General Farm and Operations Manager

(Assistant Director of Farm Operations)

Location: Baker City, Oregon
Reports To: Farm Director (with dotted line to Chief Operating Officer)

Position Overview

The General Farm and Operations Manager directs and coordinates the operational and mechanical activities of the farm in collaboration with the Farm Director and Chief Operating Officer. The position is responsible for ensuring that equipment, personnel, and operational resources are aligned with the farm’s annual crop production cycle and operational goals.

The General Farm and Operations Manager collaborates closely with farm leadership to develop and execute operational plans, supervise equipment and operations personnel, maintain equipment readiness, and ensure efficient execution of farming operations throughout the production season.

A core responsibility of this role is maintaining operational readiness of farm equipment through effective sourcing, procurement, and management of parts, repair components, and maintenance supplies and effective scheduling. The General Farm and Operations Manager works proactively with vendors, dealers, and suppliers to locate and secure parts quickly, in order to minimize downtime and keep equipment operating during critical seasonal periods.

The role also supports broader farm operations including irrigation systems, crop production support, facility maintenance, and infrastructure projects across the farm. While the primary responsibility of the role is management of farm operations and equipment readiness, the General Farm and Operations Manager participates in agronomy and crop production activities. This includes assisting with management of specific fields or production areas and tasks.

The farm operates a diversified irrigated cropping system including potatoes, sugar beets, grains, and hay, utilizing modern equipment, irrigation systems, and storage facilities. The farm emphasizes teamwork, proactive problem-solving, and maintaining equipment and operations ahead of seasonal demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Farm Director and COO in operational planning, including scheduling, labor allocation, and equipment utilization
• Hire, train, motivate, and evaluate equipment operators and operations staff
• Execute the Company Annual Plan on schedule and within budget
• Communicate operational priorities and establish performance goals for operations staff through regular meetings and day to day communication
• Establish performance goals for operations staff that support efficient and best-in-class farm operations
• Monitor team performance to ensure operational goals are achieved
• Maintain a safe working environment and ensure equipment operation and transportation are conducted safely and legally
• Maintain preventative maintenance programs for tractors, implements, trucks, and other equipment through the company shop
• Manage sourcing and procurement of parts, repair components, and operational supplies to ensure equipment uptime and operational readiness
• Provide recommendations for purchase, replacement, or sale of equipment to maintain an efficient machinery fleet
• Coordinate communication and resolve operational issues between operators, mechanics, agronomy staff, and management
• Assist with operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of irrigation systems including pivots, pumps, pipelines, and related infrastructure
• Assist with or coordinate maintenance, repair, and improvement projects related to farm facilities including farmhouses, worker housing, shops, yards, and other farm infrastructure
• Collaborate with agronomy and crop production teams and provide operational support when needed, particularly during periods of lower equipment workload
• Lead or assist with safety meetings, safety programs, and operational training

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position supervises and coordinates:

• Equipment operators and seasonal operations staff
• Shop operations and equipment maintenance
• Organization and safety of the farm shop and equipment yard
• Maintenance of tractors, equipment, and company vehicles
• Inventory and availability of repair parts and maintenance supplies

Seasonal workforce may range from 5 to 20 employees depending on time of year.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong dedication to the success of the farm and operational excellence
• Strong problem-solving, leadership, and organizational skills
• Ability to lead operations teams in a fast-paced agricultural environment
• Strong mechanical understanding of farm equipment and systems

Candidates should possess experience in several of the following areas:

• Farm equipment operation
• Equipment maintenance and repair
• Potato, beet, grain, and hay production
• Potato storage management
• Irrigation system operation and troubleshooting
• Water management and field operations

Strong communication skills are essential. The ability to communicate with both English- and Spanish-speaking employees is required, with full fluency preferred.

Experience and Education

• High school diploma or GED required
• 5+ years of experience in production agriculture, farm operations, or equipment management preferred
• Demonstrated leadership experience in agricultural operations
• Willingness to participate in continuing education and training

What Success Looks Like in This Role

The successful candidate will take ownership of farm operations and equipment readiness while working collaboratively with agronomy and leadership teams. Success in this role includes maintaining reliable equipment with minimal downtime, leading a safe and organized shop and operations team, and ensuring equipment and irrigation systems are prepared ahead of seasonal needs. The General Farm and Operations Manager will demonstrate initiative in sourcing parts and solutions quickly and will provide support across farm production activities when operational workloads allow.