Seed Production Agronomist

Syngentagroup; Lone Tree (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefit Package

401k plan with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Maternity and paternity leave

Job summary

Syngenta is seeking an entry-level agronomy/seed production professional in Iowa to support seed production from contracting through delivery. You will work under guidance to recruit growers, monitor fields, and coordinate harvest logistics, ensuring quality and timely seed supply.

The role emphasizes data collection, field documentation, and adherence to WPS/HSE requirements, with opportunities to develop agronomic judgment and mentor junior technicians in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Less than 3 years of experience in seed production, agronomy, or field crop management.
• Basic corn, soybean, and field-crop production knowledge.
• Ability to identify common pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Accurate data collection and documentation.
• WPS/HSE awareness.

Responsibilities

• Support grower recruitment, onboarding, and contract administration.
• Conduct regular field scouting and crop monitoring; document observations.
• Assist detasseling, rouging, and pollination-management planning.
• Collect accurate field data, including stand counts, disease/pest observations, purity inspections, and yield estimates.
• Support harvest planning and logistics coordination with growers and site personnel.
• Assist parent-seed inventory allocation and variety distribution to seed producers.
• Execute agronomic production plans and communicate directed adjustments to growers.
• Coordinate with growers on agronomic inputs in line with production specifications.
• Support bin-sampling activities in accordance with QMS requirements and maintain field records compliant with WPS and EPA requirements.
• Assist grower contract execution, field mapping, state seed certification management, and production-system data entry.
• Use agronomic technology to record and track field activity; support continuous improvement and mentor Production Technicians.
• Build AI literacy while applying governance, data protection, quality controls, and human accountability.

Skills

Data collection

Grower communication

WPS/HSE awareness

Precision agriculture

GPS mapping

Production data platforms

Field scouting

Adaptability

Team mentoring

Safety compliance

Education

Advanced degree in Agronomy or related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

GPS mapping tools

Production-data platform

Agronomy software

Job description

Introduction

Supports execution of all phases of seed production for assigned growers, from contracting through delivery, to provide a high-quality, reliable, and timely seed supply to the facility. Operates within an HSE-first culture and contributes to continuous improvement in production quality and field practices.

Accountabilities

• Support grower recruitment, onboarding, and contract administration under guidance of senior agronomists.
• Conduct regular field scouting and crop monitoring; document observations and report findings to the production lead.
• Assist detasseling, rouging, and pollination-management planning and coordination where applicable.
• Collect accurate field data, including stand counts, disease/pest observations, purity inspections, and yield estimates.
• Support harvest planning and logistics coordination with growers and site personnel.
• Assist parent‑seed inventory allocation and variety distribution to seed producers.
• Execute agronomic production plans developed by senior team members and communicate directed adjustments to growers.
• Coordinate with growers on agronomic inputs in line with production specifications.
• Support bin‑sampling activities in accordance with QMS requirements and maintain field records compliant with WPS and EPA requirements.
• Assist grower contract execution, field mapping, state seed certification management, and production‑system data entry.
• Use agronomic technology to record and track field activity; support continuous improvement and mentor Production Technicians.
• Build AI literacy while applying governance, data protection, quality controls, and human accountability.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Advanced degree preferred in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, or related field.
• Less than 3 years of experience in seed production, agronomy, or field crop management.
• Basic corn, soybean, and field‑crop production and crop‑physiology knowledge.
• Ability to identify common pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Accurate data collection and documentation.
• Grower communication.
• WPS/HSE awareness.
• Precision‑agriculture, GPS mapping, and production‑data platform proficiency.
• Adaptability to changing field conditions.
• Maintains accurate, timely field documentation while responding effectively to dynamic growing conditions.
• Builds constructive grower relationships and executes direction with disciplined attention to quality, safety, and specifications.
• Develops agronomic judgment and reliable field practices through active coaching and continuous learning.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Ability to walk seed production fields in varied terrain and all weather conditions, including dusty and hot environments.
• Availability to work up to 7 days per week during planting, detasseling, inspection, and harvest.
• Extensive vehicle travel during peak seasons.
• Field-based work predominates during the growing season.
• Ability to lift up to 70 lbs.

Benefits

• 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.

Company Information

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.

WL3A

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