Reference: 18026669

About Syngenta Flowers

Syngenta Flowers is one of the largest wholesale breeders of flowers in the world – developing and producing flower seeds and cuttings for growers internationally. Syngenta Flowers is dedicated to the breeding of innovative flower varieties that offer outstanding performance in the professional greenhouse, at retail, in the landscape, and in the home garden. In addition to best-in-class genetics, we support industry professionals with outstanding customer service, in-depth cultural information, flexible and exciting marketing programs, and a deep understanding of plants from many points of view.

About Us

At Syngenta, we are working to build the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture that provides leading seeds and crop protection innovations to enhance the prosperity of farmers. We are currently seeking a Specialist Grower in Gilroy, CA. This position will be responsible for growing maintaining and improving crop quality for all crops of a crop cluster assigned by R&D Flowers Breeding at the Syngenta Flowers site in Gilroy, California.

Accountabilities

• Carefully guiding and directing the growing process of a certain type of Core Crop on the location. The result will be aligned with the pre-set quality standards as set by the (internal) client. This function also includes taking care of the transfer of knowledge to the Senior Grower and Crop Maintenance regarding the cultivation of these Core Crops
• Guide the growing process for assigned crops and trials including propagation, transplanting, irrigation, fertilizer, plant growth regulator application, plant maintenance, insect and disease management, and crop scheduling
• Utilize IS tools (e.g., Kikker) to create weekly work schedules based on tasks that need to be executed to grow trials
• Setting guidelines on the required climate control (temperature, humidity, day length and assimilation lighting) and the frequency of watering, fertilization, and crop protection strategy
• Reach optimal crop conditions through consultation with the Crop Manager, with a focus on the technical cultivation
• Using a climate computer to create an optimal environment for the plants (temperature, humidity, day length and assimilation lighting) A correct choice based on knowledge of cultivation, cultivation conditions and growing phase has an impact on the result
• Comparing crop yield with soil test data, chemical application patterns, or other information to develop (site-specific) crop management plans
• Maintain room for exploration and out of the box breeding and thinking
• Create a weekly work schedule based on the information of the Leaders, Planners, Breeders and Crop Specialists, so that this work can be performed in a quick and efficient manner
• Proactively monitor the plants to early detect deviations and diseases (fungi, insects, viruses, bacteria, stretched growth etc.)
• Guiding the process leaders and employees in the specific department in cultivation activities, so that the work is carried out in a proper technical way
• Better utilize high throughput Phenotyping 
• Together with the Breeding Team, conduct cultivation evaluations and make sure that improvements and findings from those evaluations are being included in the growing protocols
• Ensure all HSE and phytosanitary protocols are followed and enforced
• Make suggestions on renewal (quality) improvements, hygiene, efficiency (LEAN) and capacity adjustment (equipment, manpower) for production of breeding crops
• Proactively monitor and scout plants for early detection of insects, diseases, and viruses
• Screening field trials to identify, remedy and/or prevent pest and diseases 
• Other duties that may arise

Qualifications

Requirements

• B.S. degree or equivalent Horticulture, Agriculture, Biology, crop, or plant science is required
• Understanding and knowledge of relevant, current industry standards and their application to technical workflow
• At least 5 years of experience working in greenhouse or nursery
• Experience successfully supervising a team
• Must have or willing to get a Ca. pesticide applicators license
• Experience with IPM
• Proficient in basic computer programs (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, Power Point, etc.)

What We Offer:

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution
• Paid Vacation, 12 Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year

To apply

Please click HERE to learn more and to apply online.

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.