Trait Integration Specialist at Corteva Agriscience

About Role:

• We’re hiring a Trait Integration Specialist.
• Learn how you can be our voice in the conversation about the future of agriculture.

Your Challenge:

Nursery Operations

• Plan and execute nursery operations using proprietary software.
• Conduct phenotypic and genotypic selections in field and greenhouse nurseries.
• Oversee planting, transplanting, leaf sampling, and harvesting activities.
• Scout greenhouses regularly to ensure optimal plant health and development.
• Oversee irrigation, fertilization, weed, pest, and disease control.
• Ensure accurate and consistent data collection and database uploads.
• Implement genotyping protocols to support marker-assisted selection.
• Overall management of media preparation, embryo rescue, and growth chambers
• Maintain inventory of chemicals and supplies for lab efficiency.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring timely service.
• Lead seed processing activities including preparation, sorting, shelling, and inventory management.
• Travel to other nursery sites across RSA regions as needed.
• Work overtime, weekends, and public holidays during peak periods.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and supervise assistants and temporary employees.
• Provide training, guidance, and daily support to TI partners and nursery staff.
• Collaborate with global teams to implement process improvements and innovations.
• Foster a diverse, inclusive, and multidisciplinary team environment.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full implementation of quality management protocols.
• Enforce safety operating procedures for all routine tasks.
• Work with Genetically Modified Organisms in compliance with regulations and policies.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly work environment.

Key Stakeholders and Interactions:

• Interaction with Breeding Team and Breeders

Location:

• Delmas, Mpumalanga (On-site position)
• To Grow What Matters, You Will Need
• Related Degree - BSc Honors or MSc in plant Breeding, Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Biology, or related field
• Minimum 3 years of agricultural experience; experience in maize trait introgression, genotyping, and tissue sampling is advantageous.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel during planting/harvesting campaigns.
• Fluent in English with strong communication skills across diverse cultural backgrounds.
• 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
• Strong ownership and accountability for high-quality results.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, time management, and operational safety skills.
• Ability to multitask, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• High energy, agility, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Innovative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with crop growing practices and a passion for crop production.

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
• Growing What Matters Starts With You… What We Can Offer To Help You Grow?