Director of Land Management

Join our team as the Director of Land Management, overseeing a diverse, multi-state, family owned farm operation. In this role, you’ll execute strategic plans that lead to unlocking the full potential of the portfolio. You’ll manage leases, acquisitions, compliance, and resources while visiting properties across the country and continulously looking for new opportunities. This is a unique opportunity or a results-driven leader with a passion for agriculte and preserving a family legacy. 

JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of this position is to proactively identify land purchasing opportunities with a long-term perspective. Additionally, the role is responsible for maintaining the condition of hard assets through soil testing and monitoring erosion. Record keeping is essential, including but not limited to tracking real estate taxes, managing insurance, and maintaining FSA documentiation.

JOB DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Negotiate rates for farm purchases and cash rent agreements.
• Assist with establishment of new tenant on land purchases.
• Ensure timely payment of lease agreements.
• Prepare and update cash flow budget as needed and assist with preparation of financial statements and land value reporting.
• Ensure timely payment of semi-annual loan payments, insurance premiums, and property taxes.
• Ensure loan payments, as tracked by the owner, are completed on schedule.
• Regularly review and update liability insurance and any extended coverage.
• Ensure assessments are accurate and reasonable for improved properties.
• Conduct regular farm inspections and report any concerns to tenants or landowners.
• Ensure USDA records are continuously updated and that all forms requiring signatures are reviewed and returned.
• Evaluate soil test results and discuss with the tenant to ensure satisfactory levels are maintained.
• Explore alternative planting options to increase income from non-row crop farms.
• Prepare and provide reports for regular meetings as required; K Speer Farm: Annual reporting.
• Oversee the K Speer 529 plan including distribution requests and communication with recipients.
• Oversee land improvement projects, including tile installation, tree removal, and other enhancements.
• Minimize dead rent while maximizing return on investment.
• Perform due diligence for new acquisitions along with contract preparation, coordination, reviewing title work, and closing.
• Arrange financing for purchases and that lenders have annual financial statements and tax returns.
• Responsible for resolving boundary disputes as needed.
• Handle inquiries regarding property sales or long-term lease opportunities (solar, wind, etc.)
• Manage and address requests for easements from public entities.
• Ensure deeds and title policies are returned and filed appropriately.
• Perform due diligence on new loan requests.
• Florida –
• Ensure agricultural classifications are applied where applicable for property tax purposes.
• Coordinate with professionals overseeing agricultural practices on the land.
• Ensure taxes on improved properties are reviewed and paid.
• Montana –
  • Follow up with growers throughout the season to monitor crop conditions and grain sales under crop share leases.
• May be required to cross train to perform other duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5-years of agricultural management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Able to understand soil samples and soil maps.
• Have a general understanding of County Plat Books
• Ability to participate in our online applicant and new hire onboarding process remotely.
• Ability to complete computer-based training.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• May be required to spend several consecutive nights traveling to different properties.

• Demonstrate ability to communicate clearly and professionally with diverse audiences, both in person and through electronic means
• Strong visual acuity
• Ability to perform tasks requiring close vision, such as computer work.
• Frequent repetitive wrist movements while typing on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk for extended periods.
• Ability to navigate stairs multiple times throughout the day.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds as needed.
• Must be able to access and navigate all departments across facilities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The pay range for this position is $100,000 - $130,000 annualized and is bonus eligible. Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. To learn more about our benefits, review here https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:14539c15-191a-4b77-9c13-f6ccfce10094.