DuPont Pioneer is currently seeking a Senior Research Associate in Hermiston, OR. The senior research associate position coordinates and provides day-to-day management of pre-commercial hybrid yield test seed production activities. This position will be accountable for all phases of planning, growing, harvesting, and processing seed to meet pre-commercial seed production quality and quantity objectives. This position is also directly involved in development and implementation of evolving technologies and methodologies to enhance research seed production processes. The position includes supervisory responsibilities for designated full time and temporary employees as well as full participation and integration/interaction with DuPont Pioneer projects at the Hermiston location.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and manage pre-commercial yield test seed production operations, including experimental designs, planning, logistics and overall execution in conjunction with location management team.
• Manage inventories, analyze data, and prepare reports. Proactively propose and execute project improvements in order to fully meet the program objectives in terms of seed and data quantity, quality and timeliness.
• Operating under the Research Management System (RMS) environment and with a continuous improvement philosophy should be an integral part of leading the Summer Seed Production program.
• Supervise assigned full time and temporary employees.
• Manage hiring and training of part time/seasonal labor to meet project objectives in conjunction with location labor hiring team.
• Refine and implement evolving technologies, equipment, and methodologies to improve seed production, including interacting/partnering with other pre-commercial seed production locations.
• Communicate and collaborate with internal and external customers to understand needs, capacities, and requirements to provide adequate amounts of high quality seed for field evaluations.
• Provide input to the overall resource planning and execution process, including capital and operating budgeting processes.
• Manage the program within the approved annual budgets and make adjustments accordingly.
• Participate on the Summer Seed Production Leadership Team and actively engage process improvement initiatives with potential impact beyond home based location.
• Participate as a member of location management team, Central Safety Committee and location safety programs lead.
• Coordinate resource (labor, equipment, etc) needs with location management team.
• Participate in site RMS and DPS development programs. Provide input regarding project ideas, needs and concerns to location manager.
• May be asked to participate in specified Site Steering Committee meetings when warranted.
• Ensure all operations are completed in an efficient and cost effective manner, always considering the corporate core values (safety, ethics, respect for people and environment stewardship).
• Take active role in promoting “one team” focus.
• May serve on teams appropriate to specific research projects.
• May lead cross functional duties across the Summer Seed Production group on a specific area of expertise.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in agronomy, seed physiology, biology or related field and 2-4 years of experience in field experimentation required, or equivalent amounts of relevant education and experience.
• Experience with hybrid seed production techniques and equipment desirable.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to learn.
• Strong self-motivation and leadership capabilities to motivate others, initiate projects, make decisions, and effectively solve problems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills required for fostering teamwork, enhancing a good working environment, and effectively developing strong internal and external working relationships with a diverse group of people.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work outside in varying environmental and ergonomic conditions.
• Desirable to have or get a Commercial Pesticide applicator license, as well as a Commercial Driver License.

Apply online at www.pioneer.com/careers.
Submit to job 19529BR.

 EOE