Agricultural Operations Manager

    Agriculture & Farming

    CIP Name: Agricultural Operations Manager|CIP Code: 01.0101

    A general program that focuses on modern business and economic principles involved in the organization, operation, and management of agricultural enterprises.

    Median Salary
    Job Growth
    6mo-1.5yr
    Training
    Jobs/Year

    What Agricultural Operations Managers Do

    A general program that focuses on modern business and economic principles involved in the organization, operation, and management of agricultural enterprises.

    Common Tasks

    • 1Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
    • 2Manage nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research.
    • 3Direct and monitor trapping and spawning of fish, egg incubation, and fry rearing, applying knowledge of management and fish culturing techniques.
    • 4Direct and monitor the transfer of mature fish to lakes, ponds, streams, or commercial tanks.
    • 5Determine how to allocate resources and to respond to unanticipated problems, such as insect infestation, drought, and fire.

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Farms and ranches
    • • Greenhouses and nurseries
    • • Aquaculture facilities and fish hatcheries
    • • Agricultural cooperatives and agribusiness offices
    • • Timber tracts and forestry operations

    Schedule

    Schedules are often seasonal and can include early mornings, long days during planting/harvest, and moderate time pressure with occasional weekend or on-call needs.

    Physical Demands

    Work is a mix of office planning and field oversight, with moderate standing, walking, and handling of equipment or materials. Conditions can include outdoor weather, uneven terrain, and occasional bending or lifting.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand can rise as farms and agribusinesses adopt precision agriculture, data tracking, and more complex supply chains that require skilled management. Growth in aquaculture, greenhouse production, and specialty crops can also create new management roles.

    Skills You'll Need

    Budgeting and financial managementOperations planning and resource allocationData tracking and recordkeeping (yields, inputs, environmental data)People management (hiring, training, scheduling, supervision)Problem-solving under changing conditions (pests, drought, disease)Knowledge of agricultural production systems and equipmentRegulatory and safety compliance awarenessCommunication and negotiation with vendors, buyers, and contractors

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Leadership role with broad responsibility
    • Strong earning potential for experienced managers
    • Variety of work (business, people, and field operations)
    • Opportunities in diverse areas like aquaculture and greenhouse production
    • Work that can feel mission-driven (food, land, and resource stewardship)

    Cons

    • Income and job stability can depend on weather and commodity markets
    • Long hours during peak seasons
    • High responsibility for safety, compliance, and financial outcomes
    • Work may involve outdoor exposure and physically active days
    • Some roles require managing labor shortages and turnover
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Agricultural Operations Manager Trade

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