Technical Growing and IPM Specialist

Syngenta Group•Gilroy, CA

11h•Onsite

About The Position

Syngenta Flowers North America is one of the world's largest wholesale breeders of hybrid flower seed and cuttings, dedicated to developing innovative flower varieties for professional greenhouses, retail, landscapes, and home gardens. Syngenta’s R&D is seeking a Technical Growing & IPM Specialist in Gilroy, CA. This role will lead the implementation and management of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems across the Gilroy site to ensure compliance with all regulatory, phytosanitary, and certification standards. The specialist will be the primary owner of audit and certification processes, including Global GAP, NAKT, and county inspections, while driving adherence to HSE and phytosanitary protocols. They will execute and oversee IPM and growing procedures, including environmental control and innovation in growing, to deliver the highest quality trials and crops in support of R&D objectives. Additionally, the role serves as backup to the Head Grower, providing leadership and decision-making support in their absence.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or related field with 3+ years of experience in greenhouse or nursery operations; OR 5+ years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
Must have or able to obtain a CA pesticide applicators license (within 6 months).
Experience with IPM (Integrated Pest Management).
Experience working in a controlled environment greenhouse.
Understanding and knowledge of relevant, current industry standards and their application to technical workflow.
Experience successfully supervising a team.
Proficient in basic computer programs (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, PowerPoint, etc.).
Bi-lingual in English and Spanish (written and oral) required.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring current or future sponsorship (which also includes OPT/CPT and H-1B visas).

Nice To Haves

Argus system experience.

Responsibilities

Lead implementation and management of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems across the Gilroy site, including all scouting, spraying, and fumigation activities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, IPM protocols, and Worker Protection Standards (WPS).
Serve as primary owner of audit and certification processes including Global GAP, NAKT, and county inspections; maintain accurate records of all pesticide applications, submit required reports to county agencies, and manage all training with site personnel and written regulatory programs.
Monitor and diagnose crops for insect, disease, and physiological issues across all growth stages; visually inspect crops proactively to identify and address quality, health, or environmental concerns in support of R&D objectives.
Oversee irrigation and fertigation management including pour-through testing and data analysis; monitor and adjust environmental controls through the Argus system and cross-train team members on system operations.
Manage chemical inventory to ensure proper storage, handling, and regulatory compliance; monitor usage and costs to optimize budget efficiency and ensure all IPM equipment is maintained for safe, efficient, and effective operation.
Lead greenhouse and field trials to test and implement improvements to current growing and IPM practices; drive innovation in growing procedures and integrated pest management strategies to deliver highest quality trials and crops.
Develop and maintain schedules for scouting, spraying, and growing activities aligned with trial timelines; track KPIs related to crop quality, pest management, and operational efficiency; serve as backup to Head Grower providing leadership and decision-making support in their absence.