Turf Agronomist

Job Description

Join a collaborative turf Research & Development team at the Vero Beach Research Center (VBRC) and be an active participant in the Crop Protection Field Development Professional Solutions Region (SPS).

Manage a 4-acre fine turf research area. Implement a comprehensive maintenance program including fertilization, irrigation, sprigging/overseeding, mowing, and other cultural practices. Carryout all aspects of the program that will deliver premium turfgrass research and development trialing as well as internal and external customer engagement.

Collaborate with R&D Scientists to conduct and implement field and greenhouse experiments to evaluate products in development.

Accountabilities:

Incorporate new digital technologies to enhance the turfgrass research plots at VBRC and maintain excellent quality turfgrass plots for trialing purposes. 

Diagnose and solve biotic and abiotic problems.

Coordinate with R&D scientists to promote conducive test conditions for target pathogens, nematodes, and insects, allowing for rotation of field trials with key agronomic maintenance practices. Assist scientists during critical periods (applications, data collection, etc.).

Operates equipment used for maintaining turf grasses, including, but not limited to mowers, sprayers, tractors, top dressers, aerators, spreaders, and backpack sprayers. Manages preventative maintenance of turf equipment, including mower reel settings, calibration of spray equipment, and irrigation heads system.

Excellent ability to plan and execute simple or complex series of experiments or equivalent tasks both independently and in collaboration with a team under field, greenhouse, and laboratory conditions.

Adhere to Syngenta and VBRC Health, Safety, and Environmental policies and procedures and complete all required training.

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