Title: Farm Operations Manager
Location: Chatsworth, IL (North Central Illinois)
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Do you possess an "ownership mentality" and take pride in operational excellence?
Are you a capable leader who is willing to get your hands dirty alongside your crew?
Are you looking to join a multi-generational, family-oriented operation with high ethical standards and a commitment to cutting-edge technology?
Are you ready to step into a high-trust position, working directly with ownership to drive the future of a long-standing agricultural enterprise?
Our client is a mature, diversified agricultural operation located in the rich farmland of North Central Illinois. The operation farms approximately 3,800 acres of corn and soybean production. This is not just a standard row-crop farm; the family also operates an equipment resale business that ensures year-round productivity and profitability.
The culture at the farm is defined by “practical excellence"—rooted in morals, common sense, and hard work. They maintain high standards for their fields and fleet, valuing neatness, structure, and adaptability. They utilize state-of-the-art technology, including autonomous-ready John Deere tractors, high-speed planters, and comprehensive yield mapping systems.
As the senior generation transitions out of daily operations over the next decade, this role offers the chance to step into a high-trust position, working directly with the current principals to drive the farm's future.
If you are a seasoned farm manager looking for a stable, family-centric environment that values a worker’s mindset, leadership and integrity, this is the place for you.
THE ROLE:
Farm Operations Manager
The Farm Operations Manager will serve as a key leader for the farming operation, reporting directly to the family principals. This position requires a blend of agronomic understanding, mechanical aptitude, and personnel management. This is a hands-on management position; the successful candidate must be willing to perform daily physical tasks alongside the crew to ensure operations run smoothly and to gain the respect of the team.
You will be responsible for the day-to-day execution of field operations, the management of seasonal staff, and the maintenance of a fleet of modern equipment. The ideal candidate is not just a laborer, but a manager who plans ahead—whether it is making critical decisions on chemical applications or managing grain logistics to keep dryers running efficiently.
During the off-season, you will transition to the shop, assisting with the repair and refurbishment of farm machinery and resale equipment, ensuring year-round profitability and productivity.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Field Operations: Execute planting, spraying, and harvesting operations for 3,800 acres of corn and soybeans. Operate high-speed planters and self-propelled sprayers with precision.
Harvest Logistics: Oversee the fall harvest (typically a 4-week window), often operating the grain cart to manage field loss, monitor grain quality, storage, cooling, and other elevator operations, and coordinate truck logistics to ensure bin sites and dryers operate at maximum efficiency.
Equipment Management: Perform maintenance and repairs on a premium lineup of equipment, including John Deere 9R/8R tractors, S-Series combines, Macdon Draper Heads, and Kenworth semi-trucks. Mechanical aptitude is non-negotiable; you must be able to troubleshoot, repair, and on rare occasions fabricate/weld when necessary.
Prairieland Products Support: During winter months, assist in the refurbishment and repair of resale equipment (combines, planters, headers) to ensure productivity during the non-farming season.
Facility Projects: Participate in farm improvement projects, such as tiling, shop upgrades, or bin site maintenance. This includes climbing bins and operating heavy earth-moving equipment when necessary.
Team Leadership: Supervise a seasonal harvest crew and a smaller shop team during the off-season. Lead by example, fostering a culture of teamwork and efficiency.
Technology Utilization: Leverage GreenStar and Ag Leader to monitor field data, yield maps, and soil zones.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Agricultural Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in row crop production, with a strong preference for candidates with a background in corn and soybeans.
Agronomic Knowledge: A general understanding of agronomics is required—understanding the "why" behind chemical applications and variable rate technology (VRT) to maximize return on investment.
Leadership History and Resilience: Proven ability to manage small teams and maintain high morale during high-pressure seasons.
Mechanical Aptitude: Strong ability to troubleshoot and repair farm equipment. Welding and fabrication skills are highly valued.
Technology Proficiency: Demonstrated experience with precision ag technology (Auto Steer,
VRT, Yield Monitoring) and basic computer literacy for inventory & parts ordering.
Flexibility and Utility: The versatility to fill any gap in the operation—whether it is driving a truck, fixing a combine, or managing a vendor relationship.
Work Ethic and Physical Stamina: Must possess a "worker’s mindset"—willing to work long hours during peak seasons (harvest/planting), including weekends, and participate in manual labor when required.
Licensing: Possession of a valid driver’s license is required. Must have (or be willing and able to obtain) an Illinois Pesticide Applicator License. A Class A CDL is a plus.
Agronomic Training: While a degree is not required, a willingness to learn and attend agronomy/chemical update meetings is expected.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Circle K Farms offers a competitive compensation package designed to reward performance and long-term commitment.
Salary: Competitive base salary commensurate with experience with opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
Health Benefits: Employer-provided health insurance (Blue Cross).
Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO) policy with flexibility for family events, even during busy seasons. The family values work-life balance.
Facilities: Work in a large, modern shop that is heated and air-conditioned.
Relocation: Assistance is available for the right candidate.
KEYWORDS:
Farm Manager, Operations Manager, Row Crop, Corn, Soybeans, Agronomy, Precision Ag, John Deere, Case IH, Equipment Repair, Fabrication, Welding, Harvest Logistics, Central Illinois, Family Farm, Agriculture Operations, Spray License, VRT, Soil Health, Grain Storage, Ag Leader, Macdon Draper Heads.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
AG HeadHunters
info@agheadhunters.com
(615) 686-2099
EEOC STATEMENT:
We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status. We are also committed to diversity and helping to create an inclusive environment for our clients. If you can do this job you will not be denied consideration.