Internships

Illinois Pork Producers Seek Youth Ambassador Deadline to apply is December 31st The Illinois Pork Producers Association is seeking youth ages 18-23 to serve as the 2009 Illinois Pork Ambassador/Intern. The purpose of the Illinois Pork Ambassador/Intern Program is to provide an opportunity for a young person to serve for one year as the official youth representative of the Illinois Pork Producers Association and to work as a part of the IPPA staff during the summer. The duties of the Pork Ambassador will include: County Ambassador Program Producer Education & Checkoff Certification programs Birthing Center at IL State Fair Promotion/Consumer Information Presenting at numerous Summer Ag Institutes Applicants must be between 18 and 23 years old and exhibit strong communication and leadership skills. They must also be a member of the Illinois Pork Producers Association and have a genuine interest in the pork industry. The Illinois Pork Ambassador will be asked to work at least 35-40 hours per week during the summer and will be compensated with a $500/month living stipend and a combined scholarship of $4,500 from IPPA and the National Pork Board after successfully completing the internship. The deadline for applying is December 31, 2008. Applicants must submit a completed application form, a current resume, and a one-two page typed essay on “What I will accomplish as the Illinois Pork Ambassador/Intern?”. Applications and further information are available at www.ilpork.com.

Licensing Manager - Minnesota

There's never been a better time to join Syngenta.

Licensing Manager – Golden Valley, MN - 1092

Role Purpose – 

Contribute to business strategy and maximize profitability by evaluating, negotiating and structuring complex relationships and partnerships (and associated license agreements) in support of the Corn and Soy business, Corn and Soy traits and germplasm outlicensing and other key project areas as assigned. Participate on business and leadership teams as a representative of the LIPL (Legal, Intellectual Property and Licensing) function ensuring that other LIPL colleagues are engaged on a proactive basis. Continually improve of the LIPL function and processes.

Accountabilities – 

Dimensions  Financial Scope:♣ o No direct budget management but demonstrate good fiscal responsibility in managing costs. o Determine financial deal structure and validation of deal metrics against variances in key assumptions  People responsibility: None directly, some supervision and♣ direction of administrative staff required.  Organization and Management:  As a member of Syngenta's Corn and Soybean licensing team, ♣ expand the freedom to operate of the C&S business through leadership and interactions with leadership teams, business teams and the business leads. ♣ Develop optimal terms, lead negotiation, drafting and execution of complex agreements (ranging from Confidentiality Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Development Agreements, Research Partnership Agreements, Commercial License Agreements, Distribution Agreements).  Lead high functioning teams♣ in the negotiation and completion of agreements and deals involving Legal, Intellectual Property, Tax, Regulatory, Research, Finance, Crop functions and other Syngenta businesses (including Crop Protection) as required.  Maximize♣ value obtained from agreements entered into by ensuring that Syngenta and the other party remain in full compliance with financial, legal, reporting and other key terms of the agreement.  Provide support to Corn and Soy traits and♣ germplasm licensing activities and the business development function including engagement in M&A and other new business opportunities ensuring that all activities are aligned with overall business, strategic, financial, and legal objectives of Syngenta.  Communicate objectives and strategies to senior♣ licensing management and contribute to the overall Syngenta Legal, Intellectual Property and Licensing teams.  Legal and Fiscal: ν  Ensure that all♣ agreements are in compliance with Syngenta legal and corporate standards ♣ Ensure that Syngenta's reputation and Corporate Social Responsibility position is enhanced and promoted at all times by the licensing function.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities –

Critical knowledge:

Knowledge of the Corn and Soybeans seeds and plant biotechnology business. ♣ Knowledge of key players in the Seeds business important but not critical. ♣ Strong knowledge of contracts, negotiation, IP laws and IP management. ♣ Knowledge of non-US contracts very beneficial.  Understanding of deal based♣ financial analysis tools (e.g. ROI, NPV)  Experience in leading and♣ influencing a business team comprising multiple functions and stakeholders.  Knowledge of key players in the plant biotechnology business valuable but♣ not critical.

Critical experience:

Demonstrated experience of working in teams.  Demonstrated experience of♣ successful negotiation of partnerships and licenses with private and public entities.  Experience working within US and globally to include Europe,♣ Latin America, and Asia.  Demonstrated experience of working independently.♣  5 or more years of successful, hands-on licensing experience in the♣ biotechnology industry.  Experience in handling and maintaining a diverse♣ workload across businesses and of diverse nature

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities: • In-depth understanding and knowledge of research and commercial licensing agreements related to the development, registration and especially commercialization of biotechnology traits.  Clearly demonstrated♣ negotiation and influencing skills.  Solid interpersonal skills (internal♣ and external).  Team leadership skills♣

Syngenta offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including market-based pay, health/dental insurance, a generous 401(k) program, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance.

Qualified candidates should apply today! Please submit your application online at www.syngentacareers.com. EOE

Human Resources Manager - Wisconsin

Job Title  Human Resource Manager

Location: SE Wisconsin

Job Description       The Human Resources Manager provides leadership in the development and administration of personnel programs of the cooperative, recruitment, hiring, staffing, orientation, compensation and benefits, administration of employee guidelines and negotiated agreements, participates in negotiations, provides oversight and counsel regarding compliance with employment laws and regulations. Works closely with all division VP's to maximize the cooperative's human capital.

Education/Job Experience     1. Bachelor's degree with specialization in Human Resource Management. 2. Experience in recruitment, selection, employment, and retention. 3. Experience in wage and benefit administration. 4. Training and/or experience in contract administration. 5. Extensive knowledge of health insurance types and contracts for each.  6. Knowledge of federal and state employment and wage administration laws. 7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Contact:  Jeri Derrig - (515) 574-2905 – jdderrig@landolakesinc.com

Energy Department Manager - Indiana

Job Title: Energy Department Manager

Location:  NE Indiana

Job Description       Responsible for marketing, profitability and sales, reporting, purchasing, resale pricing, inventory, service and maintenance. Position will supervise seven employees.

Company Highlights              

Total company sales of $136 million.  Energy volumes: Pump-24 - 200,000 gallons Propane – 3.5 million gallons Liquid fuels – 5.7 million gallons

Education/Job Experience     Candidates should have a documented record of successful management experience in a growth oriented petroleum business. Candidates must demonstrate employee development skills along with excellent communication and public relation skills. Preferred candidate will have good business process skills and a vision for growth.

Contact:  Jeri Derrig - (515) 574-2905 – jdderrig@landolakesinc.com

Vice President of Grain Operations

Job Title  Vice President of Grain Operations

Location:  SE Wisconsin

Job Description       Responsible to the President and CEO for the overall business management and direction of a 34 million bushel, 8 location Grain Division. Manage the activities of 14 direct reports and 37 indirect reports. Work with the Grain Operations Manager, Grain Merchandising Manager, and all elevator managers to effectively manage the procurement, storage, and selling of grain. Develop and maintain excellent relationships with growers to increase the business level and success of the cooperative. Plan a budget for approval and then execute that plan to achieve overall volume and profit objectives. Work with the Grain Operations Manager to plan and recommend capital improvement projects to the President and CEO. Assure the safe, secure operation of the cooperative's multi-million bushel grain storage and handling systems.

Education/Job Experience     B.A. or B.S. in Agriculture Business, Business or related field. 7-10 years of progressively more responsible jobs in the grain or related industry. Experienced in multi-site management, with an excellent understanding of grain accounting. Proficient in use of grain software systems (AgVantage preferred). Proven success in the motivation, management and development of subordinates, and a good working knowledge of grain merchandising.

Contact:  Jeri Derrig - (515) 574-2905 – jdderrig@landolakesinc.com

Vice President of Agronomy Operations - Iowa

Job Title  Vice President of Agronomy Operations

Location:  Iowa

Job Description       The Vice President of Agronomy Operations will be responsible for the future direction of the division. This position will directly supervise up to six employees and have responsibilities including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning and delegating work assignments; performance reviews; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Essential Duties include talent management - hiring and retaining; P&L responsibilities; facilitating operations; managing company assets; quality control.

Education/Job Experience     • Previous operations management experience in an agricultural setting. • Ability to motivate and foster developing leaders • Foster a winning, solution-oriented work environment, motivating and engaging colleagues to continuously deliver the best possible service. • Thorough understanding of agronomic issues. • Has demonstrated a commitment to service excellence.  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication skills. • Demonstrated experience with financial analysis, forecasting, capital expenses & budget development, variance analysis, operational analysis, etc. • Demonstrated experience and/or knowledge of agronomy operations management. • Personal strengths must include ability to see the big picture, ability to identify important issues, organization skills, attention to detail, adaptability, ability to effectively balance multiple projects concurrently, problem solving skills, resourcefulness, and ability to get things done under pressure. • Demonstrated quality written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills including writing and presenting reports at all levels. • Positive attitude, professional manner and appearance in all situations. • 10 years of related experience • BA/BS degree preferred

Contact:  Jeri Derrig - (515) 574-2905 – jdderrig@landolakesinc.com

Corporate Counsel - Boulder, CO

There's never been a better time to join Syngenta.

Corporate Counsel III – Boulder, CO - 1084

Role Purpose – 

To provide leadership and guidance to the NAFTA-Flowers management team, supporting the business strategy and objectives, including designing and implementing a legal compliance program and providing advice on all key legal matters, transactions and litigations. This is a very visible role within the NAFTA Flowers organization and this position will contribute pro-actively to the development of innovative business strategies, and provide frameworks and tools for effective and enforceable development and implementation of business strategies. The Corporate Counsel provides leadership to the NAFTA-Flowers business unit by providing strategic, timely and accurate legal advice and help deliver strategies, transactions and operations as a pro-active business partner from an integrated legal and business perspective as appropriate, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations as well as Syngenta rules and policies.

Accountabilities – 

Manage the day-to-day legal function within the NAFTA-Flowers businesses and special projects as assigned. Provide leadership and legal support to: (1) the Legal function, (2) the business development function, (3) the business management team(s), and (4) within the organization as a whole. • Assures professional strategic and operational legal, IP and licensing support for NAFTA-Flowers by accessing the broader LIPL network in NAFTA and Globally. • Provide NAFTA perspective on global Flowers matters and other global projects. • Responsible for meeting budget criteria for Flowers and managing business unit legal costs. • Provide primary legal support for all legal issues within NAFTA-Flowers. • Responsible to NAFTA-Flowers senior management for delivering legal support and building relationships, supporting and delivering business strategy. • Promote and deliver the innovative use of legal, IP and licensing tools as an integral part of NAFTA-Flowers business strategies; develop legal, IP and licensing strategies accordingly and ensures that IP rights are protected in accordance with L&G business strategies, assures enforcement of Syngenta's rights and defends Syngenta against claims. • Assures compliance of NAFTA-Flowers operations with applicable laws and regulations as well as with Syngenta rules and policies, and provide guidance on risk management and other regulatory issues • Involved in employee related issues with the ~400 Flowers employees in NAFTA, including an employee union specific to the Alva, Florida production facility. • Participate pro-actively in the governance of the global Flowers business of Syngenta; member of the NAFTA-Flowers leadership team • Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities –

Critical knowledge:

JD degree from accredited law school. • Business-related undergraduate degree desirable. • Member in good standing of a State bar with ability to practice as house counsel or pass the Colorado Bar. • In-depth experience in corporate transactional and compliance work, • General Intellectual Property knowledge, employment law, antitrust law, litigation management skills, and strong negotiation experience. Robust legal background in all major business and corporate fields of law, including in-depth knowledge and expertise in contract law, IP laws, antitrust laws and litigations • Sound knowledge of the overall business and general management practice. • Solid experience in managing complex legal and IP projects, and in projects around in- and out-licensing • Experience in providing general advice to senior management on legal implications of business and operational decisions • Solid transactional experience as well as in post-acquisition integration processes

Critical experience:

At least 8 years of increasingly responsible experience advising corporate clients, at least 5 of which includes in-house experience. • Agricultural or produce industry experience highly desirable. • Sound practice of complex legal, IP and licensing matters; solid experience in handling M&A transactions

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities: • Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both orally and in writing, and the ability to influence and persuade • Strong leadership and mentoring skills and the ability to motivate and create edge with others • Superior strategic thinking and conceptual skills • Drive and initiative to continually seek innovative legal, IP and licensing solutions to develop challenging business strategies, implement business models and simplify business complexities • Demonstrated negotiation skills • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. • Ability to make sound and fair decisions based upon available information; decisive. • Educate management on legal risks to faciliate balancing of risks with business opportunities. • High level of integrity and discretion. • Excellent organization and time-management skills; action-oriented self-starter. • Work effectively under pressure. Ability to travel domestically and internationally

Syngenta offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including market-based pay, health/dental insurance, a generous 401(k) program, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance.

Qualified candidates should apply today! Please submit your application online at www.syngentacareers.com. EOE

Awesome Public Relations Opportunity!

Nicholson Kovac is looking for two agricultural public relations staffers – come join one of the fastest-growing agricultural public relations practices in the country!

If you have ag chemical and/or agricultural equipment experience, we want to talk to you! We’re interested in candidates at both entry and mid-levels (Account Executive to Senior Account Executive), from recent college graduates up to 5 years of experience. Both positions are in our Kansas City, Missouri office.

Responsibilities include:
Writing (news releases, newsletters, Web copy, feature articles, white papers, presentations, media materials)
Media relations
Client interaction including field travel
Project and budget management
Event coordination

Highly desired skills for this position are:
Excellent work ethic
Excellent writing and editing ability
Journalistic skills including interviewing and photography
Excellent interpersonal and listening skills
Eagerness to learn
Editorial and/or agency experience is preferred
NK offers a terrific work environment, competitive pay and benefits and the chance to be a part of a unique, fast-growing agency.
Interested candidates should send resumes (including references and writing samples) to Mari Byrne at mbyrne@nicholsonkovac.com. No calls, please. We are not seeking freelance assistance at this time, thank you.

Exciting Communications Opportunity!

Marketing & Communications Manager – Boulder, CO

Role Purpose – 

This position is primarily responsible for managing internal and external commercial communications for Syngenta Flowers. This role will liaise with the marketing agency for product management launches, catalog creation and marketing event planning.

Accountabilities – 

• Write news releases, press statements and other communications materials. • Develop communication strategies for assigned areas of the Flowers business and during acquisitions. • Develop promotional materials such as catalogues and web tools for commercial customers. Responsible for other communications and marketing projects such as the following: • Website management • Occasionally become involved in the communications announcements and activities with mergers and acquisitions • Trade Advertising • Catalog • Pack Trials • OFA Trade Show • Open House • Picture Requests / Photo Management • Email Ads • Newsletter • New branding roll-out • Internal project communications • Point of purchase projects • AAS planning committee • Agency Liaison • Intranet updates

Knowledge, experience & capabilities –

Critical Knowledge:

  It is essential that the candidate have, as a minimum, a BA degree in communications or related field. Knowledge of industry or trade media would be an asset; knowledge of internal/external sources to accomplish communications goals; understanding of how the public perceives Syngenta's products and their potential to impact the environment. Critical Skills:

  The candidate must have the following competencies: • Excellent oral and written communications skills (strong writer) • Self motivation/direction • Customer focus • Team orientation • Drive for Results • Interpersonal Savvy • Priority Setting • Functional/Technical skills • Integrity and Trust • Project Management • Design Software Knowledge • People Management • Event Planning • Creativity • Budgeting capability • Strategy Development • Works well in a collaborative atmosphere • Multi-tasker

Additional Information:

Flexibility to deal with demanding deadlines and needs of internal "customers"

High professionalism and good judgment skills; 

Ability to build rapport with a wide variety of internal and external contacts.

Proven writing abilities. Media placements in trade journals.

Syngenta offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including market-based pay, health/dental insurance, a generous 401(k) program, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance.

Qualified candidates should apply today! Please submit your application online at www.syngentacareers.com. EOE

Super Agronomy Sales Specialist Job

                     

            Pearl City Elevator, Inc.

                                             4306 W. Galena Rd.

                                             Lena. IL. 61048

             Agronomy Department

                                     Job Description

Products: Fertilizer, Ag Chemical, Seed, Precision Farming Products, and Services, and Nutrient Management Services.

Job Title:  Agronomy Sales Specialist

Responsibility: To work with local farmers, offering Agronomy products and services, while keeping the company and customers best interests in mind. While performing your daily activities, always maintain a professional image and appearance.

Primary Duties:

• Direct Sales: Sell and service our present customer list, while growing their business relationship with the company and yourself. Develop a key prospective customer list and design a specific plan for obtaining a large portion of every prospects agronomy business.

• Know and utilize all the agronomy products and programs of the multiple seed and chemical brands the Pearl City Elevator sells to maximize the goals and objectives set forth by the Agronomy Dept. Manager and the Agronomy Sales Team.

• Work directly with other salesman and the operations and office managers planning and executing each days activities to insure the best efficiencies and service for the company and customer. 

• Attend meetings and training sessions deemed necessary by management  to keep updated on products, services, and the general Ag environment. 

• Work with the entire Agronomy Sales Team to produce new sales programs and services offered by the Agronomy Department. 

• Be willing to invest the time necessary to make the company and yourself successful.

Supervision:

General Manager and respective Department Managers  

Pearl City Elevator, Inc.

Farmer owned Cooperative

Six locations – All Northwestern Illinois

$128,000,000 sales   Grain, Agronomy, Energy, Feed, and Services

Interested parties please respond to email address – bdrane@mchsi.com

One of a Kind Lab Technician

There's never been a better time to join Syngenta.

Lab Technician – Greensboro, NC 

Role Purpose – 

• Set up and operate lab equipment to carry out organic syntheses with minimal supervision. • Record observations and results of work in a timely manner. • Operate and maintain laboratory instruments • Provide infrastructure support to the department including: housekeeping and inspection and maintenance of safety

Accountabilities – 

• Run synthetic reactions in the laboratory • Arrange for analysis of samples or perform analyses where appropriate • Run experiments under direction of a chemist/engineer • Provide accurate interim reports on project work • Work independently on a daily basis • Coordinate project work with chemists/engineers • Share results in group meetings • Maintain lab areas with sufficient supplies and raw materials • Maintain lab housekeeping, safety and hygiene standards and carry out assigned duties

Knowledge, experience & capabilities –

Critical knowledge

• Minimum High School diploma with significant experience working in a laboratory, or a Bachelors degree in Chemistry. • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel

Critical experience

• Laboratory development. • Setting up and operating laboratory syntheses.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Ability to communicate technical results to chemists • Ability to quickly learn new skills • Ability to stay organized and to follow through on assigned work • Ability to adapt planned work based on group priorities • Ability to work with a diverse group

Critical Success Factors

• Ability to set-up and run routine laboratory equipment. • Ability to understand and follow provided procedures (synthesis, process, analysis) closely • Ability to operate and maintain complex laboratory instruments and equipment. • Ability to maintain well documented laboratory records • Ability to communicate and document lab data and report on experiments independently. • Ability to coordinate with and support professional staff. • Support a group of 7-8 chemists/engineers working on a wide range of product development and/or improvement projects • Provide on-site support for production trials of processes developed in the laboratory. • Provide on-site support to the production plants to address technical problems during routine manufacture.

Additional Information

• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US. • Some Travel to A.I. production sites, for supervision of trials.

Syngenta offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including market-based pay, health/dental insurance, a generous 401(k) program, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance.

Qualified candidates should apply today! Please submit your application online at www.syngentacareers.com. EOE

District Sales Manager - Illinois

District Sales Manager  Sedona AG, a contract sales organization, has an excellent opportunity to market traited corn seed to producers and growers. This is a great opportunity for a motivated new comer or experienced Salesperson/Manager to help develop a territory further and maintain good relationships with present customers. Candidates must be enthusiastic, reliable, self-motivated, and passionate about the benefits these products offer. This position involves generating company seed sales by providing service to existing customers and prospecting for new growers to achieve annual sales goals in accordance with established procedures and policies. At least two years of professional sales experience and a BS or BA is preferred. Experience in the crop production industries is preferred. Competitive salary plus bonus opportunities, vehicle, and full benefits package are offered.  We currently have a territory available in Northeastern Illinois with key market concentration in the following counties: Ford, Livingston, Iroquois, and Kankakee. This is a prime territory that lends itself to potential high sales volume. Solid seed brand recognition in territory.  If you are interested in joining a growing, fast pace, professional sales organization please email (preferred), fax or send resume to:  SEDONA AG ATTN: Amanda 3392 HILLCREST ROAD DUBUQUE, IA 52002 Fax: 563-556-3041 E-mail: by clicking on "APPLY TO THIS POSITION" EOE