Syngenta Flowers North America is one of the largest wholesale breeders of hybrid flower seed and cuttings in the world – developing and producing flower seeds and cuttings for growers internationally. We are dedicated to breeding innovative flower varieties that offer outstanding performance in the professional greenhouse, at retail, in the landscape and in the home garden. To support this mission, Syngenta’s R&D is seeking a Technical Growing & IPM Specialist in Gilroy, CA.
The Technical Growing & IPM Specialist 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. Serve as the primary owner of audit and certification processes, including Global GAP, NAKT, and county inspections, while driving adherence to HSE and phytosanitary protocols. 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. Serve as backup to the Head Grower, providing leadership and decision-making support in their absence
Accountabilities:
- 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.