Ag Operation Team Lead SR


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FSLA Classification: Non-Exempt

PCLS: 70019

Salary Grade: H

Role Summary

The Ag Operation Team Lead SR position builds upon the responsibilities of the Ag Operation Team Lead with greater leadership and operational oversight, coordinates and oversee work assignments and helps carry out the many day-to- day farm duties. 

Reporting and Supervisory Responsibilities

The Ag Operation Team Lead SR typically reports to a Ag Operation Manager and may provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to a subordinate group.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This role is distinguished by its expertise in managing day-to-day operations of a farm, including overseeing staff, managing equipment, and overseeing the cultivation and care of both crops and animals. This role involves planning, coordinating, and implementing various agricultural activities, ensuring efficient and productive farm operations. The position oversees multiple farm locations. 

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

  • Oversee multiple farm locations.
  • Manage the day-to-day operation of a farm including supervising staff, managing equipment, and overseeing the cultivation and care of both crops and animals. 
  • Communicate with farm staff and work closely with Ag Operation Manager and Faculty to support research and teaching efforts at the farm and facilities. 
  • Ensure all animals are properly cared for. 
  • Responsible for robotic trouble shooting calls which may involve responding to after hour troubleshooting calls. 
  • Ensure facility maintenance including landscaping, equipment maintenance and snow removal are properly executed by actively participating in these activities with trained support staff.
  • Communicate with UAES veterinarians and ADVS faculty to provide adequate nutrition, health care, and maintain associated records. 
  • Operate landscaping equipment and complete lawn care and weed control in a timely manner. 
  • Maintain all equipment and facilities at the farm and provide associated records.
  • Hire, schedule, and manage an appropriate number of hourly student workers to assist with animal feeding and other chores.
  • Serve as the contact person for those wanting to tour the facility.
  • Assist as needed with the UAES veterinarian to ensure animals are being bred in a timely manner.
  • Provide an accurate annual feed request each fall to the UAES crop manager.
  • Help facilitate research and teaching activities at the facility.
  • Assist other UAES farms and employees as needed and available. 
  • Understand and operate equipment carefully and effectively to ensure proper storage and use of equipment and infrastructure.
  • Train and oversee employees in proper operating techniques and methods to maximize efficiency and safety.
  • Must be willing to work flexible hours for proper timing of irrigation, animal feeding, breeding, and ability to receive shipping materials. May require evening and weekend availability.

Accountability

  • Reports directly to the Ag Operation Manager.
  • Ensures compliance with safety, regulatory, and operational guidelines.
  • Maintains oversight of farm assets, including equipment, facilities, crops, and livestock.
  • Provide reports and updates to senior management on farm operations and efficiency improvements.

Authority

  • Approves and delegates farm operation tasks to optimize workflow.
  • Directs and trains farm employees, ensuring adherence to best practices and safety protocols.
  • Makes strategic decisions regarding equipment maintenance, procurement, and resource allocation.
  • Implements process improvements to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

  • Comprehensive knowledge of agricultural production, including livestock and crop management.
  • Understanding of safety regulations, including equipment handling, chemical application, and environmental standards.
  • Strong leadership and problem-solving skills, with the ability to mentor and develop staff.
  • Effective communication skills to coordinate with supervisors, peers, and subordinates.
  • Ability to analyze operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
    • Physical capability to:
    • Walk/stand for approximately 65% of the time.
    • Sit for approximately 20% of the time.
    • Lift up to 75 lbs. approximately 5% of the time.
    • Perform stooping, bending, and crouching approximately 10% of the time.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of agricultural experience with demonstrable equipment operation skills; or a minimum of 7 years of directly related experience or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  • Licensing & Certifications:
    • Valid Utah Driver’s License.
    • Ability to obtain a Class A CDL within 60 days of employment.
    • Pesticide applicator certification preferred.
  • Schedule Requirements:
    • Must be available for evening and weekend work as needed.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

  • Work takes place both indoors and outdoors, exposing employees to agricultural chemicals, machinery, dust, and variable weather conditions.
  • Requires physical strength, endurance, and manual dexterity for operating farm equipment and performing labor intensive tasks.
  • Requires exposure to livestock handling environments, requiring caution and adherence to safety protocols.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, bending, and prolonged standing.

Disclaimer

This position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the position.