Research Associate 2

Syngenta; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Education assistance

Wellness programs

Corporate discounts

Job summary

Syngenta Seeds seeks a Seasonal Research Associate to support peak field operations from March to December, contributing to seed yield trials and data collection across multiple plots. The role involves hands-on planting, phenotyping, and coordination of field teams.

The position requires a background in agriculture, experience with precision ag tech, data tracking, and strong teamwork. Safety and regulatory training is part of the role, with opportunities to advance within a leading seed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in an agriculture-related discipline and/or relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems.
• Desirable understanding of plant genetics and breeding.
• Awareness of practices that impact trial data precision and accuracy.
• Knowledge of modern agronomic practices.
• Ability to communicate and work well in a team.
• Remote Pilot License or ability to acquire.
• CDL Class A with Airbrakes or ability to acquire.
• Pesticide Applicators License Holder or ability to acquire.

Responsibilities

• Act as an integral member of a team handling seasonal tasks including planning, communication, packaging, planting, data collection and harvesting yield trials.
• Operate and maintain agricultural machinery and research equipment in the field.
• Maintain integrity of seed packaging, field layout and data collection processes.
• Comply with all safety and stewardship policies and complete required training.
• Supervise contract labor and Syngenta staff on/off site to achieve data-driven results, resolving minor issues.
• Planting, phenotyping, pollinating, harvesting as part of trials.
• Communicate status of projects regularly with peers and supervisors.

Skills

Precision agriculture

Data collection

Teamwork

Safety compliance

Plant knowledge

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture-related discipline

Remote Pilot License

CDL Class A with Airbrakes

Pesticide Applicator’s License

Tools

Almaco

Precision Planting

Microsoft Office

Smartsheet

Job description

Company Description

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.

Company Description

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.

Job Description

This is a seasonal Research Associate position that supports peak operational activities and is expected to work annually from approximately March 1 through December 1.

Accountabilities

• Functioning as an integral member of a team responsible for a full range of seasonal routine tasks including but not limited to planning, actively communicating, packaging, planting, note taking, and harvesting yield trials.
• Operation and in-field maintenance of agricultural machinery and/or agricultural research equipment.
• Supporting efforts to maintain integrity of seed packaging, field layout, planting, data collection, and harvesting.
• Performing all tasks and behaving in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety and stewardship-related company policies and practices, including completing all required company training courses.
• Supervising operational teams that include third-party contract labor and Syngenta full-time staff on and off site to achieve data-driven results and resolves minor problems or complaints.
  • Planting, phenotyping, pollinating, harvest
• Effectively communicating regularly with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities.

Qualifications

Knowledge, experience & capabilities:

• Bachelor’s Degree in an agriculture-related discipline and/or relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems.
• A basic understanding of plant genetics and breeding is desirable.
• Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that impact trial data precision and accuracy.
• Understanding and demonstrated use of modern agronomic practices.
• Proficiently communicate and work well as part of a team.
• Remote Pilot Licenses or ability to acquire.
• CDL Class A with Airbrakes or ability to acquire.
• Pesticide Applicators License Holder or ability to acquire.

Critical Knowledge

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex situations, identify patterns, and make decisions using incomplete or conflicting information.
• Passion for learning, adopting, and championing new technologies and innovative approaches.
• Proven track record of taking initiative, delivering measurable results, and driving continuous improvement.
• Commitment to safety, sustainability, and product stewardship.

Critical Experience

• Experience in the seed technology industry, plant breeding, precision agriculture, or related agricultural operations.
• Working knowledge of agronomic management best practices.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment, software systems, and data-driven farming technologies.
• Familiarity with Almaco, Precision Planting, commercial, or research harvesting equipment is preferred.

Critical Technical, Professional And Personal Capabilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Smartsheet, and other standard business applications.
• Ability to utilize and support data collection, analysis, agronomic tracking, and KPI reporting systems.

Additional Information

What We Offer:

• A culture that celebrates belonging and 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 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.

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