Assistant Farm Manager

Description

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. Our team is guided by our core values of Commitment to Excellence, Winning Teamwork, Entrepreneurial Drive, and Farming Lifestyle.

Farming is more than our business – it’s our way of life. We are passionate about the land, our families, and the communities we serve. With a legacy built on solving tough problems and pursuing new opportunities, we are committed to growing a strong future together.

Summary

Working closely with the agronomy and farm operations teams, the Assistant Farm Manager will support 5,800+ acres of chip and specialty potatoes for our Dalhart, Texas operation. In partnership with the Farm Manager, this individual will have exposure to all end-to-end aspects of the operation, and will support the execution of overall farm activities, agronomic strategy, employee development, safety, quality, and business objectives.

Initially, this position will provide direct leadership and oversight of the Agronomy, Irrigation and Spray/Application team members, ensuring consistent, efficient, and effective execution of agronomic and operational plans to deliver excellence in growing the crop. This position will report directly to the Farm Manager and will work closely with all key farm teams, including agronomy, shipping, and administration teams at the farm and the extended leadership team as needed. With continued exposure and strong performance, this individual will continue to increase scope and oversight within the role.

Role Responsibilities

Lead Irrigation and Application Operations

• Provide direct leadership and oversight of irrigation leads, irrigators, and irrigation operations, as well as Spray/Application supervisors and team.

• Lead day-to-day irrigation activities to support crop production goals and efficient water management.

• Ensure irrigation equipment is properly maintained, monitored, and operated safely and effectively.

• Ensure fertilizer, chemigation, and crop protection materials are completed safely, accurately and on schedule.

• Promote operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement within irrigation and application functions.

Support Farm Operations and Farm Management

• Partner with the Farm Manager and other key operations leaders to support all aspects of potato production, including planting, irrigation, harvest, storage, and shipping activities, as needed.

• Assist with the execution of key farm production plans and operational priorities.

• Collaborate with agronomy, equipment, operations, quality, storage, shipping, and administrative teams to achieve farm goals.

• Utilize operations data and technology tools to monitor performance and identify areas for improvement.

• Support farm special projects and initiatives that improve operational efficiency and farm performance.

Lead Agronomy Strategy and Execution

• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and development for the Dalhart Agronomy team.

• Partner with the Farm Manager and agronomy team to develop and execute agronomic strategies that optimize yield, quality, and profitability.

• Collaborate on key agronomic decisions including irrigation scheduling, fertility programs, crop protection programs, vine management, and harvest timing.

• Ensure agronomic plans are effectively communicated and executed through strong partnership with operations, irrigation, application, and harvest teams.

• Provide oversight of agronomic data collection, crop monitoring, field observations, and performance reporting to support effective decision-making.

• Support planning and execution of agronomic trials, research activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Develop team capability by mentoring agronomists, agronomy support personnel, interns, and other developing technical staff.

• Ensure agronomic programs align with customer requirements, operational capabilities, stewardship objectives, and business goals.

Develop People and Build Farm Team Capability

• Lead, coach and develop agronomy, irrigation and application team members and supervisors.

• Assist with any employee hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management for team members.

• Support management of seasonal and H-2A workers throughout the season.

• Foster an environment committed to the CSS Farms values of Committed to Excellence, Winning Teamwork, Entrepreneurial Drive, and Farming Lifestyle.

Champion Safety and Compliance

• Promote and uphold CSS Farms’ commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and operations procedures.

• Lead by example and foster a strong safety culture across all teams and job duties.

Support Business and Financial Objectives

• Partner with the Farm Manager to achieve production, quality, customer service and financial goals.

• Participate in budgeting, cost management, purchasing and capital planning processes.

• Support and foster customer, vendor, landlord, and community relationships.

• Gain exposure to broader farm management responsibilities in preparation for potential opportunities to increase scope, responsibilities, and leadership oversight.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agronomy, Business Management, or related field.

• Demonstrated leadership experience in agriculture, agronomy, farming, or other operations environment.

• Demonstrated knowledge of agronomic principles related to irrigated crop production.

• Experience collaborating on agronomic decisions and translating agronomic recommendations into operational execution.

• Experience leading technical, agronomy, or crop production teams.

• Experience leading employees, crews, or supervisors and achieving results through others.

• Strong communication, leadership, coaching and relationship-building skills.

• Strong organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, other technologies, and ability to learn operational and farm management systems and technology.

• Ability to read, write, and communicate proficiently in English.

• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to meet company vehicle insurance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

• Three or more years or progressive leadership experience in agriculture operations.

• Experience with potato agronomy and irrigated potato production.

• Experience managing irrigation operations and personnel.

• Experience leading spray, application or crop input operations.

• Experience developing and executing agronomy programs.

• Experience supervising seasonal or H-2A workers.

• Experience with potato production or other irrigated row crop operations.

• Experience with managing financials, and/or experience setting and managing a budget.

• Experience coaching and mentoring employees and building high-performing teams.

• Strong project management, organization, and continuous improvement skills.

Why choose CSS Farms?

Agriculture is more than what we do—it's who we are. At CSS Farms, you'll have the opportunity to build a rewarding career while helping grow food, care for the land, and support the future of farming. We're proud of our family-oriented culture, our commitment to doing things the right way, and the opportunities we provide our employees to learn, advance, and make a lasting impact.

Plus, we offer:

• Competitive pay that recognizes your experience, skills, and contributions.

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA & HSA) to help manage eligible healthcare expenses.

• 401(k) with company match to help you invest in your future.

• Company-provided life insurance and other supplemental benefits for added peace of mind.

• Paid time off so you can rest, recharge, and spend time with the people who matter most.

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 equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, age, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or other protected traits. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, pay, promotions, and training. CSS follows local, state, and federal laws to ensure fair treatment for all employees and applicants.

CSS Farms values every employee’s skills and perspective. We foster a workplace where everyone can contribute and succeed. This commitment is part of our culture and business practices.

CSS Farms promotes a respectful, inclusive workplace for all employees. Harassment or discrimination of any kind is not allowed, and retaliation is strictly prohibited.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights ( notice from the Department of Labor.