Assistant Farm Manager

CSS Farms, LLC • Dalhart, TX

8h • Onsite

About The Position

CSS Farms is seeking an Assistant Farm Manager for its Dalhart, Texas operation, supporting over 5,800 acres of chip and specialty potatoes. This role involves close collaboration with agronomy and farm operations teams, providing exposure to all aspects of the operation. The Assistant Farm Manager will support the execution of farm activities, agronomic strategy, employee development, safety, quality, and business objectives. Initially, the position will focus on leading the Agronomy, Irrigation, and Spray/Application teams, ensuring efficient and effective execution of plans. The role reports directly to the Farm Manager and works closely with various farm teams and leadership. With strong performance, the scope of responsibilities will increase.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level