problems and pursue improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead collaborative efforts to meet quality standards without formal authority.
• Operate process equipment and follow safety policies.
• Collect data and support maintenance and continuous improvement projects.
• Assist with warehousing activities and field operations as needed.

Skills

Safety mindset

Adaptability

Problem solving

Effective communication

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

WMS

SAP/ERP

Forklift operation

Job description

Join Vylor-Powering the Future of Agriculture? At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science-combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer®, Brevant®, and Hoegemeyer®, delivering performance farmers rely on.?

Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.

As the Production Specialist for Vylor, you are a key driver of safe, high-quality seed production, influencing results through collaboration, expertise, and leadership without formal authority. You will operate and monitor a variety of process equipment while using automation and computerized systems to ensure compliance with quality plans, work instructions, and regulatory requirements. This role partners closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to maintain operational excellence across production, warehousing, field activities, and harvest operations. You’ll contribute to continuous improvement by collecting production data, supporting preventative maintenance, and helping train others on best practices and expectations. Safety is foundational to our culture, and you’ll lead or support site safety initiatives while helping create an environment where everyone goes home safe every day. If you enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and making a meaningful impact across the full production lifecycle, this role offers both challenge and opportunity.

VISA Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.

This role will be on-site at the Corteva location.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and influence a small group, achieving results through collaboration without formal authority
• Collaborate with external stakeholders to ensure quality standards and regulatory compliance are consistently met
• Demonstrate effective communication with all levels of the team to guarantee messages are accurate and complete
• Run a variety of process equipment while adhering to our company’s robust safety policies
• Ensure compliance with Quality Plan Work Instructions and Quality Plan requirements. Collect and record data for continuous improvement projects and production records
• Support preventative maintenance (PM) and other general repair efforts
• Lead or support a defined safety program to enhance safety across the site
• Assist with warehousing activities including forklift operation
• Use automation and computerized systems to perform work tasks (HMI, computers, iPads, etc.)
• Perform field management activities such as scouting, field maintenance, logistical planning, and maintain relationships with external partners (growers, contractors, etc.)
• Assist with harvest activities such as preparation, seed sampling, truck unloading, and other relevant processes
• Help train a diverse group on seed production processes and expectations
• Various other duties as assigned

Education: High School Diploma/GED

What Skills You Need:

• Always work safely and follow all safety policies and procedures to ensure you and your colleagues go home safely every day.
• Willingness and flexibility to work a rotating shift and scheduled overtime hours, including weekends and holidays, during seasonal peaks to support production demand.
• Initiative to find and implement a solution when you see a problem and notice an opportunity for improvement
• Demonstrate exceptional skills in building rapport and trust with colleagues
• Proficient computer skills that enable effective analysis and interpretation of data using a variety of tools
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Possess high attention to detail, can multitask, maintain an organized workplace, and have excellent problem-solving skills.
• Proactive, communicate concerns, and adaptable
• Holds a valid US driver’s license, so you can drive a company vehicle to field locations when needed

Physical Job Requirements:

• Stand and sit for extended periods
• Work both outdoors and indoors in hot, cold, wet, and dry conditions
• Lift up to 60 lbs.
• Perform work that involves repetitive motion and/or repetitive lifting
• Exposure to dust and plant allergens including but not limited to corn, sunflower, cotton, and canola pollen and protein and sorghum as well as potential mold spores and/or chemicals in the course of your duties
• Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable laws to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Associate degree or two-year trade degree
• Supervisory experience across multiple production processes and leadership skills
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles such as 5S, Continuous Improvement, and Standardized Work
• WMS and SAP/ERP system experience
• Forklift operation experience
• Agricultural experience
• Mechanical skillset

Benefits – How We’ll Support You:

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place
• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well‑being pay per year, plus paid holidays
• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program
• Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits

Check out life at Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/

Are you a good match? We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.

Corteva announced to separate our current advanced seed and genetics business to establish a standalone company, operating as Vylor, Inc. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to legal requirements and board approval. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the separation, you would be an employee of Vylor, Inc. and your employment would be governed by Vylor, Inc. employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by Vylor, Inc. at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.

Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.