Operations Specialist I - Prairieland FS, Inc. - Prentice, IL

Growmark - Prentice, IL

Part-time,Full-time - Mid Level

Prentice, IL

Building Material and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers

About the position

The Operations Specialist I at Prairieland FS, Inc. plays a crucial role in overseeing and optimizing agricultural production and operations. This position involves coordinating farming activities, managing resources, ensuring compliance with agricultural standards, and implementing best practices to maximize efficiency and productivity. The role requires collaboration with farm managers, staff, suppliers, and other stakeholders to achieve the organization's agricultural goals while delivering products and maintaining equipment under the direction of the Location Manager.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to both full-time and part-time assigned employees required to operate the facility.
• Blend products according to recommended rates and procedures.
• Responsible for inventory control and turning in application records daily, ensuring all products are accounted for with either an invoice or delivery ticket.
• Manage assigned product ordering, inventory control, and shipping/receiving of products, assisting in scheduling product delivery and application.
• Maintain and ensure the appearance of assigned equipment and facilities.
• Set up material handling, blending, storage, transport, and application equipment for blending and delivering products.
• Apply crop production inputs to fields and growing crops according to recommended rates and procedures, following all pesticide labels.
• Record application data according to regulations and standards.
• Walk fields, following standard sampling patterns, and examine plants at periodic intervals to detect the presence of weeds, insects, or disease (Scouting).
• Monitor crop health and implement strategies for pest and disease control.
• Ensure proper maintenance and operation of agricultural equipment and facilities.
• Manage inventory levels of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs.
• Coordinate procurement and logistics to ensure timely availability of necessary resources.
• Optimize the use of labor and other resources to improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal agricultural regulations.
• Implement and monitor quality control measures to maintain high production standards.
• Maintain accurate records of farming activities, inputs, outputs, and compliance documentation.
• Assist in budgeting and financial planning for agricultural operations.
• Monitor expenses and identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Prepare financial reports and analyze data to support decision-making.
• Stay updated on industry trends, advancements in agricultural technology, and best practices.
• Conduct research to identify innovative methods for improving crop yield and soil health.
• Implement new technologies and practices to enhance productivity and sustainability.
• Train employees on best practices and safety protocols.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment through effective leadership.
• Develop and implement long-term strategies for crop rotation, soil health, and sustainability.
• Collaborate with other departments to align agricultural operations with organizational goals.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and innovation projects.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Address and resolve any issues or concerns that arise with external parties.
• Represent the organization in community events and industry meetings as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agribusiness, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in agricultural operations or farm management.
• Strong understanding of crop production practices, soil health management, and agricultural equipment.
• Proficiency in agricultural software and technology.
• Proven professional communication, persuasion, and customer service skills.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose, repair, and direct uptime maintenance of rolling stock and location facilities and equipment.
• Demonstrated time management, leadership, and team-building skills.
• Math skills including adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Proven ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to use the computer to enhance business processes.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Competitive pay for exceptional performance
• Company-sponsored training programs
• Recognition and rewards for contributions
• Diverse and inclusive work environment