General Production Worker

General Production Worker

The General Production Worker supports harvest season operations by operating production equipment, handling corncob materials, and contributing to high-quality output across multiple industries. This role combines hands-on production work with problem solving and accountability, ensuring daily expectations are met without relying on operations management. The position involves working in a fast-paced, industrial environment, collaborating closely with a small team, and maintaining strong safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate machinery used to process, grind, dry, and package corncob materials according to established procedures.
• Handle raw corncob inputs stored indoors to maintain cleanliness and proper moisture control.
• Follow standardized production processes to deliver consistent, high-quality products for multiple end-use industries.
• Conduct routine inspections of materials to ensure they are free from contaminants, mold, or excessive moisture.
• Assist in rigorous testing and quality-assurance processes to verify product specifications and performance.
• Document quality checks accurately and report any variations, defects, or equipment issues in a timely manner.
• Set up, operate, and clean production equipment safely and efficiently at the start and end of each shift.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance on machines and promptly alert supervisors to mechanical or operational problems.
• Adhere strictly to workplace safety regulations, including proper use of PPE and safe material-handling practices.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and orderly production environment to support safety and efficiency.
• Work collaboratively with production, quality, and logistics teams to keep operations running smoothly.
• Support loading activities for in-house trucking when needed to meet delivery timelines and customer commitments.
• Hold yourself and team members accountable to daily production expectations, using problem-solving skills to address issues without escalating to operations management.
• Follow instructions accurately while maintaining a positive, cooperative attitude with coworkers and leadership.
• Manage time and tasks effectively to perform in a fast-paced environment, especially during peak harvest season.
• Use hand tools, tape measures, and other basic equipment correctly to support production and material-handling tasks.
• Operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment when required, following all safety guidelines.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality, supporting consistent staffing and workflow.
• Apply good organizational skills to prioritize tasks, manage materials, and support continuous improvement in processes.

Essential Skills

• Experience in general production or general labor in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to operate machinery safely for processing, grinding, drying, and packaging materials.
• Mechanical aptitude and being mechanically inclined, with the ability to understand basic machine functions.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and standard operating procedures accurately.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to address production issues and keep the team on track without relying on operations management.
• Leadership capabilities to help hold the team accountable to daily expectations.
• Good attendance and work history demonstrating reliability and consistency.
• Good organizational skills to manage tasks, materials, and workflow in a busy environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, particularly during peak harvest season.
• Ability to read and use a tape measure accurately for production and quality tasks.
• Experience with forklift operation or willingness and ability to learn safe forklift use.
• Experience with machine operation and hand tools in a production or industrial setting.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to collaborate with production, quality, and logistics teams.
• Commitment to safety, including proper use of PPE and adherence to material-handling standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Mechanical knowledge is preferred and supports troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
• Basic computer skills are preferred for documenting quality checks and interacting with production systems.
• Experience as a farm hand, in construction, or other hands-on roles is beneficial for adapting to industrial and agricultural production work.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a positive attitude and continuous improvement mindset.
• Comfort working with industrial equipment, forklifts, and truck loading in a logistics-focused environment.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a supportive, community-oriented culture that values faith-based principles, sustainability, quality, and employee well-being. The organization offers paid holidays, vacation, and PTO starting at one week per year, along with a 401K program that includes up to a 3% match and United health insurance coverage. Merit increases at one year of tenure reward reliability, attendance, and performance, with the potential to significantly boost hourly pay. The company's strategic growth and long-term investment in the local area provide stability and ongoing opportunities, while a continuous improvement attitude is encouraged so employees can take initiative, grow their skills, and build lasting careers in a close-knit, small-team environment.

Work Environment

The role is based in an industrial, hands-on production setting that involves physical labor, machinery operation, and logistics activities such as forklift driving and truck loading. Work is organized across all shifts, with 1st shift from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (used for training), 2nd shift from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and 3rd shift from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Overtime is available, with the choice to work between 40 and 60 hours per week, and weekends are open for those who want to earn extra hours. Harvest season begins around late August and is the busiest time of the year, when crops are gathered from the fields for processing, storage, or sale, and production volume increases significantly. The production team size is approximately seven people, contributing to a small-team environment within a facility of around 45 employees, which fosters close working relationships and a more informal structure than larger corporations. Dress code requirements apply to ensure safety and suitability for industrial work, and employees are expected to wear appropriate attire and PPE for a manufacturing and material-handling environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rock Falls, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Rock Falls, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 2026.