Careers
Who We Are
At CentralStar we help dairy and beef producers maximize their herds by connecting key farm areas. We offer industry-leading genetics, reproduction services, herd health products, DHI, diagnostic testing, and consulting. As a member of our team, YOU help producers see the whole picture, enabling them to optimize efficiency and profitability. Our team members live in the communities they serve, forming one of the most comprehensive agriculture field services teams in the Midwest.
Our Culture
Fostering your passion through our FUSION Culture
SYNERGY and teamwork are vital for supporting our customers and the future of their farms. INDEPENDENCE and accountability help you recognize your role and responsibility, fostering trust within the team.
We invest in OPPORTUNITY for learning and goal achievement, ensuring you have the necessary skills for your career. Our NURTURING environment includes job shadowing, recognition, mentoring, and guidance to support your personal and career growth.
Embracing our FUSION Culture empowers team members to create bright futures and unifies our diverse group into a cohesive team. We look forward to hearing from you.
Our culture is one of passion for our team members, the Ag industry, and producer success.
Perks and Benefits for Full-time Careers
Paid training
Paid time off
Health, dental, and vision-insurance options
Flexible-spending account
401 (k) retirement with company match
Sponsored life and long-term-disability insurance
Optional short-term-disability insurance
Team-member Assistance Programs
Continuing-education
Team-member awards program
Team Member Award Winners 2024
Life at CentralStar
Meet some of our team and hear their stories.
Candidate Journey
Once your application has passed the screening process, and caught the attention of the team, the hiring manager will reach out for next steps.
1. Phone Screening
A member of the hiring team will reach out to discuss potential opportunities and learn more about you, and possibly schedule a first interview.
2. First Interview
You will meet the hiring manager and another member of the CentralStar team to discuss your work experience. This interview will provide a better understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of the role you are interested in.
3. Interview / Job Shadow
This step varies by position and may include an interview or working alongside team members in the role you are applying for. This experience gives you a clearer understanding of the requirements, responsibilities, and FUSION culture at CentralStar.
4. Job Offer
The hiring manager will call you with the job offer and follow up with an email. If you accept the Human Resources team will send you the contract to sign electronically.
Behind the Scenes: Our Team’s Passions
Kaitlin Houghton Schueller
In many high school football programs, the players, coaches, and support staff work tirelessly to make the season a success. But one often-overlooked contributor is the team manager — a behind-the-scenes volunteer who plays a crucial role in ensuring everything runs smoothly. For CentralStar Research Associate Kaitlin Houghton Schueller, team manager for Mason High School football, Mason, Mich., this role also offers a special opportunity to connect with her father, Coach Gary Houghton.
“My dad has been coaching in the Mason Public Schools/Mason Athletic Department system since I was 7 years old,” said Kaitlin. “He started at the third-grade level and followed my older brothers until they were in high school. He became head coach for the freshman football team in 2012 and then moved on to be the varsity head coach in 2016.”
Kait’s football-support-staff responsibilities started early in life. “I’ve been his manager every year since I was 7 years old – so you can say I’ve been volunteering for 20 years. I started to have a lot more involvement in the team, though, when my dad became the head coach.”
Her volunteer duties have changed over the years, but regardless of what they are, they all play an important role in keeping a successful high-school-football team on its game. “I manage all equipment, our water boys/ball boys who are the young middle-school-football players who help out, assist the athletic trainer in preparing for the game, collect all stats at the end of the game from stat keepers, help our IT guy with all camera/iPad/film equipment, and then help with warmups.” Of all Kait’s duties, the task that gets the most chuckles is also one that has the biggest price tag. “It’s my job to make sure the coaches and players stay within the sideline box area. If they step out of it during the play, that ends in a penalty, which could impact the outcome of the game. This is something we kind of joke about, because it really is just me pulling coaches by their shirts back off the field during a play.”
Volunteering as the team manager has allowed Kait to stay connected to her father’s passion for the game, while also helping the team succeed. “It started out as a way to hang out with my dad and brothers, but turned into something that my dad and I have bonded over,” added Kait. “I love working with the coaches and seeing the players grow over the years in their capabilities and character. I know I have little impact as a manager on the players themselves, but I like to think my efforts in ensuring they’re properly equipped and safe while playing helps to prevent injury. I also love being a part of the Mason community, and the best way I’m able to do that is through managing the football team.”
For many CentralStar team members like Kait, volunteering offers more than just a sense of pride — it also provides an opportunity to build relationships and foster community. “In addition to managing football, I also coach varsity softball at Mason; it’s wonderful having my softball players come see me on the football field after the games. It allows me to check in with them, see how they’re doing, and to help them where I can. I think the best part of it is the community experience and being a part of the lives of today’s youth.”
Kait’s role as team manager highlights the importance of community involvement, especially in environments like high school programs. “At this point in my life, I know because I’m closer in age to some of the kids than the coaches are, it makes them more comfortable asking me questions about college, education, and some life skills required to transition from high school to college/adulthood. It has allowed me to see the perspective of younger generations coming into the workforce and being able to relate to them more.”
Volunteering for the Mason High School football team offers Kait a chance to engage in her community while contributing to something that brings people together. As a team manager, Kait plays an indispensable role in the Mason High School varsity football team’s success, while also strengthening her connection with her father and the broader community. In high school sports, the teamwork and dedication of volunteers like Kait are often what help turn good teams into great ones.