WNY Grain Operations Manager in Clarence, New York at Kreher Family Farms

JOB RESPONSIBILTIES

Strategic and tactical work for which this position is accountable:

The main objective of the Grain Operations Manager’s work is to:

• Supervise all Crops Team Associates, full-time and seasonal, that are involved in carrying out the duties associated with grain production around the Clarence and Brockport crop sites.
• Provide insight into fertilization and crop maintenance program decisions that appropriately match up with fields, conditions, etc. that will positively impact crop production.
• Coordinate manure and fertilizer application according to prescribed locations and rates. Work with the Crops Technician to ensure the maintenance of appropriate records and compliance with the current CAFO plan.
• Coordinate the tilling of crop land for planting and help with the actual tilling and various functions to prepare the lands for planting. Work with the Crops Technician to ensure maintenance of appropriate records.
• Work with the Crops Technician to coordinate planting procedures and help with the actual planting when necessary to ensure quality product at harvest. Work with the Crops Technician to ensure maintenance of appropriate planting records.
• Assist Crops Technician in maintaining weed control and crop inspection program, which includes keeping up to date on insecticides, herbicides, safety procedures, and equipment use. Maintain associated records.
• Coordinate and establish correct methods and timing when harvesting and trucking crops, while maintaining a valid CDL A license.
• Work with Food Safety & Crop Production Administrator to administer food safety standards as it applies to the activities of any Crops Team Associates under their supervision and maintain all necessary records associated with those tasks.
• Provide insight for crop rotation and seed purchasing decisions that are seasonally appropriate, using knowledge and experience from working in the fields (i.e. time of year, time of planting, and ground moisture).
• Work with Crops Technician to coordinate ordering and delivery of crop inputs.
• Continually develop knowledge of tilling, planting, land preparation, etc., and pass this information on to associates to positively impact crop production.
• Attendance & punctuality reflect a dedicated and reliable commitment to serving the customer, including being on call as seasons and weather dictate.
• Ensure that high quality crops are produced that meet the expectations of the end user, while maximizing profitability without affecting the quality of the crops.
• Make knowledgeable equipment purchasing recommendations to Principal, Business and Production Specialist.
• Maintain and oversee employees performing preventative maintenance on crop production equipment to ensure equipment is in good working order. Perform equipment repairs when necessary and work with Fleet Manager to maintain accurate records of all functions.
• Maintain and utilize all technological equipment and procedures as directed by Crops Technician.
• Follow all prescribed regulatory procedures and maintain required records.
• Ensure personal and departmental job tasks are prioritized and can be counted on to meet or exceed standards in the tasks performed for the department without sacrificing quality or personal safety.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to avoid accidents.
• Ensure that employees have the necessary licenses to run equipment (i.e. Farm CDL) and work with Fleet Manager and HR to ensure that those licenses are kept current.
• Appropriately deal with landowners, neighboring farms, etc. by listening to concerns, explaining processes, and / or rectifying problems according to Kreher’s policies as directed by Vice President, Crop Farms.
• Coordinate contractor activities that are related to the land based and facilities associated with grain production.
• Work with Principal, Business and Production Specialist to manage expenses associated with crop production, including equipment repair, preventive maintenance, field programs, and upkeep of land and surrounding area.
• Communicate and explain company and department vision to employees and maintain and encourage two-way communication by reaching out and getting to know everyone on the team.
• Share department results with employees and ensure recognition of individual and team achievements, as well as providing specific informal and formal feedback to employees in a timely fashion.
• Work with Crops Site Managers and Employee Representatives to ensure employee needs are met (i.e. right training, know benefits), and comply with Kreher’s Policies and Work Rules, as well as federal and state laws (attendance, uniform, etc.).
• Teach, encourage, and trust employees to take on new responsibilities and monitor their progress.
• Lead by example by learning and educating others and ensure employees have up-to-date performance reviews and receive feedback that is fair, accurate, and helps them do their jobs better.
• Provide feedback on training programs and look for ways to improve practices, including follow-ups with newly trained employees.
• Maintain two-way communication with management and team members to share knowledge and ideas.
• Act as a team player (support and encourage co-workers) and treat co-workers with respect.
• Cooperate with employees by showing them flexibility; cross training them within departments; moving them to different areas as needed.
• Practice safety and comply with all safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as requested.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Capabilities and traits essential to perform satisfactorily

• Leadership experience working with a crop and field team
• Aptitude and understanding of crop programs and the ability to implement these programs, including irrigation, fertility, pest control, weed control, and soil amendments
• Strong communication, organizational skills, team building, and team-working and collaboration skills
• Must be able to troubleshoot equipment/process problems and propose solutions.
• Knowledge of crop technological tools
• Basic MS Office skills

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Required: High School Diploma or GED
• Preferred: Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomics

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position requires the ability to work both in an office environment and in agricultural operations environment. There is occasional exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, temperature changes, agricultural noise and hazards

• Able to lift up to 100 lbs.
• Ability to work in an industrial setting, with typical industrial noise levels.