Production Technician

Production Technician / General OperatorJob Title: Production Technician / General OperatorStart after harvest completes between October 26-November 9Pay Rates $19.50 - 1st, $20.50 2nd, $20.25 3rdCandidates should be flexible and available for all shifts.Job DescriptionThe Production Technician / General Operator supports seasonal seed production, packaging, inventory, and warehousing activities at a high-volume agricultural facility. This role is highly physical and involves operating production and field equipment, working in a fast-paced environment across changing weather conditions, and maintaining high standards of safety and seed quality. Work assignments vary by season and may include tasks in the plant, warehouse, and field, with weekend and overtime hours required.ResponsibilitiesOperate production, packaging, and field equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures to ensure seed quality and safety.Monitor equipment and facilities, including field equipment, to ensure quality, efficiency, and conformance with operating standards.Rotate through various roles within the area, which may include control room duties and other production line tasks.Support seasonal production activities, including inspecting and maintaining seed crops, managing seed inventory, and assisting with harvesting and packaging.From November to March, label, tag, bag, and palletize seed, enter inventory information into computer systems, and stage seed for shipment in the warehouse.From April to August, retag in-house seed, re-bag backhaul returned seed, inspect pro boxes to ensure they are clean and free of debris, and wash pro boxes as necessary.Perform housekeeping responsibilities in all work areas to maintain a clean, organized, and safe facility.Work safely in elevated areas and on uneven surfaces while performing repetitive movements and lifting up to 60 pounds.Participate in daily team meetings to review priorities, safety topics, and production goals.Follow all safety standards and initiate and follow emergency procedures when necessary.Accurately distinguish varieties of seed based on size or color to support quality control and inventory accuracy.Use computer systems to enter and maintain inventory and production data as required.Communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing, to follow instructions, coordinate with team members, and document work.Adjust to changing conditions, anticipate operational needs, and make independent decisions to keep production running smoothly.Work independently and as part of a team to meet production schedules, quality standards, and shipment deadlines.Support warehousing and shipping activities, including staging, organizing, and preparing seed products for customer delivery.Maintain enthusiasm, a positive attitude, honesty, and a respectful approach toward all colleagues while working long hours and rotational shifts.Essential SkillsAbility to perform physically demanding work, including walking, climbing stairs, standing and sitting for long periods, working in elevated areas, and repetitive lifting up to 60 pounds.Ability to work in all weather conditions, including mud, rain, heat, cold, dust, pollen, and exposure to insects such as bees.Ability to speak and read English to follow directions, understand safety information, and complete documentation.Strong safety awareness and willingness to consistently follow safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.Ability to think critically, solve problems on the go, and make independent decisions in a fast-paced production environment.Ability to distinguish varieties of seed based on size or color to support quality and inventory control.Ability to work long hours and rotational shifts, including weekends and overtime, as production needs require.Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing with supervisors and team members.Ability to work independently or as part of a team while maintaining productivity and quality standards.Knowledge of production agriculture and production plant operations.Ability to safely perform duties in a timely fashion while maintaining seed quality.Ability to adjust to changing conditions and anticipate operational needs.Ability to pass a background check and other pre-employment screenings.Reliable transportation to the site and ability to arrive at the work location as instructed.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience in production line, general production, packaging, or assembly line work is beneficial.Experience working in agricultural, industrial, or manufacturing environments is an advantage.Comfort using computers to enter inventory and production data.High school diploma or GED is preferred for contract roles and required to be considered for full-time employment.Ability to maintain a positive attitude, enthusiasm, honesty, and a willingness to treat all colleagues with respect.Willingness to be flexible with shift assignments and to rotate between different teams and roles as needed.Ability to work in and outdoors and walk on uneven surfaces while maintaining safety and productivity.Why Work Here?This opportunity offers the chance to contribute to meaningful agricultural work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where safety and teamwork are highly valued. Employees have the potential to transition to full-time roles with reliable attendance and strong performance, typically after about twelve months when opportunities are available. The workplace emphasizes respect, good attitudes, and collaboration, and may offer attendance and performance bonuses, subject to annual program decisions.Work EnvironmentThe role is based at an agricultural production site that is physical and strenuous, with a focus on maintaining a safe and clean environment. Work takes place both indoors and outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions, including mud, rain, heat, cold, dust, pollen, and insects. Personal protective equipment such as hardhat, safety vest, steel-toed boots, and hearing protection is required. The facility operates multiple shifts, and candidates should be flexible and available for all shifts.Typical schedules include 1st shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with possible 12-hour shifts from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; 2nd shift with start times that may vary (such as 11:00 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.); and 3rd shift typically from 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. After the training week, pack teams may work 12-hour shifts from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., following rotating schedules (such as 2 days on / 2 days off / 3 days on / 2 days off / 2 days on / 3 days off, or 3 days on / 2 days off / 2 days on / 3 days off / 2 days on / 2 days off), which provide three-day weekends twice a month. The environment is fast-paced, safety-focused, and centered around large-scale seed production, packaging, warehousing, and shipping operations.Pay Rates $19.50 - 1st, $20.50 2nd, $20.25 3rdJob Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Tipton, IN.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $19.50 - $20.50/hr.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.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 TypeThis