Operations Specialist - Development Program (Agriculture)

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.

CSS Farms is committed to the implementation of state-of-the-art operational principles and practices in the production of the crops it grows in every market sector. We are also committed to further growth in our core businesses. In order to meet the needs of further growth we have committed the necessary resources into developing and building our operational human resource strengths.

Summary

Our development program provides Operations Specialists with unique opportunities to serve and learn in a variety of environments. These individuals designated within CSS Farms Development Program focus on growth and learning through training and experience with our operation team at different sites throughout the continental US with the specific goal of integrating into an operational site when the individual is ready and the timing is right. These Specialists contribute directly to the success of CSS Farms by supporting operations on commercial and seed farms growing potatoes and rotational crops.

Essential Functions and Experiences

In this role, responsibilities and experiences include but are not limited to:

Equipment Operation

• Operate heavy and light equipment including but not limited to tractors, trucks, pickups, skid steers, loaders, and other equipment as needed
• Optimize practices and utilize the latest ag technology such as GPS and precision ag equipment

Equipment Maintenance

• Perform preventive maintenance as recommended by company and related manufacturers
• Assist as able in the execution of cost effective and timely maintenance for all equipment
• Maintain, repair, and calibrate of all field equipment and/or center pivot irrigation systems
• Maintain and repair all shipping and load out equipment and buildings
• Performing setup and pre-delivery inspection of new equipment
• Troubleshoot and maintain calibration of AMS equipment
• Keep accurate, complete, and timely records of repair work performed
• Troubleshoot and resolve new and/or different technical problems regarding equipment
• Assist in managing all parts and inventory
• Assist Farm Manager with budget preparation, planting, harvest, and shipping functions, as necessary

Management and Scheduling of Equipment

• Coordinate and support equipment assessments as well as field operation and line setup at new farming locations or expanded existing operations
• Support capital expenditure planning and equipment asset plans for sites by working with local management teams
• Ensure the execution of cost effective and timely maintenance for all equipment and facilities
• Assist with all equipment sourcing and purchasing
• Transfer equipment among site locations as needed to ensure operations continue uninterrupted and at the highest possible level of efficiency
• Maintain necessary records for scheduling, location of equipment and food safety maintenance
• Assist sites with budget preparation, planting, harvest, and shipping functions, as necessary

Training, Safety and Leadership Practices:

• Direct, coordinate, and support maintenance personnel during peak seasons as needed
• Support and hold regular safety tail-gate meetings and regular safety debriefs
• Train and mentor new and existing site operators on operational processes and equipment maintenance best practices to ensure sites are self-sufficient as much as possible
• Maintain work area, chemical storage area, and equipment in a condition that promotes good safety practices
• Use and maintain all personal protection equipment recommended for each work situation
• Follow the safety program and assure all state and federal requirements are met such as OSHA

Leading Edge Technology

Our program provides experience and learning in current technology and techniques including but not limited to:

• Potato specific planting and harvesting equipment
• Irrigation and water application methods and equipment
• Drone technology
• Precision Ag Data and Analysis
• Software such as John Deere GreenStar, John Deere Ops Center, John Deere Ops Center API Canopeo, iCrop Track, Landdb (CropWise), and Tableau

Required Qualifications

• A valid driver's license or the ability to obtain one as well as pass vehicle insurance verification

Desired Qualifications

• Associates of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science degree in an agricultural related field or commensurate work experience
• Familiarity with irrigated crop production desired
• 2+ years' experience in planting and harvesting equipment
• Superior organization and project management skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and communicate well
• Self-directed, yet consensus driven, with the ability to implement solutions with team input
• Proficiency with computers and Windows programs
• Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus

Physical Demands

• Walking and working outdoors in the elements frequently
• Ability to bend, squat, twist, and crouch to achieve angle and positions required to perform various repairs
• Driving between farm sites to move equipment, parts and perform repairs
• Operate a motorized vehicle, control panels, telephone/radio, and variety of hand tools
• Walk across uneven surfaces in fields and outdoor work areas continuously (67% to 100%)
• Climb stairs and ladders occasionally (0%-33%)
• Regularly handling objects of up to 65 lbs.
• Stand for extended periods of time (30 minutes at a time, 8 to 12 hours per shift)
• Occasionally bend, reach, reach above shoulders, squat, kneel for 15 minutes, push or pull up to 50 lbs., twist/rotate arm, wrist and torso, and crawl 20 feet
• Occasionally perform fine manipulations with hands and fingers

Development Program Benefits

• Market competitive salary with regular evaluations and increases based on performance, knowledge and experience gained
• Excellent Healthcare, Dental and Vision coverage as outlined in the company benefits overview
• Health Savings Account company contributions and company supported flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Full 401(k) plan with Fidelity Investments that includes company match
• Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance and Life Insurance
• Company paid travel and travel per diem when away from home location 
• Self-Managed Paid Time Off program
• Ten paid holidays and generous winter flex time

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.

AAP/EEO Statement

CSS Farms is an EOE.

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.

See job description