Trait Integration Specialist at Corteva Agriscience

Your Challenge:

• Must have the ability to meet deadlines, show attention to detail, succeed in a team environment, and use a computer and other data collection devices
• Support and manage nursery staff where such a need is identified, enabling a high standard in conversion quality.
• Ensure full implementation of quality management protocols and ensure safety operating procedures is in place for all routine tasks
• Ensure that data are collected accurately and consistently uploaded to databases.
• Planning and executing nursery operations at the site, including the use of proprietary software.
• Assist with planting, transplanting, sampling, data collection and harvesting in greenhouses.
• Ensure that the work area is kept safe, clean, and orderly
• Phenotypic and genotypic selections in field and greenhouse nurseries
• Participate in and lead seed processing activities, including seed preparation, sorting, shelling, and inventory management
• May be required to work overtime, public holidays, and some weekends when needed to perform core duties
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary team environment
• Required to travel to other nurseries sites in other RSA regions on a regular basis
• Multitasking, working under pressure, being hands-on and being proactive are essential for success in this role
• Work with Genetically Modified Organisms in accordance with government regulations and internal company policies
• Regularly scout greenhouses and have continual visits to ensure optimum plant development and health
• Analyze operational efficiency metrics of work performance and processes to ensure continuous improvement through innovation.
• Lead and participate in process improvement and internal research projects
• Participate and lead training, guidance, and supervision of the activities of assistants and temporary employees
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary team environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong ownership for delivering high-quality results
• Demonstrate skills in leadership, operational safety, labor supervision, and time management.
• May be required to do physical lifting and will require working in varying ergonomic and physical environments, including outdoors and in hot, humid greenhouses
• High energy level and accountability, strong self-motivation, and a high degree of problem-solving skills
• A familiarity with the crop growing practices
• A passion for crop production
• Experience in trait introgression, genotyping and tissue sampling will be an advantage
• Energy and agility are also positive attributes for this role
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Key Stakeholders and Interactions:

• Trait Integration Specialist will be working with the local and global TI team. Occasional collaboration with breeding teams will be expected.

Qualifications

To Grow What Matters, You Will Need

• BSc or Honors in plant breeding, agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, plant biology or related discipline or equivalent experience in a related field, with at least 2 years of agricultural experience.
• Experience in plant breeding operations or trait integration will be an advantage.
• Individual must be results orientated, innovative, and have proven organizational ability.
• A valid driver’s license is mandatory. Some more extended travel in RSA to field nurseries may be necessary during planting or harvesting campaigns.
• The ability to write and speak English fluently is essential as well as work in a team of diverse cultural backgrounds and languages

Who Are We Looking For?

• Curious, bold thinkers who want to grow their careers and be part of a winning team
• Market shaping individuals who want to transform the agriculture industry to meet the world’s growing need for food
• Collaborators who thrive in a diverse, inclusive work environment
• Innovators who bring initiative and fresh ideas that drive our business into the future and make us an industry leader