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

at GROWMARK, Inc. in Prentice, Illinois, United States

Job Description

At Prairieland FS, Inc. you have the opportunity to make an immediate impact. Working with the industry’s top professionals, you’ll develop new expertise through varied job experiences and company-sponsored training programs. And you’ll be recognized and rewarded for your contributions. Plus, FS believes in attracting and retaining diverse talent. You can contribute your unique experiences and background to build a community that fosters mutual respect and meaningful relationships. * REPORTS TO:* Location Manager STATUS: Non-Exempt * PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT* Under the direction of the Location Manager, deliver products, communicate sales leads, custom apply fertilizers, crop protection products, or ag lime, inspect fields, and maintain or repair equipment as needed. Assist in the development and implementation of plans that maximize location profitability. The Operations Specialist I oversees and optimizes various aspects of agricultural production and operations. This role involves coordinating farming activities, managing resources, ensuring compliance with agricultural standards, and implementing best practices to maximize efficiency and productivity. The Operations Specialist I will work closely with farm managers, staff, suppliers, and other stakeholders to achieve the organization’s agricultural goals. * ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS* * Provides leadership to both full-time and part-time assigned employees required to operate the facility. * Blends products according to recommended rates and procedures. * Responsible for inventory control and turning in application records daily. Assures all products are accounted for with either an invoice or delivery ticket. * Responsible for assigned product ordering, inventory control, and shipping/receiving of products. Assist in scheduling product delivery and application. Responsible for the maintenance and appearance of assigned equipment and facilities. * Set up material handling, blending, storage, transport, and application equipment for blending and delivering products. * Applies crop production inputs to fields and growing crops according to recommended rates and procedures and following all pesticide labels. Records 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. * OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS* * Responsible for maintaining company equipment and facilities according to company standards, adhering to the company Uniform Policy, and maintaining the appropriate professional image. * May serve on the location Safety Committee and adhere to the company’s environmental health and safety policies and training. * Performs other duties as assigned. * _REQUIREMENTS_* * Educations and Experience* * 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. * Functional Competencies* * Proven professional communication, persuasion, and customer service skills and the ability to comprehend instructions and communicate one-on-one and in small groups with customers and other employees. * 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 include adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals, and the ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. * 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. * Core Competencies* Demonstrated core competencies, including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision-making, and skill development. * Other Requirements* * Must have or have the ability to obtain a CDL with proper endorsements and a commercial operator’s license within the first six months of employment. * Ability and willingness to attend and participate in required training, including education on Prairieland FS’s policies and procedures. Additional training related to this position’s requirements is also required. * Ability to work hours other than those considered normal to meet seasonal demands. * Requires physical labor and the ability to operate farming equipment. Occasionally exposed or required to: * Extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, snow, ice, etc.) * Noisy conditions * Working conditions may include dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards with appropriate safety measures * May be required to work at varying heights * Lift 51-70 lbs. * EMPLOYEE MISSION STATEMENT* Prairieland FS, Inc. strives to provide a Total Rewards package that delivers exceptional pay for exceptional performance, recognizes your dedication to our mission, and helps us attract and retain the highest caliber of talent. We are an equal opportunity employer.