Agriculture Operations Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this modern era, the role of agriculture operations managers has become increasingly important.

As the farming industry progresses, there is a growing demand for skilled individuals who can efficiently manage, expand and safeguard our agricultural operations.

But what does an agriculture operations manager’s job truly entail?

Whether you are:

An aspirant trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
A recruiter defining the ideal candidate for this position,
Or simply curious about the intricacies of agricultural management,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable agriculture operations manager job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Contents show

Agriculture Operations Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Agriculture Operations Managers oversee the daily operations of a farm or agricultural facility.

They are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating activities related to crop production, livestock management, and other related agricultural processes.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

Plan, coordinate, and direct activities related to crop production, livestock management, and farming operations
Manage the planting, cultivation, and harvesting of crops
Inspect farm buildings and equipment to ensure everything is in working order
Make decisions regarding the types of crops to be grown or livestock to be raised, based on factors such as market conditions, soil conditions, and the climate
Supervise and coordinate the work of farm laborers and oversee their training
Ensure compliance with government regulations and health and safety standards
Prepare budgets and financial reports, and oversee the financial aspects of the farm or agricultural facility
Establish and execute plans for the containment and disposal of waste, and the use and management of water resources
Negotiate contracts with suppliers and distributors
Stay informed about advancements in agricultural technology and apply these advancements where applicable

Agriculture Operations Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Agriculture Operations Manager to oversee our agricultural operations and coordinate staff activities.

Your responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations, implementing farming practices, and ensuring optimal crop yields.

A successful Agriculture Operations Manager should have a strong understanding of modern farming practices, including organic and non-organic systems.

You should also have excellent leadership skills and the ability to make critical operational decisions.

Responsibilities

Oversee all aspects of day-to-day agricultural operations.
Implement modern farming practices to maximize yield and crop health.
Coordinate farming activities and manage farm workers.
Ensure compliance with local and federal agricultural regulations.
Develop and implement budgets, record all expenditures.
Collaborate with agronomists to improve farm operations.
Ensure the maintenance of farming machinery and equipment.
Report on operational performance and suggest improvements.
Manage relationships with suppliers and clients.
Develop strategies to increase yield and productivity.

Qualifications

Proven experience in an operational management role in the agricultural sector.
Deep knowledge of farming best practices and different types of agriculture.
Strong understanding of budgeting and performance management.
Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
Problem-solving aptitude and ability to handle crises.
BSc/BA in Agriculture, Business Management or relevant field.

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Agriculture Operations Manager
Work Environment: Primarily outdoors with some office work. Regular travel to different farm locations may be necessary.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Agriculture Operations.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does an Agriculture Operations Manager Do?

Agriculture Operations Managers typically work for farming corporations, agricultural firms, or as managers of large privately-owned farms or plantations.

They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of farms and agricultural facilities, ensuring that farming processes are running smoothly and efficiently.

Their job includes planning and coordinating the production process, from planting and harvesting crops to managing livestock.

They also oversee the maintenance of farm machinery and equipment, and ensure compliance with government regulations and health and safety standards.

Agriculture Operations Managers often have to work closely with other members of the agricultural team, such as farm laborers, agronomists, and veterinarians, to ensure the overall productivity and profitability of the farm.

In addition, they may also be involved in business-related tasks such as budgeting, record keeping, and marketing farm products.

Some Agriculture Operations Managers may also conduct research and implement new farming practices to enhance crop yields and livestock production.

Their role is crucial in ensuring the sustainability of our food supply and in maintaining the quality and safety of agricultural products.

Agriculture Operations Manager Qualifications and Skills

An Agriculture Operations Manager should possess a blend of technical knowledge, management abilities, and a deep understanding of farming practices and regulations.

The necessary skills and qualifications include:

Strong knowledge in agronomy, animal husbandry, or a similar field to make informed decisions regarding crop and livestock management.
Excellent management skills to coordinate farming activities, lead teams, and maintain a productive and positive work environment.
Problem-solving skills to deal with issues that may arise in the farming operations, from equipment malfunctions to changes in weather conditions.
Strong attention to detail to ensure compliance with farming regulations, health and safety standards, and quality control measures.
Good physical fitness and stamina to keep up with the demands of the job, which often includes working in outdoor conditions and occasionally performing labor-intensive tasks.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with suppliers, customers, and farm staff, and to effectively manage personnel.
Technical skills to operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment, as well as basic computer skills for administrative tasks such as record keeping and reporting.
Financial acumen to oversee budgeting, pricing, and contracts, and to ensure the profitability of farming operations.
Understanding of sustainable farming practices and environmental regulations to ensure the farm’s operations are eco-friendly and sustainable.

Agriculture Operations Manager Experience Requirements

Agriculture Operations Managers typically have a significant amount of experience in the farming or agricultural industry, often spanning several years.

They are generally expected to have broad and deep knowledge of agricultural practices, crops, equipment, and regulations.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through on-the-job training, internships or part-time roles in farming or related agricultural fields.

They may have served in roles such as Farm Assistant, Field Technician, or Agricultural Specialist.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a greater depth of knowledge in crop cultivation, livestock management, and the use of agricultural machinery.

At this level, they may have held roles like Farm Supervisor or Field Manager, where they have developed their managerial skills.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are generally considered highly qualified for the role of Agriculture Operations Manager.

They may have extensive leadership experience, having overseen large farming operations or managed teams of farm workers.

They are also expected to be adept at strategic planning, budgeting, and liaising with various stakeholders, such as suppliers, distributors, and regulatory bodies.

Agriculture Operations Manager Education and Training Requirements

An Agriculture Operations Manager typically holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, farm management, agronomy, dairy science, or a related field.

This coursework typically includes studies in agriculture technology, animal science, soil science, food production, and agribusiness.

Strong knowledge in business management, finance, and economics, as well as familiarity with federal agricultural policy and regulations, is beneficial for a career in this field.

Some positions may require an Agriculture Operations Manager to have a master’s degree in agriculture or business administration, especially for roles with larger operations or those involving strategic planning and coordination.

Relevant work experience in farming or a related field is often valued highly, so internships, co-op programs, and entry-level work in agriculture can be beneficial.

Certifications, while not always required, can demonstrate expertise and dedication to the field.

These might be in areas like agricultural production, farm management, or agricultural business operations.

Also, knowledge of the latest farming technologies and practices, such as precision agriculture and sustainable farming, can be advantageous.

Agriculture Operations Manager Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Agriculture Operations Manager is $73,726 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary significantly depending on factors such as years of experience, specific skills, the size of the farming operation, and the region in which the farm is located.

Agriculture Operations Manager Job Description FAQs

What are the key responsibilities of an Agriculture Operations Manager?

An Agriculture Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all farming activities and operations.

This includes planning strategies for maximum yield, implementing operational plans, organizing farm administration, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with government regulations and health and safety standards.

They also oversee the maintenance and repair of farm vehicles, machinery, and equipment.

What skills does an Agriculture Operations Manager need?

They should possess strong leadership and decision-making skills, have a deep understanding of farming operations, and be familiar with the latest farming technologies and methodologies.

An Agriculture Operations Manager should also have good communication skills, the ability to manage budgets, and the capacity to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Do Agriculture Operations Managers need a specific degree?

While a degree is not always necessary, many employers prefer candidates with a degree in agriculture, agribusiness, farm management or related fields.

Some Agriculture Operations Managers may have degrees in business or management.

Experience in farming operations is generally more important than formal education.

What should you look for in an Agriculture Operations Manager’s resume?

Look for candidates with relevant experience in agriculture and farm management, and those who can demonstrate a solid understanding of agricultural principles and practices.

In addition, you should look for evidence of leadership skills, strategic planning, and problem-solving abilities.

Knowledge of modern farming equipment and technology is also a plus.

What qualities make a good Agriculture Operations Manager?

A good Agriculture Operations Manager must have strong leadership abilities and excellent organizational skills.

They should be able to make decisions under pressure, effectively manage budgets, and have a deep understanding of modern farming practices and technologies.

A good Agriculture Operations Manager also has strong communication skills, as they often need to coordinate with farmers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.

Is it challenging to hire an Agriculture Operations Manager?

Hiring an Agriculture Operations Manager can be challenging, as the role requires a unique blend of agricultural knowledge, managerial skill, and practical farming experience.

A competitive compensation package, clear career progression opportunities, and a supportive working environment can be attractive to potential candidates.

Conclusion

There you have it.

We’ve just given you an in-depth look into the life of an Agriculture Operations Manager.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not all about tilling the soil and planting seeds.

It’s about nurturing growth, fostering sustainability, and managing one of humanity’s most vital resources.

With our comprehensive Agriculture Operations Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re perfectly primed to make your next career move.

But why stop at the surface?

Plow ahead with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating precision-focused job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every seed sown is part of a larger harvest.

Let’s cultivate the future. Together.

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