Job Details
Description: Potato Storage Manager (Russet Specialist)
CSS Farms, a multi-state agricultural business, strives to provide innovative solutions and superior quality and service to our customers. We proudly and relentlessly continue to meet the highest standards of stewardship when it comes to the three things we value most: our land, our employees, and our communities.
We are a team-oriented company with a high trust, entrepreneurial culture. We value our employees’ opinions, we have a strong work ethic, and are focused on growing great vegetables and developing our operations profitably. People who are most successful at CSS Farms are energetic, self-directed, and pragmatic.
Summary
This position helps support the farm by being accountable for all aspects of technical crop storage and the physiological health of the potato pile. This role focuses on maximizing crop quality and minimizing shrink through meticulous climate control and facility management.
Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Lead the potato grading and storage filling operations during the fall harvest season.
- Lead seed handling and seed cutting operations during the spring planting season.
- Monitor and execute the critical wound healing and curing phase for Russet potatoes immediately following harvest.
- Maintain potato storage facilities to obtain the highest possible quality and lowest amount of shrink on crop production.
- Monitor all aspects of mechanical and computer control panels, including ventilation fans, humidicells, and refrigeration units.
- Analyze storage control data, including temperature, humidity, and airflow, to make decisions that maximize crop quantity and quality.
- Manage respiration and air quality by maintaining CO2 levels to prevent tuber stress and sugar accumulation.
- Monitor the potato bruise-free handling program during harvest and bin-filling to protect Russet skin integrity.
- Conduct regular inspections of the potato pile for signs of disease, rot, or "hot spots" to prevent crop loss.
- Coordinate the application of sprout suppressants as dormancy breaks to ensure long-term holding viability.
- Troubleshoot and provide mechanical maintenance supervision for all storage ventilation and climate control hardware.
- Analyze cooling rates in conjunction with the Farm Manager and Agronomist.
- Lead storage maintenance and cleaning programs throughout the year.
Physical Demands
- Walking and working outdoors in the elements.
- Standing for extended periods of time.
- Climbing storage piles and working in dark, high-humidity environments.
- Regularly handling objects of up to 65 lbs.
Expected Hours of Work
- Typical daily farm hours are 7 AM to 5 PM.
- Harvest and planting seasons are busy and may require longer hours and some weekends to monitor storage stability.
Desired Qualifications
- A valid US driver’s license or the ability to obtain one and pass vehicle insurance verification.
- 1+ years’ experience managing large-scale bulk potato storage programs is preferred.
- Deep understanding of Russet potato physiology, dormancy, and storage pathogens.
- Proficiency with storage control software (e.g., Gellert, IVI, or similar systems).
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to train and work with operational teams on the farm.
- A strong work ethic and the ability to be self-directed while still valuing and collecting team input.
- Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus.
Work Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
Benefits
- Market competitive salary.
- Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage.
- 401(k) plan options and Life Insurance.
- Paid time off and tuition reimbursement options.
AAP/EEO Statement
CSS Farms provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
