Operations Lead

CSS Farms, LLC; Higgins (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market competitive salary

Healthcare, dental and vision coverage

401(k) plan options

Paid time off package

Job summary

CSS Farms, LLC is seeking an Operations Lead to oversee potato production across 2500 acres in Higgins, Texas. This role includes providing leadership in farming operations, managing safety, and coordinating agronomic activities. Candidates must possess a Texas private applicator's license, demonstrate strong leadership skills, and ideally hold a Bachelor's degree in an Ag-related field. Benefits include competitive salary, healthcare coverage, and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• A Texas private applicator's license or ability to obtain one.
• 2+ years managing agricultural programs, specifically in potato agronomy.
• Demonstrated professionalism and confidence in communication.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all potato production activities.
• Coordinate harvest integration with the Dalhart team.
• Maintain farm safety aspects including training and enforcement.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial management

Agricultural program management

Bilingual in English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in an Ag related field

Tools

Windows-based programs (Excel, Access, PowerPoint)

Job description

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.
• Work closely with operations: Ground preparation, planting, irrigation and ground sprayer.
• Coordinate integration of harvest with the Dalhart team.
• Perform all duties included in the Agronomy Technician job description.
• Provide general management and leadership to the farming operation.
• Maintain all farm safety aspects including training, enforcement, and documentation.
• Participate in budgeting and business planning processes.
• Coordinate purchasing of supplies, equipment, and inputs.
• Assist in and carry through the Regenerative Ag certification.
• Provide assistance as needed to grazing subtenants.
• Support operations and maintenance of self-propelled sprayer.
• Coordinate with the Senior Agronomist and support agronomic activities such as scheduling irrigation, fertilizer, and chemical applications.
• Assist in the chemical budget and maintain accurate inventory.
• Assist in performing other tasks and responsibilities as needed.
• Maintain positive landlord, customer, and community relations.
• Maintain and develop positive relationships with existing landlord base.
• Communicate positively and professionally with customers.
• 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 U.S. driver’s license and successfully pass vehicle insurance verification.
• Demonstrated confidence, articulation, and professionalism when communicating with customers, vendors, and landowners.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in an Ag related field.
• 2+ years of experience managing agricultural programs and personnel.
• 2+ years of potato agronomy experience.
• Strong work ethic, outstanding leadership ability, and exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Financial management experience and budgeting skills.
• Adaptability to changing situations and ability to perform multiple tasks with multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Windows-based computer programs (Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and general aptitude with software systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the 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
• Flexible 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.