Grain Operations & Maintenance Technician

Grain Operations & Maintenance Technician

It's time to harvest your potentialgrow your career with Northern Partners Cooperative. We are in search of new talent for the role of Grain Operations & Maintenance Technician located at our Triumph, IL Grain Facility.

The Grain Operations & Maintenance Technician is responsible for the efficient, safe, and compliant operation and maintenance of grain handling, drying, storage, and loadout equipment at the cooperative's grain facilities. This position supports daily operations including receiving, conditioning, storing, and shipping grain, as well as performing preventative and corrective maintenance on facility equipment and systems. The technician ensures all work is conducted safely, in accordance with company policies, environmental regulations, and cooperative standards. During seasonal peaks or special projects, the technician may assist other departments such as agronomy, energy, or seed to support overall cooperative success.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Support: Perform all grain operations activities, including the safe and efficient receiving, drying, conditioning, storing, and shipping of grain. Operate and monitor all grain handling systems such as conveyors, elevators, legs, pits, dryers, fans, and loadout systems to ensure smooth facility performance and quality preservation. Manage grain receiving by directing inbound trucks, inspecting loads for quality and moisture, collecting representative samples, and recording weights and grades accurately. Operate the scale and OneWeigh system to process inbound and outbound tickets, ensuring all transactions are entered accurately and in compliance with cooperative policies and state grain regulations. Oversee grain transfers between bins, monitor temperature and aeration systems, and adjust equipment to maintain optimal storage conditions. During shipping operations, prepare and load grain according to contract requirements, ensuring accurate documentation and coordination with drivers and dispatchers. Maintain precise records of all grain movements, drying logs, and quality checks, supporting accurate inventory management and compliance with regulatory standards including OSHA, DOT, EPA, and FDA. (35%)

2. Equipment & Facility Maintenance: Conduct preventative and corrective maintenance on mechanical, electrical, and structural systems including motors, bearings, gearboxes, conveyors, spouting, and dryers. Diagnose and repair equipment malfunctions to minimize downtime and ensure continuous facility operation. Participate in scheduled maintenance planning, assist in maintenance recordkeeping, and ensure that all work is completed safely and efficiently in accordance with lockout/tagout and confined space procedures. Maintain proper lubrication, alignment, and cleanliness of equipment while identifying potential failures or safety concerns before they result in breakdowns. Collaborate with the maintenance team and management to plan and prioritize repairs, upgrades, and capital improvement projects that enhance operational reliability. (25%)

3. Safety & Compliance: Promote and adhere to all cooperative and regulatory safety policies to maintain a safe working environment for all employees, customers, and visitors. Complete daily safety inspections and maintain required documentation, including confined space entry permits and lockout/tagout checklists. Follow all OSHA, EPA, and company safety procedures, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. Maintain awareness of grain dust hazards and assist in the implementation of dust control and housekeeping practices to reduce fire and explosion risks. Promptly report and assist in investigating safety hazards, incidents, or near misses, and actively participate in safety meetings, drills, and training programs to foster a proactive safety culture. (15%)

4. Customer Service & Teamwork: Provide professional, courteous, and responsive service to cooperative members, customers, and coworkers. Communicate effectively with other grain locations to ensure efficient operations and timely issue resolution. Represent Northern Partners Cooperative in a positive manner, upholding the organization's values and promoting teamwork across all divisions. Assist other departmentssuch as agronomy, energy, and seedduring seasonal peaks, downtime, or special projects, and support operations at other grain facilities as needed, including those outside of the employee's home location, to ensure consistent cooperative performance. Contribute to continuous improvement by offering feedback, identifying process enhancements, and maintaining a collaborative and solution-oriented attitude. (10%)

5. Housekeeping: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment throughout all areas of the grain facility, including pits, tunnels, bins, driveways, and storage areas. Routinely remove grain build-up, debris, and dust to prevent contamination and safety hazards. Perform seasonal facility upkeep tasks such as snow removal, sweeping, mowing, and general grounds maintenance. Ensure tools, equipment, and materials are properly stored and maintained after use. Demonstrate ownership and pride in the appearance and condition of the facility to promote safety, efficiency, and professional presentation. (10%)

6. Other Duties : Contributes to additional company and team efforts, projects and initiatives as needed. Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Experience & Education

• Preferred High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred 25 years of experience in grain operations, maintenance, or related agricultural/industrial setting.
• Preferred Experience operating and maintaining mechanical and electrical equipment such as augers, conveyors, and grain dryers.

License/Certification

• Preferred Valid driver's license and insurable driving record.
• OSHA safety training (Confined Space Entry, Lockout/Tagout, and Fall Protection) preferred or will be provided upon hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and strong troubleshooting skills for grain handling, drying, and storage equipment, with the ability to perform both routine and emergency repairs.
• Solid understanding of grain handling systems, storage practices, and drying operations, including inventory management and quality monitoring.
• Proficient in computer use for accurate data entry, maintenance tracking, and reporting within operational and inventory systems.
• Thorough knowledge of and adherence to safety protocols, including lockout/tagout procedures, confined space entry, and compliance with OSHA, EPA, FSMA, and company policies.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, capable of identifying operational or equipment issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to collaborate with coworkers, supervisors, customers, vendors, and seasonal staff across multiple departments and locations.
• Ability to work independently, as well as cooperatively in a team environment, supporting other divisions such as agronomy, energy, and seed when needed.
• Adaptable to seasonal workloads, extended hours during peak periods, and variable weather conditions while maintaining productivity and safety standards.
• Physical capability to perform labor-intensive tasks, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds or more, standing for extended periods, and performing work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Strong time management, organization, and prioritization skills to efficiently balance multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and support continuous operational improvement.
• Commitment to promoting a safety-focused culture through proactive hazard identification, reporting, and adherence to safe work practices.

Environmental Conditions & Physical Demands - Considerable physical exertion

Occasionally exposed or required to:

• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, wind, and precipitation.
• Duties may occur during early mornings, evenings, or extended hours during peak seasonal periods.
• Exposure to agricultural products, including fertilizers, crop protection chemicals, treated seed, and related odors or residues.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and harnesses, is required at all times when performing maintenance tasks, handling chemicals, or working with treated seed to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Exposure to dust, pollen, and airborne particulates from grain, seed, and fertilizer operations.
• Work performed near moving machinery, heavy equipment, and vehicle traffic in plant or field environments.
• Periodic exposure to loud noise from equipment, trucks, or plant operations requiring hearing protection.
• Surfaces may be uneven, wet, muddy, or slippery, increasing risk of slips, trips, and falls.
• May include entry into confined spaces or storage areas, requiring adherence to safety procedures and permits.
• Handling and storage of hazardous materials in compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and state safety regulations.
• Potential exposure to dust, fumes, chemicals, electrical hazards, and agricultural wildlife (insects, rodents, etc.).
• Travel between cooperative grain facilities, other divisional facilities, customer sites, and related field locations may be required.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, crouch, stoop, and reach frequently throughout plant, warehouse, and field operations. Climbing ladders, catwalks, and grain bins safely is required, including heights up to approximately 100 feet.
• Regularly lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 50 pounds; occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 100

Northern Partners Cooperative