Operations Manager

About the role

This position is responsible for leading farm operations, supervising equipment operators and maintenance staff, and ensuring efficient execution of planting, cultivation, harvest, and equipment repair activities. The Operations Manager will coordinate daily field operations, support agronomic decision-making, and ensure safety, productivity, and quality standards are consistently met.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily farm operations including tillage, planting, cultivation, and harvest activities.
• Supervise and coordinate equipment operators, mechanics, and seasonal employees to ensure efficient workflow.
• Operate and oversee the use of heavy and light equipment including tractors, trucks, pickups, skid steers, loaders, and other machinery as needed.
• Implement and optimize modern agricultural practices and precision agriculture technologies such as GPS-guided systems and data-driven field management tools.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs and ensure all equipment is serviced according to company and manufacturer standards.
• Diagnose operational and mechanical issues and coordinate timely repairs to minimize downtime.
• Maintain accurate records of field operations, equipment maintenance, labor tracking, and production activities.
• Ensure compliance with all safety policies, environmental regulations, and company procedures.
• Ensures shop and field safety practices.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate team members to promote performance, safety, and professional development.
• Coordinate with agronomy teams, landowners, and company leadership to ensure production goals are met.
• Exercise professionalism and strong communication when interacting with staff, vendors, and landowners.
• Take ownership of additional responsibilities and special projects as needed.

Requirements

Physical demands: walking and working outdoors in all weather conditions; ability to bend, squat, twist, and crouch to inspect equipment and fields; standing for extended periods of time; occasional driving between farm sites and operational locations; regularly handling objects up to 65 lbs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in agricultural operations, equipment management, or farm leadership roles.
• Proven experience supervising teams in an agricultural or equipment-heavy environment.
• Strong knowledge of farm equipment operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Demonstrated welding and fabrication skills.
• Experience with precision agriculture technologies, GPS systems, and data-driven farming practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read, interpret, and execute technical instructions and operational plans.
• Experience with irrigated crops and potato production strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of crop agronomics and production systems.
• Strong recordkeeping and organizational skills.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English preferred but not required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, seasonal environment.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic and ability to lead by example.

Benefits

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage as outlined in the company benefits overview.
• Flexible spending account for out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• 401(k) retirement plan options.
• Short Term Disability Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, and Life Insurance.
• Paid time off package.
• Potential performance-based incentives depending on role structure and farm outcomes.

Schedule

Typical farm management hours are 7 a.m. to