Operations Lead

CSS Farms is a multi-state agricultural business with a mission of Growing Great Together. We achieve this by leading the way in stewardship and solutions for every field, every load, every day.

At CSS Farms we take great pride in doing the job right and believe our best work is achieved when we work together. Farming is our way of life, we have a deep passion for the land, our families, and our communities. We have a legacy rooted in solving hard problems and tackling new business ventures.

Summary

Working with the oversight of the Texas leadership team and operations teams, this position will support around 2500 acres of Chip, Specialty potatoes, and rotational crops as well as third-party grazing operations. The Operations Lead will report directly to the Higgins Farm Manager and will work closely with irrigation, shipping, and administration teams.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

Provide oversight and leadership to all potato production activities.

1. Work closely with the following operations: Ground preparation, planting, irrigation, and ground sprayer operations.

2. Coordinate integration of harvest with Dalhart team.

3. Perform all duties included in Agronomy Technician job description.

Provide general management and leadership to the farming operation.

1. Maintain all farm safety aspects including training, enforcement, documentation.

2. Participate in budgeting and business planning process.

3. Coordinate purchasing of supplies, equipment, and inputs.

4. Assist in and carry through with Regenerative Ag certification.

5. Provide assistance as needed to grazing subtenants.

6. Support operations and maintenance of self-propelled sprayer

Perform Agronomy Technician activities.

1. Coordinate with Senior Agronomist and support in agronomic activities including scheduling of irrigation, fertilizer applications, and chemical applications.

2. Assist in chemical budget and keep accurate inventory.

3. Assist in performing other tasks and responsibilities as needed (See Agronomist Technician job description)

Maintain positive landlord, customer, and community relations.

1. Maintain and develop positive relationships with existing landlord base.

2. Communicate positively and professionally with customers.

3. Serve as a positive representative to the community, land partners, and other local suppliers.

Required Qualifications

· A Texas private applicators license or the ability to obtain one.

· Ability to acquire and hold a valid US driver’s license and successfully pass vehicle insurance verification.

· Demonstrated ability to be confident, articulate, and professional when communicating with customers, vendors, and landowners.

Desired Qualifications

· Bachelor of Science degree in an Ag related field.

· 2 years’ experience managing agricultural programs and personnel.

· 2 years’ potato agronomy experience.

· Demonstrated strong work-ethic, outstanding leadership ability, and exceptional interpersonal skills.

· Demonstrated potato agronomy experience.

· Demonstrated financial management experience and budgeting skills.

· Adaptability to changing situations and have the ability to perform multiple tasks with multiple priorities.

· Proficient in the use of Windows based computer programs (Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and a general aptitude with software systems.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to train and work with operational personnel on the farm.

· Superior organizational and project management skills and experience leading and managing people.

· Bilingual in English/Spanish.

· Ability to comprehend, read, write, and communicate proficiently in English and interact with all levels of the organization.

Work Authorization

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

Benefits

· Market competitive salary

· Healthcare, Dental and Vision coverage as outlined in the company benefits overview.

· Flex spending account for out-of-pocket medical expenses.

· 401(k) plan options.

· Short Term Disability Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, and Life Insurance.

· A paid time off package.

AAP/EEO Statement

CSS Farms provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CSS Farms complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy

applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

CSS Farms expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.