Grain Elevator Operator at Howlett Farms – Avon, New York

Howlett Farms is seeking a dedicated Grain Operator to join our Avon Operations Team. This position handles incoming and outgoing grain, ensures grain quality, and provides outstanding customer service. All experience levels are encouraged to apply.

This is a full-time position at our Avon location with a minimum of 40 hours/week with mandatory overtime requirements during peak seasons and as needed.

Essential Functions:

· Ensure incoming and outgoing grain is delivered efficiently and correctly.

· Manage customer and truck flow to minimize unloading/loading time.

· Bins grain in anticipation of storing, blending, and loading out.

· Ensure bushels are stored according to the grain flow plan.

· Load grain into trucks or trains.

· Work with drivers and the Dispatch team to efficiently load trucks daily.

· Maintain clean and neat grain handling facilities following the housekeeping schedule.

· Monitor equipment and either report or correct equipment/mechanical issues.

· Maintain equipment by following maintenance schedule.

· Assist customers with loading and unloading grain.

· Assist the Operations Team with other related duties as needed.

Career Growth

LEVEL I – Entry-Level Operator

Responsible for assisting in receiving, drying, storing, and loading grain, performing general housekeeping duties and facility maintenance, operating basic grain handling equipment under supervision, conducting grain sampling and quality checks, and following all safety and compliance protocols.

LEVEL II – Intermediate Operator

Responsible for independently operating grain handling systems, operating enterprise resource planning (ERP) computer programs, overseeing housekeeping schedules, performing preventative maintenance and minor equipment repairs, supporting inventory management, and serving as a mentor to Level 1 Operators.

LEVEL III – Senior Operator / Lead

Responsible for overseeing grain routing and movement, quality, condition, and efficiency, diagnosing equipment failures and coordinating repairs, directly assisting facility managers with seasonal harvest operations, enforcing safety and compliance protocols, training and supervising employees, and conducting reports, audits, and planning.

Pay

This position starts at $22 per hour with overtime paid at 1.5x hourly rate for any hours worked over 40 in a work week. Pay is dependent based on experience.

Company Benefits

· Simple IRA and Employer Match

· Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

· Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance

· Life and AD&D Insurance

· Employer Sponsored Employee Assistance Program

· Paid Time Off

· Boot Allowance

· Branded Apparel Allowance

· Performance and Volume Based Profit-Sharing Programs

· Professional Development and Learning Incentive Programs

· Career Growth Paths

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· HS Diploma, GED, or equivalent education required.

· General work experience with a preference for agriculture familiarity.

· Outdoor and manual labor work experience strongly preferred.

· Basic mechanical capabilities.

· Excellent communication and customer service skills.

· Computer proficiency strongly preferred.

· Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced setting.

· Dependability, organizational, and exceptional problem-solving skills required.

· Capacity to work long hours (overtime) during peak seasons.

Physical Demands:

· Must be prepared to be on your feet and on the move all day.

· Must be able to sweep, shovel, climb stairs/ladders, and lift up to 75 pounds.

· Must be able work in a noisy, dusty environment (appropriate PPE provided).

· Must be comfortable with heights and be able to climb stairs and ladders 100+ feet.

· Must be prepared to withstand exposure to seasonal weather conditions.

This position is included in the company’s random drug and alcohol testing pool. Howlett Farms is a zero-tolerance, drug- and alcohol-free workplace.