Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Grain Receiver

🎯 Role Definition

As a Grain Receiver, you are the frontline guardian of our grain supply. This pivotal role is responsible for the efficient and accurate intake of agricultural commodities from our valued producers. You will be the key point of contact for farmers and truck drivers, operating sophisticated equipment to weigh, sample, and grade inbound grain. Your diligence ensures that we accept only high-quality products, which are then stored correctly to maintain their value. This position is a blend of hands-on operational work, technical assessment, and customer interaction, making it essential to the success of our facility and the broader food and feed industry. If you have a strong work ethic and a passion for agriculture, this is an excellent opportunity to build a career in a stable and vital sector.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Farm Hand
Warehouse Associate

Advancement To:

Lead Grain Receiver / Elevator Foreman
Elevator Superintendent / Operations Manager
Grain Merchandiser / Originator

Lateral Moves:

Mill Operator
Quality Control Technician
Feed Production Associate

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate truck scales to accurately weigh inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring precise documentation of net weights for settlement.
Obtain representative grain samples from incoming trucks using manual or automated grain probes according to official procedures.
Conduct comprehensive grain grading and quality analysis, including testing for moisture, test weight, foreign material, and damage on all incoming grain.
Direct truck drivers to the appropriate unloading pits, storage bins, or transfer areas based on the specific grain type, quality, and grade.
Operate and monitor grain handling equipment, including bucket elevators, drags, conveyors, and distributors, to efficiently move grain to designated storage locations.
Maintain meticulous and accurate records of all grain receipts, quality tests, bin locations, and shipments using the company’s inventory management software.
Monitor the condition of stored grain by checking temperatures, running aeration fans, and conducting regular quality checks to prevent spoilage and value loss.
Perform routine housekeeping duties to ensure the facility, including dump pits, tunnels, legs, and grounds, remains clean, safe, and compliant with company and regulatory standards.
Assist with loading grain onto railcars or trucks for outbound shipment, verifying that the correct grades and quantities are loaded as per the contract.
Conduct routine preventative maintenance, lubrication, and minor repairs on grain elevator equipment to ensure operational reliability and minimize downtime.
Strictly adhere to all company safety policies, procedures, and government regulations (including OSHA) to foster a secure work environment for all personnel.
Communicate effectively and professionally with farmers, truck drivers, and internal team members regarding delivery schedules, quality results, and any potential issues.
Assist in managing and controlling physical grain inventory levels within the elevator through accurate record-keeping and communication.
Operate mobile equipment such as a skid steer, front-end loader, or forklift as required for cleanup, grain handling, and general facility tasks.
Understand and diligently follow all FDA regulations related to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) for food and feed safety.
Participate actively in safety meetings, job briefings, and continuous improvement training sessions to stay current on best practices.
Perform bin dipping and physical measurements to verify grain inventory levels and reconcile them with system records.
Assist with the blending of different grain stocks to meet specific quality specifications required by customers or for further processing.
Provide exceptional customer service to producers and drivers, representing the company in a professional, courteous, and positive manner at all times.
Enter grain delivery and settlement information into the system with a high degree of accuracy to ensure proper and timely payment to producers.

Secondary Functions

Assist with general facility and grounds maintenance, which may include mowing, snow removal, and painting.
Support other facility departments, such as agronomy or feed production, during non-peak seasons or as needed.
Participate in annual physical inventory counts, reconciliations, and audits.
Contribute to process improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and customer service.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Grain Grading & Testing: Proficiency in using probes, moisture testers, and test weight scales to accurately assess grain quality based on USDA standards.
Equipment Operation: Ability to safely operate grain handling equipment (conveyors, elevators, distributors) and mobile machinery (skid steer, loader).
Basic Mechanical Aptitude: Skill in performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting equipment, and making minor repairs to minimize downtime.
Computer & Software Proficiency: Competence in using scale operation software, inventory management systems, and basic office applications (e.g., Microsoft Office).
Safety & Compliance: Strong knowledge of OSHA safety standards, confined space entry procedures, and food/feed safety regulations (FSMA).
Physical Stamina: Ability to work in physically demanding conditions, including working at heights, in dusty environments, in confined spaces, and lifting up to 75 lbs.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in grading, data entry, and record-keeping to ensure accuracy in inventory and payments.
Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal communication skills for interacting with drivers, farmers, and team members.
Customer Service Orientation: A professional and friendly demeanor focused on providing a positive experience for producers.
Strong Work Ethic: Dependable, reliable, and willing to work extended hours, including weekends and holidays, especially during peak harvest season.
Problem-Solving: The ability to think critically and react quickly to troubleshoot equipment malfunctions or address operational challenges.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative attitude with the ability to work effectively as part of a team to achieve facility goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED is required.

Preferred Education:

Associate's degree or vocational certificate in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Agriculture
Agribusiness
Agricultural Mechanization

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years of experience in agriculture or an industrial environment. This can be an excellent entry-level position for the right candidate.

Preferred: 1+ years of direct experience in a grain elevator, farm operation, or a similar agricultural commodity handling facility is highly desirable. Experience operating heavy equipment is a significant plus.