Trialing Specialist Technician

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.

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top‑quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers’ success. To support this mission, Syngenta’s Operations & Trialing Team is seeking a Trialing Specialist Technician to support our Highland, Illinois site.

This role will support the Trialing Manager in executing research‑level yield trials on time, with high precision and accuracy in a safe, compliant manner to generate the highest quality data for identifying superior products in corn, soybean and wheat during the growing season. The position has a break period between growing seasons (approximately 3 months). It is a Peak Time Employee position, a permanent full‑time role that allows the business to meet demands and gives the employee an extended single leave during the non‑busy months (one annual unpaid break required).

The annual assignment is from February 1st to October 31st.

Location:

Highland, Illinois site (remote support possible). Optimal support locations are the Highland–Effingham area.

• Function as an integral member of a team responsible for planting, plot maintenance, spraying, note‑taking (phenotyping) and harvesting research‑level yield trial plots.
• Operate and maintain agricultural machinery and/or agricultural research equipment, including precision planters, drones, automated phenotyping equipment and research combines.
• Perform all tasks in compliance with and support of all safety and stewardship related company policies and practices, including completing all required company training courses.
• Support tasks to achieve the Trialing Manager’s desired results, such as field layout, planting, phenotyping and harvest assistance.
• Effectively and regularly communicate with peers and supervisors regarding project status, work‑related activities, and the quality and timeliness of data collected.
• Plant, spray, maintain and harvest research‑level corn, soybean and wheat trials to meet data quality standards and operational deadlines.

• Associate’s degree in an agriculture‑related discipline and/or relevant experience.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
• Ability to work in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhouse. Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds and working long hours during time‑critical periods of the growing season.
• Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship support from Syngenta.

• Experience operating and maintaining agricultural machinery and/or agricultural research equipment.
• Ability to work with moderate supervision while traveling to off‑site locations to prepare, plant and accurately collect and manage data from trials.
• Capability to acquire and maintain a federal medical card to operate commercial motor vehicles.
• Pesticide Applicator License holder or ability to acquire.
• Basic understanding of agriculture and agronomy practices.
• Basic understanding of the practices and procedures that affect trial data precision and accuracy.
• Experience operating, adjusting, maintaining and performing minor repairs on various plot equipment, including a planter, tractor, cultivator, sprayer and combine.

Salary for the role is between $24 – $25 per hour.

• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development, and strives for a work‑life…