Description

Who are we, and what do we do?
At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what's next. No matter your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology that will better the lives of people all over the world and fuel the progress of humankind.

Corteva Agriscience has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Research Associate based in Grimes, Iowa. Do you like challenges and solving problems? Do you like working in a fast paced and dynamic environment? Does the idea of working with cutting edge technology and seed automation excite you? Do you love developing people and building a winning team? If so, we want you on our team as a Senior Research Associate. This is a warehouse position which requires the ability to work efficiently both independently and in a team environment, document and troubleshoot protocols and deliver high quality results on time. You will work with other leaders to coordinate the execution of day-to-day operations of our Grimes research seed warehouse and ensure safe, effective, and efficient management of the warehouse operations. You will lead/participate in pilot, deployment and continuous improvement of established seed handling protocols to increase the efficiency and capacity of receiving seed, cold room operations, seed treating, and packaging. You will also hire, organize, and supervise the work of direct employees and/or contract workers to ensure processes are performed safely and efficiently. You will summarize and share team learnings, productivity metrics, results, and improvement suggestions on a regular basis and present to stakeholders, as needed.

Responsibilities:
How will you help us grow? It matters to us, and it matters to you!

• Oversee components of seed warehouse operations including receiving seed, cold room storage, seed treatment, and packaging.

• Take a lead role on equipment verification and validation prior to and during seasonal activities.

• Participate actively in local and departmental planning and quality control of collected data.

• Be an expert in seed handling and provide technical support to team members with a respectful, collaborative, and positive team spirit.

• Act as Product Owner or Subject Matter Expert in software development groups.

• Ability to identify the critical process or technological steps for continuous improvement. Proactively maintain optimal team and equipment performance through training, operation preparation, minor equipment maintenance, and information management.

• Follow company safety policies, protocols, and procedures, and ensure a safe working environment for self and team members.

• Communicate and propose timely solutions for actual or anticipated challenges and issues with supervisor. Provide highlights, summaries, and reports to supervisor regularly.

• Onboard, coach, support and develop employees on the team in a manner that fosters effective collaboration and teamwork, demonstrating and modeling the Corteva Core Values. Manage team and employee engagement, growth, and productivity through continuous feedback and performance management.

• Provide challenging assignments and opportunities for development and support team member development. Establish and support individual and team performance goals that are attainable and aligned with business strategy.

• Hold employees accountable for achieving performance results and demonstrating work behaviors that promote collaboration and teamwork.

• Recognize and value employees through ongoing recognition of individual and team results. Strongly encourage employee feedback, ideas, and leadership for process improvements.

• Work with the Operations Lead to help ensure Quality Management Systems are in place and policies and procedures are being followed.

Qualifications

Requirements:
What expertise have you grown? What do you bring to the table?

• Bachelor's or master's degree in plant science, biological science, genetics, agronomy, plant breeding, crop sciences, or related field such as horticulture, biotechnology, or logistics.

• Excellent communication skills and experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Office is required,

• Adept at using standard software programs and learning internal data management systems.

• Demonstrated leadership skills, excellent personal interaction skills and the ability to work individually or collaboratively as part of a team.

• Ability to work independently while managing projects and executing warehouse protocols.

• Strong attention to detail in a deadline and quality driven environment.

• Flexibility to work extended days at critical times of the season.