Posted 2/4/2011
• Participate in quality initiatives and activities of production
functions to ensure high quality seed products and processes are being
delivered in a consistent and timely manner, thereby ensuring that all Syngenta
customer requirements (internal and external) are maintained. Ensure technical
direction of laboratory testing activities, coordinating claims investigation
and resolution, and supporting the quality assessment and disposition of seed.
Accountabilities –
Technical Direction Of Lab Testing Activities:
• Ensure that all testing protocols, methods, evaluations, interpretations and
reporting, meet company quality standards and assure that these standards are
in compliance with the Association of Official Seed Analysts, International
Seed Testing Association, Canadian Seed Law, Federal Seed Act, Society of
Commercial Seed Technologists and other state, federal, or international seed
regulator agency as applicable.
• Issue reports of analysis/Certificates for seed movement.
• Initiate referee testing and experimentation to identify new test methods.
• Evaluation new products and technologies and assures proper test methods are
followed and test results are accurate.
• Execute ring testing and experimentation, and participate in customer
complaints, to provide quality data.
• Provide direction for technical testing as needed.
• Involved in daily evaluations and interpretations of test results.
• Assist in Data base entry for testing activates ensuring accurate and timely
results.
• Direct testing diagnostic development of seed health, physical purities,
germination, greenhouse and field emergences, vigor and other areas as needed.
• Monitor all testing procedures, equipment operations and inventory of needed
supplies. Investigate repairs necessary to ensure proper testing parameters are
maintained and properly documented.
• Assist in organization and scheduling seed testing activates to optimize
capacity of laboratory.
• Prepare and plant substrates and seed samples for germination tests.
• This position is essential to being able to handle the large volume of
samples and continue to improve the level of service provided to our customers.
• The majority of job responsibilities will be routine lab duties.
Quality Assessment and Disposition:
• Assist in the implementation and maintenance of production specifications. To
include coordinating the review and revision process and direct
additions/changes by determining business requirements with Sales, marketing
and production departments.
• Assist HSE & QM Specialist in the decision making process relating to the
disposition of non-conforming product, identify at the point of origin,
evaluate financial impact, determine disposition, and marketing requirements.
• Support production research, product shelf life, discards and claims
investigations.
• Implement process protocols, monitor quality results, and support continuous
improvement.
• Provide proper technical expertise in directing product research and quality
initiatives.
• Actively participate in collaboration and support of production research
activities.
• Work with functional groups in organizing, updating and maintain
documentation flow and structure.
• Participate in Quality on Line and Excellence through Stewardship.
• Provide initial training and/or recertification of Quality Technicians to
ensure accurate test evaluations as assigned.
• Participate in all assigned safety programs, and instigate corrective action
as needed to ensure all Syngenta HSE policies and procedures are met.
• Requires some supervision and direction, typically less than 50% of time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Position Leveling
Level I - 10
• Uses professional concepts and company policies and procedures to solve
routine as well as a variety of problems.
• Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data
requires a review of identifiable factors.
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine
appropriate actions
• Normally receives general instructions on routine work and detailed
instructions on new assignments.
• Typically requires 2-4 years of related experiences
• Technical training, seed certifications and/or RST certification or
equivalent preferred.
• May require a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience and/or
training in addition to the experience requirement.
Level II - 11
• Uses professional concepts and company policies and procedures to solve a
wide range of difficult problems in imaginative and practical ways.
• Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation
of identifiable factors.
• Exercises judgment within generally defined practices and policies in
selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions
• Normally receives no instruction on routine work, general instructions on new
assignments.
• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years related experience
• Technical training, seed certifications and/or RST certification or
equivalent preferred.
• May require a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience and/or
training in addition to the experience requirement.
Level III - 12
• Uses professional concepts in accordance with company objectives to solve
complex problems in creative and effective ways.
• Works on problems of where analysis situation or data requires an in-depth
analysis of various factors.
• Exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting
methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results for obtaining
solutions.
• May determine methods and procedures on new assignments and may provide guidance
or supervision to non-exempt personnel.
• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years related experience
• Technical training, seed certifications and/or RST certification or
equivalent preferred.
• Requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience and/or
training in addition to the experience requirement.
Knowledge, Experience & Capabilities –
Critical knowledge
• See table above
Critical experience
• See table above
Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities
• Knowledge of office functions and processes, including MS Office, MS
Databases and Spreadsheets, and SAP/Foundation
• Devotion to accuracy.
• High degree of attention to detail and ability to follow procedures
precisely.
• Objectivity
• Excellent communication skills, organization skills and planning skills
• Ability to effectively function as a team member in cross functional
activities
• Quality focused
• Practice safety in all aspects of the job
• Ability to adapt to changing environmental/situational needs.
• Ability to remain flexible and responsive when faced with multiple urgent
requests.
Critical success factors:
• Ensure reliable processing and evaluation of seed physiological
testing.
• Ensure compliance to international, federal and state seed laws.
• Analytical skills with seed testing evaluation.
• Multi-task to be able to perform all physiological tests.
• Ability to work through seasonal peaks in testing volumes.
• Be a strong team player and self motivated
• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrate flexibility in adapting to the needs of the job and team.
• Strong ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple projects and
requests.
• Take responsibility for special projects as assigned.
Physical demands of the essential functions: Ability to sit and/or
stand and perform repetitive tasks for long periods of time. In-frequent field
work. Required to lift up to 50 lbs.
Working conditions while performing essential functions: Typical laboratory
and/or office conditions. Limited exposure to heat, cold, and dusty conditions.