Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Grain Elevator Operator
💰 $38,000 - $55,000
AgricultureOperationsLogisticsSkilled Trade
🎯 Role Definition
This role requires a diligent and safety-conscious Grain Elevator Operator to join our dynamic agricultural operations team. In this critical role, you will be instrumental in the daily functions of our grain handling and storage facility. You will manage the receiving, conditioning, storage, and shipping of various grain commodities, ensuring quality standards and operational efficiency are met. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem-solver with a strong mechanical aptitude and an unwavering commitment to safety and teamwork. This position is the backbone of our ability to serve local producers and connect their harvests to the global market.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- General Laborer (Agriculture or Industrial)
- Farm Hand / Agricultural Technician
- Recent graduate from an Agriculture or Trade program
Advancement To:
- Lead Elevator Operator / Shift Supervisor
- Elevator Superintendent / Facility Manager
- Operations Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Grain Merchandiser / Commodity Trader Assistant
- Maintenance Technician
- Agronomy Operations Specialist
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Operate, monitor, and control all grain elevator equipment, including legs, conveyors, distributors, drags, and cleaning systems, to efficiently move grain.
- Manage the receiving and unloading of grain from trucks and wagons, directing traffic and ensuring a smooth and orderly intake process.
- Conduct thorough sampling and grading of all inbound and outbound grain for quality factors such as moisture, test weight, and foreign material.
- Accurately record grain quality data, scale weights, and bin inventory information into the facility's management software system.
- Direct the flow and distribution of grain into a variety of storage bins and structures based on commodity type, grade, and ownership.
- Operate grain drying systems, monitoring temperature and moisture levels to condition grain to meet specific quality and storage standards.
- Blend different grain lots as instructed to meet specific customer grade requirements and contractual obligations.
- Load-out grain onto trucks and railcars, ensuring that quantities are accurate and that all transportation vehicles are properly inspected and suitable for loading.
- Perform routine and preventative maintenance on all facility equipment, including lubricating parts, adjusting belts, and conducting general repairs.
- Conduct regular inspections of the entire facility, including storage structures and handling equipment, to identify potential safety hazards or maintenance needs.
- Maintain a high standard of housekeeping within the elevator, grounds, and all work areas to ensure a safe, clean, and professional environment.
- Strictly adhere to all company, state, and federal safety regulations (including OSHA), participating in safety meetings and training.
- Operate mobile equipment such as forklifts, skid steers, and front-end loaders for various tasks around the facility grounds.
- Monitor stored grain conditions, checking for spoilage, insect activity, or temperature fluctuations, and take corrective action as needed.
- Assist in managing and tracking grain inventory, performing regular bin measurements and reconciliations.
Secondary Functions
- Assist with the maintenance and repair of facility buildings, grounds, and peripheral equipment as assigned.
- Provide excellent customer service to farmers and truck drivers, professionally addressing questions and providing clear instructions.
- Participate in annual facility shutdowns for major cleaning, repairs, and capital improvement projects.
- Support inventory audits and cycle counts to ensure the accuracy of physical stock against system records.
- Cross-train in other facility roles to provide operational support and coverage as needed.
- Assist in the application of grain protectants and fumigants, following all safety protocols and label instructions.
- Maintain detailed logs and records of operational activities, maintenance work, and safety inspections.
- Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and merchandisers regarding grain quality, equipment status, and operational schedules.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Grain Handling Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating conveyors, augers, grain legs, and dryers.
- Grain Grading & Testing: Ability to use probes, moisture testers, and scales to accurately grade commodities.
- Basic Mechanical Aptitude: Skill in performing routine preventative maintenance and minor equipment repairs.
- Mobile Equipment Operation: Certified or experienced in operating forklifts, skid steers, and loaders.
- Inventory Management Systems: Experience with or ability to learn computerized scale and inventory software.
- Safety Protocol Adherence: Knowledge of OSHA standards, lock-out/tag-out procedures, and confined space entry.
Soft Skills
- Strong Work Ethic: Dependable, punctual, and willing to work extended hours, including weekends, during peak seasons.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous in grading grain, recording data, and monitoring equipment to prevent errors and ensure quality.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly diagnose and troubleshoot operational or mechanical issues.
- Communication Skills: Capable of clearly communicating with truck drivers, farmers, and internal team members.
- Teamwork: Works collaboratively with others to achieve shared operational goals.
- Adaptability: Flexible and able to handle changing priorities and a fast-paced work environment.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferred Education:
- Associate's degree or certificate from a trade school or college program.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Systems Technology
- Mechanics or Industrial Maintenance
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a grain elevator, agricultural, or similar industrial setting. Entry-level candidates with a strong mechanical aptitude and agricultural background will be considered.
Preferred:
- Prior experience in a high-volume grain handling facility.
- Experience with performing preventative maintenance on industrial equipment.
- A demonstrated history of upholding and promoting safety standards in a work environment.