Senior Farm Operations Specialist
Full TimeJob Description
*Description: *Walker Basin Conservancy leads one of North America’s most ambitious restoration efforts: saving Walker Lake while supporting the communities, agriculture, and wildlife that depend on the Walker River. With roughly 30 full-time and 15 seasonal employees, the Conservancy manages water rights acquisitions, creates public access and provides environmental education, stewards and protects public lands, and operates a native‐plant nursery and seed farm.
The Senior Farm Operations Specialist is a high-level, hands-on technical role focused on the execution of critical farm cycles, from seeding to harvest at the Conservancy’s native seed farm in Smith Valley, NV. This position requires a seasoned expert responsible for the precision operation of farm machinery, the maintenance of vital irrigation infrastructure, and providing essential technical support to the maintenance and irrigation teams. While primary duties are operational, this role provides directions to seasonal or contract crews during peak activity windows.
*The ideal candidate will*
* Be highly motivated and have a positive work ethic.
* Be knowledgeable of farming and ranching best practices.
* Enjoy working outside in variable conditions.
* Have an interest in learning new skills and practices.
*Expectations and Core Accountabilities*
_Equipment Operation & Seeding _
* Execute precision seeding, cultivation, and harvesting using a variety of heavy farm equipment.
* Calibrate machinery for specific seed types and soil conditions to ensure optimal stand establishment.
* Operate heavy equipment for field prep and specialized nursery or seed production tasks and operate weeding implements in between established stands.
_Irrigation & Infrastructure Maintenance _
* Maintain and repair irrigation ditches, headgates, and water delivery systems to ensure efficient flow including burning and other means.
* Assist the Irrigation Technician with the troubleshooting and repair of pumps, pivots, or wheel lines and whiling to work weekends.
* Perform seasonal ditch maintenance and clearing to prevent blockages and erosion.
_Technical & Maintenance Support _
* Provide “first-response” mechanical support for field equipment, coordinating with the Maintenance Technician on major repairs or, to take the equipment to a shop for repair.
* Conduct routine preventative maintenance (lubrication, blade sharpening, fluid checks) on assigned machinery.
* Assist in the fabrication or modification of farm implements as needed for specialized operations.
_Seasonal Crew Coordination _
* Act as the technical lead for contract or seasonal crews, translating complex tasks and ensuring they understand quality standards.
* Monitor the output of contract labor to ensure irrigation or weeding tasks are completed to specification.
* Coordinate directly with the Area Manager to report on crew productivity and infrastructure status.
* Other duties may be assigned. *
*Knowledge skills and abilities*
* Preferred, 7 years of hands-on experience in farm or ranch operations, with a deep background in equipment and farm infrastructure management.
* Master-level experience operating 100+ HP tractors, seeders, and specialized farm implements.
* Expert working knowledge of hydraulic, and PTO systems; ability to perform field-side repairs and diagnostics.
* Extensive experience with gravity-fed irrigation systems, ditch maintenance, wheel lines and water delivery.
* Able to complete field labor, for example irrigation, and ditch clean out or weeding.
*Requirements*
* Three or more years of demonstrated Farm experience.
* High degree of professionalism and discretion.
* Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
* Knowledgeable of Farm/Ranch best practices.
* Proficient with Farm Equipment, irrigation and crop growing.
* Bilingual ability preferred but not required.
* High school education/ college or equivalent experience.
* An ability to use apps like UKG, Monday and Survey 123.
* Multi-crop experience.
* Basic knowledge to perform minor repairs to facilities.
* A strong knowledge of fence repair.
Pay: From $31.00 per hour
Benefits:
* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Employee discount
* Flexible schedule
* Health insurance
* Life insurance
* Paid time off
* Professional development assistance
* Retirement plan
* Tuition reimbursement
* Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
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*Job was aggregated from Indeed.com*
How to Apply
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