Steve Dover
Concrete,WA
Summary
Working in the vegetable seed industry in multiple positions for 38 years has given me the experience and knowledge that would be very advantageous for the next seed company I work for. Working my way up from the entry level position of warehouse technician to becoming a facility manager and zone production manager displays my dedication and determination to learning and improving what is necessary to produce the high quality seed demanded by today's consumers. Demanding perfection from myself has driven me to expect high quality seed being produced under my supervision. My report card comes when the seed I helped to produce comes back with optimum quality test results. I have excellent rapport with industry connections including growers and third party producers in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. My hope is to continue producing high quality seeds for the remainder of my working career.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PNW Zone Production Manager
Sakata Seed America
12.2016 - 10.2025
- Managed the commercial, grower contracted productions of many hybrid and OP vegetables procured in the PNW of the US. Crops included: radish, cabbage, beets, coriander, carrot, pumpkin, squash, mustard, kale, collard, spinach, cucumber, turnip, chard, arugula, parsley, and dill
- Managed the internally grown seedstock productions both in open field and greenhouse.
- Worked with third party producers to produce seed to optimize growing climates, expand growing area and to distribute production risk.
- Facilitated employee safety program to meet company safety objectives.
- Created, monitored, and adhered to annual OPEX budget for PNW production team. Eliminated unnecessary expenses built in by previous zone manager to reduce annual budget by 15%.
Facility Operations Manager
Syngenta Seeds, Inc.
01.2010 - 12.2016
- Managed daily operations of facility that processed peas, garden beans, and sweet corn. Stressed a culture of efficient processing, while maintaining seed quality as our primary objective.
- Improved facility efficiencies through employee management and training, as well as leading the change to a culture of how we can achieve versus a culture of why we can't achieve.
- Increased overall facility safety with thorough risk assessments and implementation of corrective measures as well as creating a culture for safety awareness.
- Managed and adhered to 2 million dollar annual operating budget.
- Led the charge for capex spending to increase operations efficiency as well as employee safety.
Fieldman
Syngenta Seeds, Inc.
01.1993 - 12.2009
- Conducted field work for grower contracted crops including, peas, sugar snap peas, dry beans, garden beans, and sweet corn seed.
- Produced annual contracting plans to meet company production objectives. Historical data and grower analysis was used to determine optimum grower and crop placements to minimize and spread production risk.
- Conducted and studied equipment differences as well as production techniques to aid in the quality improvement of sensitive crops such as sugar snap peas and garden beans.
- Worked closely with growers with crop management to help ensure optimum seed quality and yield to meet company goals.
- Have a very good rapport with long term growers in the Columbia Basin region.
- Worked with WSDA to make sure all field inspections were conducted.
Seed Warehouse Technician
Syngenta Seeds, Inc. (predecessors)
06.1987 - 01.1993
- Received, cleaned, treated, and packaged peas and beans, ensuring compliance with company standards.
- Operated and maintained warehouse equipment, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Cleaned seed threshers in the field to ensure variety integrity for two harvest seasons.
- Supervised sweet corn husking and drying.
Education
No Degree - Agriculture Business
Columbia Basin College
Pasco, WANo Degree - Mathematics And Accounting
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WANo Degree - General Studies
Whitman College
Walla Walla, WASkills
- Production planning
- Operations management
- Staff management
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
- Analytical
- Integrity
- Level headed
- Motivated (strive for perfection)
Certification
Current Washington State pesticide applicator/consulting license
Class B CDL drivers license
Tractor driving experience
Experience with CropIn and IForm crop record keeping programs.
Timeline
PNW Zone Production Manager
Sakata Seed America
12.2016 - 10.2025
Facility Operations Manager
Syngenta Seeds, Inc.
01.2010 - 12.2016
Fieldman
Syngenta Seeds, Inc.
01.1993 - 12.2009
Seed Warehouse Technician
Syngenta Seeds, Inc. (predecessors)
06.1987 - 01.1993
No Degree - Agriculture Business
Columbia Basin College
No Degree - Mathematics And Accounting
Eastern Washington University
No Degree - General Studies
Whitman College