Agriculture Operations Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Agricultural Operations Manager is responsible for farming and animal husbandry operations on a private estate.  As a department head reporting to the Ranch Manager, the manager will oversee all aspects of agriculture and livestock operations, including but not limited to program development and implementation, soil, crop and herd management, supervision of departmental staff, and coordination of lease partner operations and related outside vendors. In close cooperation with other departments, the manager will work to implement and maintain sustainable, progressive farming and ranching practices at the highest level, in accordance with goals and objectives established by the property Owner. An additional area of responsibility will be the supervision of the Animal Farm, a family-oriented domesticated animal program on the property, which will include the management and care of the animals, direction of the animal caretaker staff, and coordination of Owner/guest activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Development and implementation of agriculture and livestock programs (10%)
• Planning, scheduling and supervision of farming, ranching, and animal caretaking operations (65%)
• Management of departmental staff, lease partners and outside vendors (10%)
• Supervision and maintenance of workshop areas, tools and farm equipment (5%)
• Administrative tasks, purchasing, contracts, budgeting and expense reporting (10%)

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

• Development of agriculture and livestock programs, including research, creation and presentation of proposals and plans, and execution of approved initiatives
• Assistance with the design and establishment of farming and ranching areas, including master planning, infrastructure development, and the creation and maintenance of agricultural (“Ag”) plans
• Coordination of planning and operations with property Owners, Executives, Administration, Ranch Management, Department Heads, and field-specific consultants
• Supervision of day-to-day farming operations, including but not limited to crop scheduling, plowing, planting, fertilization, harvesting operations, maintenance of farm equipment, and the supervision of farming staff
• Supervision of day-to day livestock operations, including but not limited to animal care and sustenance, pasture management, soil rehabilitation, breeding programs, coordination of slaughter/processing, and the supervision of ranching staff
• Supervision of day-to-day animal farm operations, including but not limited to animal care and sustenance, maintenance and development of the Animal Farm area, coordination of Owner/guest activities, and the supervision of animal caretaking staff
• Management of lease partnerships and outside vendors as related to farming, ranching and animal caretaking operations on the property

• Selection and purchase of supplies and equipment as needed, including seed, feed, fertilizers, tools and machinery
• Development and maintenance of annual budgets, expense tracking and reporting
• Maintenance of accurate and timely crop records from seed to harvest
• Creation of an annual crop plan in cooperation with and with regular updates to the Culinary Team; coordination of annual livestock processing in accordance with the needs of the Culinary Team
• Development, management and maintenance of fruit/nut orchards
• Development and supervision of a property-grown supplemental feed program for livestock consumption
• Design, implementation, operation and repair of irrigation systems
• Operation and management of utility vehicles, farm equipment and heavy machinery
• Recruitment, training and leadership of departmental staff

• Additional responsibilities as needed/directed

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field, or equivalent professional experience

JOB SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have extensive, high-level experience in the management of agricultural and livestock operations; specialization in one field with strong familiarity/experience in the second is acceptable
• Deep knowledge in farm operations and animal husbandry, with experience in a leadership role
• Strong leadership qualities, including fluency in the articulation of vision, a proven track record of successful project execution/management in related professional roles, commitment to excellence, and a humble, hands-on, team-oriented approach
• Proven ability to multitask, prioritize and maintain a sense of urgency
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, high-level environment
• High level of professionalism, confidentiality and discretion in business matters
• Strong proficiency in administrative and budgetary software/protocols

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to move, lift, carry, push, pull and place objects weighing up to 25-50 lbs without assistance
• Ability to reach overhead and below the knees, bending, twisting, pulling, and stopping
• Must be able to stand, walk or sit for an extended period of time or for an entire shift
• Requires flexibility to work variable days and shifts, weekends and holidays
• Ability to work outdoors, exposed to weather
• Ability to drive a side by side utility vehicle (UTV)
• Valid Driver’s License; ability to drive a company vehicle

COMPETENCIES

• Trustworthiness and Integrity:  Always acting in the best interest of the owner
• Communication:  Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both written and verbal, to relate insights and understanding of issues or problems in a skillful way to supervisors, colleagues, external parties and owners; understanding of the necessity and protocol to pass on important information
• Critical Thinking:  Asks the right questions to obtain the information needed to assess situations properly; anticipates and responds quickly to problems; finds ways to get projects accomplished efficiently; positively impacts the team by managing time effectively
• Flexibility:  Ability to work both independently and in a team setting; willingness to work in a wide range of roles, as needed; willingness to assist other KR departments, as needed
• Attention to Detail:  Ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented; ability to execute projects and tasks with excellence
• Proactive:  Goes above and beyond what needs to be done; has the confidence to initiate action independently and address unexpected problems or opportunities without prompting
• Team Player:  Connects with coworkers, leaders and external vendors in an effective manner; considers how his/her actions affect other groups or team members; models a spirit of cooperation with other members of the work group; works effectively and cooperatively across groups; understands the need for and requirements of the chain of command
• Discretion: Understanding of the nature of private family service and the need for absolute privacy and confidentiality