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.
