Full Time Grain Elevator Operator - FS GRAIN - Ashton, IL

FS GRAIN is a leading grain company with 80 full time employees operating in Northern Illinois. FS GRAIN operates 19 facilities with a combined storage capacity of 40 million bushels, and access to multiple grain markets, including ownership of two Class I shuttle loaders. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

DIVISION: Grain SALARY RANGE: $17.50-$23.88

REPORTS TO: Facility Manager STATUS: NON-EXEMPT

Purpose and Summary Statement
Under the direction of the Facility Manager, the Grain Operator is responsible for supporting overall elevator operations, including grain handling, grain quality management, safety compliance, maintenance support, and operation of the grain drying system. This role plays a key part in ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality grain movement and storage at the assigned facility.

This position reflects FS Grain’s commitment to professionalism through safe operations, reliable execution, and strong customer service. The Grain Operator demonstrates customer focus by ensuring grain is received, stored, and shipped efficiently while maintaining quality standards and providing positive customer experience. The role promotes safety and regulatory compliance by adhering to OSHA, state, federal, and company safety requirements. Through attention to detail, teamwork, and operational consistency, the Grain Operator contributes to facility performance and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is safety-conscious, dependable, mechanically inclined, and capable of working effectively in both independent and team settings within a fast-paced agricultural environment.

Essential Job Functions
• Perform grain handling duties, including receiving, storing, conditioning, blending, and loading outbound grain shipments.
• Monitor and maintain grain quality, including assisting with blending decisions and grain drying operations.
• Operate and support the grain drying system to ensure efficient and safe drying of incoming grain.
• Perform general housekeeping duties related to grain handling, including maintaining clean and organized work areas.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, state, federal, and FS Grain safety regulations and policies.
• Maintain the professional appearance and operational condition of equipment, facilities, and rolling stock.
• Provide professional and courteous customer service to ensure a positive customer experience.
• Communicate operational or equipment concerns to the Location Manager as needed.

Additional Responsibilities
• Maintain company equipment according to company standards and adhere to the company uniform and appearance policies.
• Perform related duties as assigned to support facility operations and team objectives.

Education & Experience
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in agriculture, grain handling, or a related field preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude with knowledge of equipment maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting preferred.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use technology to support grain handling operations preferred.
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
• Willingness to learn grain handling systems and operational procedures required.

Other Requirements
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work extended hours and be on-call as business conditions require.
• Willingness and ability to travel independently and stay overnight when necessary.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, wet, and dusty environments.
• Working conditions may include exposure to noise, dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards while following appropriate safety measures.
• Ability to work at varying heights, including climbing grain bins, legs, and other structures.
• Ability to lift between 51 and 70 pounds.

This is a safety-sensitive position and is subject to the Alcohol and Drug Use Policy as outlined in the Employee Handbook.

At FS GRAIN , we are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.

We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.

Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.