Operations Lead

Foxley Brothers Farms; Platte (SD); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan with company match

PTO

Job summary

Foxley Brothers Farms in Platte, SD seeks an Operations Lead to oversee daily field operations, scheduling, and crew management. You will work closely with the agronomy team to align crop plans, fertilizer programs, and chemical applications while ensuring safety and timely execution.

The role requires 5+ years in agricultural operations, strong leadership, and a hands-on approach to managing people and equipment. CDL/Applicator licenses are preferred or willingness to obtain them.

Qualifications

• 5+ years managing people and processes in field operations.
• Experience in agricultural or field operations preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL and applicator license preferred or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day scheduling and assignment of field staff and equipment.
• Develop and maintain seasonal and field-level operational plans.
• Collaborate with agronomy team on crop plans, fertilizer programs, and chemical applications.
• Lead, direct, and develop field staff, serving as primary point of contact.
• Support planting and harvest operations alongside the crew.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, fuel logistics, and operator readiness.
• Track KPIs such as acreage completed, input usage, spray windows, and downtime.
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

People management

Operations management

Scheduling

Communication

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Assoc/Bach in Agriculture/Agronomy/Business

Tools

Precision agriculture tools

Farm equipment technology

Job description

Description

Operations Lead

Foxley Brothers Farms | Platte, SD

Are you looking for a leadership role where your work is valued, your team feels like family, and your kids can grow up in a safe, vibrant, close-knit community?

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Operations Lead to oversee the daily scheduling, coordination, and execution of all field operations. This hands-on role ensures our team and equipment operate efficiently, work is completed safely and on time, and all activities align with our agronomic plans.

Skills matter—but we hire first for character. If you lead with integrity, roll up your sleeves without being asked, and want to grow alongside a team that genuinely cares about what they build together, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Manage day-to-day scheduling and assignment of all field staff and equipment.
• Develop and maintain seasonal and field-level operational plans.
• Collaborate with the agronomy team on crop plans, fertilizer programs, and chemical applications.
• Lead, direct, and develop field staff, serving as their primary point of contact.
• Support planting and harvest operations alongside your crew.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, fuel logistics, and operator readiness.
• Track key performance metrics including acreage completed, input usage, spray windows, and downtime.
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

What We're Looking For

• Character & Leadership: High integrity, strong work ethic, a natural communicator, and a genuine All Hands, One Family mindset.
• Experience: 5+ years managing people and processes; 5+ years of agricultural or field operations experience preferred (we will invest in the right person).
• Education: High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or Business preferred.
• Licensing & Tech: Valid driver's license required at hire. Class A CDL and Applicator's License preferred (or ability/willingness to obtain). Proficiency with precision agriculture tools and farm equipment technology.

About Foxley Brothers Farms

At Foxley Brothers Farms, we are more than a farming operation - we are a team rooted in stewardship, hard work, and a shared commitment to leaving our land and community better than we found them. Based in Platte, SD, we pride ourselves on running a high-performing crop and specialty grain operation while investing heavily in the people who make it possible.

Our Core Values

• Integrity | Do What You Say; Say What You Do: We build trust with our team, customers, and community through honesty, transparency, and accountability. We take responsibility for our actions and the land we steward, treat people and animals with respect, and follow through on our commitments.
• Teamwork | All Hands; One Family: We work side-by-side, sharing tasks, knowledge, and support. We treat each other like family—dependable, caring, and ready to help so every person and season succeeds.
• Adaptability | Growth Mindset: We stay flexible, curious, and open to change. Whether adjusting to weather, markets, or farm needs, we support cross-training, embrace honest feedback, and view challenges as opportunities to learn and improve.
• Stewardship | Build a Better Future: We care for the land, our people, and the future as a single responsibility. Balancing immediate needs with long-term health, we steward soil, water, biodiversity, and community wellbeing so our legacy endures.
• Hands-On | Progress Over Perfection: We learn by doing, rolling up our sleeves, and testing ideas in the field. We value smart risk-taking, continuous improvement, and practical action over perfect plans.

Why Platte, South Dakota

Relocating your family to a small town doesn't mean sacrificing opportunities. Platte offers the safety, tight-knit community, and freedom of rural living alongside top-tier local amenities:

• Top-Notch Education: The Platte-Geddes School District offers modern facilities, strong academics, excellent teacher-to-student ratios, and active athletic and extracurricular programs where every student gets the chance to participate and thrive.
• World-Class Outdoor Recreation: Located just minutes from Lake Francis Case and the Missouri River, Platte is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy premier walleye fishing, boating, water sports, world-class pheasant hunting, and camping right in your backyard.
• A Vibrant, Welcoming Community: Platte features a bustling main street with local healthcare facilities, grocery options, parks, a public swimming pool, a local golf course, and year-round community events that make it easy to get connected and feel right at home.

What We Offer

• Estimated Compensation: $70,000 - $85,000 (commensurate with qualifications, certifications, and experience) + performance-based bonus tied to farm productivity.
• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus HSA options.
• Financial Growth: Retirement plan with company match.
• Time Off: 80 hours of PTO, 8 paid holidays, and respect for personal time.
• Culture & Development: A safe, supportive environment, promotion-from-within philosophy, and modern equipment.

Ready to Make Your Next Move?

If you are looking for an honest living, a great environment to raise a family, and a team that has your back, we would love to talk.