Grower Assistant Jobs

Company Description

Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 30,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture. Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.

Responsible for performing crop maintenance activities, management of the day to day fertilization and irrigation, setting up irrigation, and fertigation programs within the environmental computer system, Preparing the fields for the required daily activities, including participation in the pesticide sign removal. Collection, sampling and analyzing of fertilization, soil and tissue samples. Maintain field sanitation standards according to protocols. Make sure WPS is done according to the HSE regulations. Follow all safety regulations and protocols to ensure a safe working environment at all times.

Qualifications

• Responsible for housekeeping, sanitation and weed control for your area at all times.
• Responsible to make sure that the area under your responsibility is in compliance with WPS practices all the time.
• Helping during frost patrol and preparation of winterization and de-winterization process.
• Support all HSES activates and be a very active participant will all HSES activities and processes.
• Responsible to make sure that the standard rooting hormones and regular PGR application signs are in place and the cards are prepared and applied in accordance to the instructions.
• Be able to maintain or fix some minor technical problems in your area of responsibility.
• Recording and reporting all data required to the supervisor, make sure all data are recorded and kept according to the requirements.
• Maintain required fertilizer inventory levels.
• Consistent Crop and irrigation system Inspection in the field to make sure that the moisture requirement is up to the standard.
• Monitor and adjust computer control systems based on request from the grower and established criteria.
• Ensuring that the activities within your area adhere to all corporate, site and regulatory protocols and processes.
• Record and report inputs like water, feed, PGR, on all crops for all stages from the beginning to the end of the crop cycle.
• Inspect and maintain the area of responsibility at all times, making sure that all necessary structurers and equipment are in order and functioning at all times.
• Making sure that all solenoids, valves and rain birds are maintained and working according to the protocol.
• Responsible for other areas depending on the request from your grower.
• Being able to work closely with all stakeholders at all times to foster team work
• Ensuring that the equipment for growing proposes is in proper working conditions.
• Making sure all required samplings are done on time, this includes daily EC and pH measurement, weekly soil analysis for EC and pH, media and foliar sampling for lab Analysis depending on the requirement,
• Be able to maintain the crops, by pinching, pruning and cutting back in conjuncture with the grower and the planning department.
• Be able to set up the overhead irrigation and drip irrigation in the computer system.
• Keeping and maintaining the sanitation standards in your area of responsibility according to the protocol.
• Adherence to all applicable HSE regulations and processes.
• In concert with the grower, manage all aspects of the Horticulture processes and procedures in your assigned area, including but not limited to; propagation, fertilization, irrigation, growth regulator requirements and other crop needs on a daily basis.
• Making sure that the lights in your area is checked once every week.

Working conditions

Work conditions will be in an outside environment in a sandy soil setting. 95% will be field work. Outside environment will be in all types of weather situations, mostly warm and humid.

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Flexible work hours. Will require some weekend, overtime and night work.
• Work closely with other stake holders.
• Solving minor equipment problems related to irrigation, fertilization and environmental computer system issues.
• Must be a team player.
• Making sure that all activities are done efficiently, effectively and according to the schedule.
• Ability to learn and execute tasks according to the instructions and procedures.
• Basic understanding of growing and agriculture production practices.
• Ability to learn the environmental computer system; for climate and irrigation control.

Critical Knowledge And Experience

• Familiarity with working in the green house and open field.
• Very good understanding of basic horticulture and agricultural practices.
• 2 years of horticulture or propagation experience in the industry.
• Minimum 2 years college diploma or above in horticulture or other agriculture related discipline.

Critical Technical, Professional And Personal Capabilities

• Basic computer skills.
• Working knowledge of WPS requirements and applications
• Understanding of basic irrigation and fertility management.
• Understanding of plant propagation

Additional Information

Physical demands of the essential functions:

• Ability to carry 50 lbs. for up to 20 minutes.
• Ability to walk in sandy soil. Work in outdoor environment in various weather situations including frost/freeze conditions.
• Must be able to wear respirator.
• Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the production season.

Working Conditions While Performing Essential Functions

• Field work is subject to field environment conditions. Working with and around approved agricultural chemicals.

What We Offer

• Open Vacation Policy with a minimum of 15 days of vacation and up to 30 days with manager approval, 9 Paid Holidays
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do
• Salary range $23-$24 an hour
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity, and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution
• Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others

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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