Position Description

Job Title: Crop and Livestock Operations Technician
Location: Yankton County, South Dakota
Employment Type: Full-Time (Year-Round)

About the Farm Operation

This is a diversified Midwest row crop and livestock farm, operating corn, soybeans, alfalfa, cover crops, beef cattle, both cow-calf and feeders along with a few seasonally based other livestock. The operation utilizes modern ag technology, precision farming, conservation, sustainable crop and livestock management practices across the entire operation.

Job Summary

The Operations Technician will assist with the day-to-day operations of crop and livestock production. The position requires strong work ethic, mechanical and equipment operation skills, livestock knowledge, and the ability to work in various weather conditions. The individual must also conduct themselves and operate in a safe, courteous and respectable manner, including in the operation of machinery, equipment and vehicles.  The Individual must be willing to learn, attend trainings/classes as needed and required.  The individual must also maintain strict confidentiality regarding all farm operations, livestock operations, business practices, and personal matters related to the owner(s) and personnel.

Key Responsibilities

Crop Production:

• Assist in planting, cultivating, and harvesting of corn and soybeans.
• Assist in the windrowing, raking, baling, stacking of alfalfa, grass hay and straw.
• Operate and maintain tractors, combines, sprayers, and GPS-guided equipment.
• Perform tillage, hauling, baling, cover crop seeding and other fieldwork.
• Support nutrient management, scouting, and applications under direct supervision on an as needed and requested basis.

Livestock Duties:

• Feed, water, and monitor the health of livestock.
  • As directed by the Farm Owner(s) or their designee. 
• Assist with calving, vaccinations, tagging, sorting and general herd health.
• Maintain fencing, water systems, and livestock handling equipment.
• Help load/unload livestock and manage livestock handling/movements.

General Farm Duties:

• Routine maintenance and repair of machinery, vehicles, and structures.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of barns, shops, and equipment yards.
  • This includes the house yard and adjoining farm yard.
• Assist in record-keeping of daily tasks, inputs, and livestock data.
• Work with other seasonal employees as needed during peak times.

Confidentiality & Conduct:

• Maintain complete confidentiality regarding all farm operations, financials, livestock health data, business strategies, personal information, and decisions made by the farm owner(s).
• Sign and adhere to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) as a condition of employment.
• Respect the privacy of the family, landowners, business partners, and hired personnel.
• Do not share information, photos, or videos related to the farm or its activities on social media or with third parties unless explicitly authorized.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of crop or livestock experience required. 
  • Preferred Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture or Agriculture related field.
• Valid driver’s license required.
  • Must meet licensing criteria to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). 
  • CDL strongly preferred.
• Competency in operating and maintaining large farm equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic repair skills.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs. and perform physical labor in varying conditions.
• Willingness to work extended hours as required and approved during busy seasons.

Work Schedule

• Standard hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (variable) with 60-minute lunch (non-paid lunch).   Extended and weekend hours will be required during planting, harvest, haying and calving seasons and due to weather conditions. 
• Extended hours expected during planting, harvest, haying and calving seasons.
• Flexibility and responsiveness to weather-dependent schedules.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage, based on experience.
  • Additional earning potential based on completion of commercial driver’s license, safety record, attending and passing training and education courses as required.
• On-farm housing may be available or housing assistance provided through a signed House Lease at a reduced rental rate that includes the Farm Owner covering electricity, water, sewer, internet and trash as part of the rent. 
• End-of-season bonuses available based upon agriculture sector and farm profitability, plus the following: teamwork, safety records, repair records, driving records, listening skills, confidentiality and attention to detail.
• Benefits may include health insurance, and retirement contributions (farm-specific).

Reports To: Farm Owner(s) or their designee. 

Required Documents:

• Resume including all previous education and work experiences.
• A minimum of four (4) References with one being a previous employer.