Howe & Sturgis Russet Farm Manager
Number of Openings: 1 (Full-time)
Overview of Company
Lennard Ag Company is a family-owned, three-generations deep farming operation that’s been producing and delivering quality vegetables and grain crops since 1947. Specializing in potatoes, we grow over 14,000 acres in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, South Carolina, and North Carolina. We combine strong industry traditions with cutting-edge agricultural practices, advanced technology, and the latest management practices. Anchored by our strong history, Lennard Ag Company’s modern operations are complemented by their care for the land, their community, and the people with whom they work.
Overview of Position
The purpose of this position is to direct all operational duties on a farm, including leading and directing employees, working alongside direct reports, process evaluation and improvement, problem resolution, ensuring quality, and a safe work environment. The incumbent will have a hands-on role leading the field teams during planting, growing, and harvesting periods. During off seasons the incumbent will prepare for the upcoming labor season, as well as work on equipment. Your team will consist of local employees and H2A employees during the growing season and this group will be larger during planting and harvesting seasons.
Summary of Duties
Oversee the daily operations of the farm focused primarily on the Russet Variety of the potato crop.
Oversee planting, growing, harvesting, and shipping of the russet variety.
Making repairs and performing maintenance on farm equipment and facilities.
Maintain Russet Chip Quality per Customer Requirements.
Coordinate plant health and season planning activities with Agronomy Team.
Maintain irrigation and ensure appropriate water and fertigation levels.
This includes verification that all pivots are operating at full capacity.
Ensure designated team members are trained on the operation and maintenance of all equipment. Assign maintenance and operation of shared equipment. Coordinate staffing with other locations when necessary.
Maintain Crash Maps.
Prepare upcoming season staffing during off season. E.g., clean up after season, clean equipment, and document repairs and coordinate repairs, as needed.
Winterize flume system and houses.
Additional Duties
Complete Weekly Time Report by Crop.
Ensure GAP Requirements are met and followed.
Review and update Pivot Operational Instructions.
Update Dashboard on daily basis to document completed tasks and due dates for current and new tasks.
Coordinate with suppliers and buyers to purchase necessary supplies and sell farm products.
Personal Attributes
Sound judgment
Active listener
Sense of urgency – proven ability to respond immediately to spontaneous customer demands
Ability to adapt to changing priorities
Detail-oriented
Hands-on
Customer focused
Quality focused
Safety focused
Initiative/self-driven
Goal driven
Considers challenges as opportunities vs. problems
Physical stamina
Technical skills
Effective communicator
Work Experience / Education Requirements
Previous experience in a farm management setting or a related position with transferable skills such as construction manager
High School Diploma Required
Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or another related field preferred
Competencies
Effective written, verbal, and non-verbal communications
Situational leadership skills; ability to work with people who have different levels of skills, experience, communication skills, and maturity
Proven decision-making skills
Proven problem-solving skills with ability to find root cause vs. just symptoms
Proven ability to navigate internet-based tools (e.g., tablets, computers, mobile phones)
Mechanical aptitude
Environmental Factors / Working Conditions
Work is performed in a professional, smoke-free office environment
Occasional activities may take place within a manufacturing setting that require PPE
Some travel may be required
Work environment requires immediate response to spontaneous customer demands
Physical Requirements
Equipment operation may include sitting, standing, or performing physical tasks.
Equipment repair may include gripping, pushing, pulling, lifting, sitting, standing, use of power tools, and hand tools.
Lifting or squatting for approximately 8 or more hours per shift.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to raise arms above shoulders.
Schedule
Hours of operation will vary and depend on the season and the operational needs of the farm.
Supervision Received
Operations Manager / CEO
Supervisory Responsibility
Will supervise H2A workers, as well as some other roles within the operational side.
Motivations / Interests
Desire to advance their career within the Agricultural Industry.
Quality Standards
Required to follow company and departmental quality standards.
Benefits
Our healthcare plan provides 100% company-paid premium coverage for the employee and 50% premium coverage for their family.
Benefits include:
Medical
Vision
Dental
Short Term Disability
Life
Disclaimer
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Employee may be asked to perform other duties at the company’s sole discretion.
