Agronomy Integrated Pest Management Supervisor

Corteva Agriscience • Salinas, PR

13h

About The Position

At Corteva Agriscience , we're at the forefront of agricultural innovation, building the future of farming by developing cutting-edge science and technology solutions to address global food security and improve the lives of people worldwide. We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented leader to join our Agronomy team as a vital member of our research programs. This position is responsible for leading, supervising and managing day-to-day activities of the Agronomy team in charge of the execution of the pest control strategy in open fields. The Agronomy IPM Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the activities of this group meet applicable field, business, and/or regulatory compliance following high quality standards and assuring safe practices are followed. The candidate shall demonstrate excellent creativity and innovation skills, knowledge in the use of biological control and experience working in the development of sustainable strategies to prevent insecticide resistance. The position requires excellent leadership and communications skills with the Agronomy Lead and with the research projects to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality seed. A continued process and work environment of improvement is expected. Please note: there is no visa sponsorship or relocation assistance provided for this role.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Entomology, Crop Sciences or related field is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in the agricultural sector of research and development for seed production. Plus, 3 years of experience working in the execution and development of pest control strategies and insecticide resistance management.
• Advanced knowledge of pesticides modes of action and classification.
• Experience and knowledge about management and operation of self-propelled sprayers
• Knowledge and experience in the recognition and life cycle of the main pests and diseases affecting corn, soybeans, cotton, wheat, and sorghum.
• Experience performing mathematical calculations for pesticide dosing using different units for volume and solids.
• Experience supervising employees and leading work areas and projects.
• Must be proficient using Microsoft Office programs, Power Apps, and other local software.
• Skills using technology and managing electronic devices and computer equipment.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish is required.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and creativity skills, especially attention to details.
• Able to get the FAA part 107 drone pilot license.
• Able to participate in a medical evaluation for use of respiratory protection.
• Able to work on a second shift of work, weekends and holidays when is required by the workload
• Valid PR driver's license, category 4 preferred.
• Willing and able to occasionally lift, push, or carry up to 20-50 lbs. of weight.
• Must be capable of working in varied ergonomic and in extreme environmental conditions for extended periods of time.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support team members in the successful execution of different pest control strategies to maintain insects’ populations below established economic thresholds of action.
• Communicate effectively with team members and projects to discuss challenges, agreements, opportunities for improvement and to coordinate IPM tasks without impact projects activities.
• Work with the Field Operational Team and research projects in the identification of agronomical problems that may affect seed production.
• Recognize improvement opportunities and provide practical solutions for the challenges that arise.
• Provide feedback to the Agronomy IPM supervisor about the functionality of the work team.
• Use field scouting data, daily observations and reports to assess and evaluate the efficiency of the IPM strategy.
• Use biological controls to suppress pests’ populations and to prevent insecticide resistance.
• Integrate continuous improvement and quality controls to improve efficiency, reduce costs and maintain a sustainable pest control strategy.
• Work with team members in the research and testing of new products, equipment and strategies for the suppression of insect populations.
• Request and management of a chemical inventory according to needs, workload and projections.
• Supervise the appropriate and safe usage of self-propelled sprayers and other Agricultural Equipment.
• Supervise compliance with the Agricultural Equipment Safety Standard.
• Work with the Machine Shop Team in the follow-up and needs related to the reparation, maintenance and transportation of the sprayers machines to ensure that they are available when needed.
• Work in the development and update of Standard Operational Procedures.
• Perform local trials for the identification of new alternatives to improve current IPM strategy.
• Assist the Agronomy Lead with the analysis and interpretation of results of experimental data from field trials to characterize the efficacy of agrochemicals, technologies and mechanical practices against key target pests across multiple environments.
• Makes recommendations based on research program results.
• Supervise Research Professionals, assess their performance and ensure they achieve company goals.
• Fully responsible for hiring, training, development and retaining talent with a strong commitment to promote diversity and inclusion on his/her team following company CORE Values, guidelines and competencies.
• Work with team members in the research and testing of new products, equipment and strategies for the suppression of insect populations.
• Participate actively in Team and corporate meetings providing solutions, discussing relevant topics and sharing requested information.
• Comply with corporate courses, certifications and training before due dates.

Benefits

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place
• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program
• Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits
• Check out life at Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees