Farm Operations Associate

Nobell Foods is creating cheese and other dairy products from plant-derived dairy proteins for the 99% of people who are unwilling to compromise on taste and price. Nobell is made up of a team of passionate scientists, explorers, and storytellers on a mission to radically change the way we make food, so it’s better for you, the animals, and the planet. We are backed by Bill Gates’ client fund Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, and Robert Downey Jr. If you believe in our mission and are excited about our work, we would love to hear from you!

Your Role:

The Farm Operations Associate role will be accountable for day to day management and operation of both farm equipment and seed processing for Nobell Foods’ stewarded soybean pipeline. This position reports to the Sr. Manager Farm Operations and Logistics and will assist in maintaining stewarded practices to ensure that both operating procedures and logistics fully meet and exceed compliance with regulations. You will work in close partnership with the Nobell Operations, Quality & Compliance and Regulatory teams to constantly assess opportunities to strengthen Nobell seed containment and stewardship practices via new technologies or approaches to in-field farming operations.

To join our team, you should be excited about:

• Working for an agriculture startup company.
• Integrating agricultural equipment and biotechnology.
• Adapting and or finding novel solutions to improve Nobell’s farm operations.
• Outside the box thinking.

As Nobell pushes forward to rapidly scale farming operations and production, you will have the opportunity to play a key role on the team in leading this work. Your experience and passion for the role will help our teams continue to meet our strategic goals.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for all aspects of stewarded seed and grain production processes and associated farm equipment used in planting, harvesting and transportation of seed/grain.
• Assist in cleaning, maintaining and repairing farm equipment, such as planters and harvesting equipment
• Assist in all aspects of seed and grain logistics and maximum quality specifications.
• Understand species and variety characteristics, seed quality standards, and crop delivery requirements to optimize seed/grain specifications.
• Manage shipment, receipt and inventory of regulated crop materials.
• Complete internal regulatory inventory and documentation files.
• General administrative duties, including data collection for field production activities, crop reports, equipment operation and regulatory compliance.
• Adherence to company standard operating procedures to ensure full regulatory and stewardship compliance.
• Support the development of quality management systems practices and in establishing the Excellence Through Stewardship program, including reviewing, updating and writing SOPs, organizing documents and forms, checking forms filled in by third parties, as needed.
• Communicate effectively and timely, through regular updates, as required.
• Perform pre-season planning duties including but not limited to potentially recruiting new seed/grain producers, field selection and qualification.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be detail oriented, able to work independently and perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree, with an emphasis in Agronomy, Precision Ag or related field, preferred.
• Over 3 years of experience in the farming industry, with an experience in soybeans, preferred.
• Detail-oriented with experience in farming equipment operation and management.
• Technical skills, which include proficiency with precision agricultural software and willingness to learn new software systems.
• Travel up to 75% of the time with the heaviest travel during key events during the growing season.
• Excellent communication, team building, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license and willing to travel, CDL is preferred.
• State issued commercial pesticide license or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions, i.e., heat, humidity, rain, cold, etc.
• Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces.
• Must be able to drive or ride in a vehicle for long periods of time.
• Must be able to repetitively lift up to 55 lbs.
• Must be able to ascend/descend a ladder and work safely at heights over 30 feet to inspect grain bins and production equipment.
• This role will be located in Nebraska (remote).

For candidates based in the Midwest the pay range is currently between $55,000 to $82,000 in annual gross compensation. Within those ranges, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Nobell Foods offers competitive compensation, generous healthcare, dental and  vision plans, 401K and commuter benefits. 

Desired start: April 1, 2024 or earlier