Custom Field Operator - GRAINCO FS - Serena, IL

Purpose and Summary

Under the direction of the Location Manager, custom applies fertilizers, crop protection products, and Ag lime, inspects fields, maintains and repairs plant and mobile equipment.

Essential Job Functions

• Blends products according to recommended rates and procedures.
• Applies crop production inputs to fields and growing crops according to recommended rates, procedures, and following all pesticide labels.
• Records application data according to regulations and standards.
• Responsible for the inventory control and turns in application records on a daily basis.
• Assures all product is accounted for with either an invoice or delivery ticket
• Walks through fields, following standard sampling patterns, and examines plants at periodic intervals to detect presence of weeds, insects or disease.
• Counts the number of weeds, the insects on examined plants, or the number of diseased plants within the sample area.
• Records and reports results of counts.
• Colls samples of the unidentifiable weeds, insects or diseased plants for identification by the Crop Specialist.
• Records soil sample information for proper identification and analysis.
• Sets up material handling, blending, storage, transport and application equipment for blending and delivery of products.
• Repairs and rebuilds equipment as needed.

Other Job Functions

• Maintains company equipment according to company standards, adheres to the member cooperative Uniform Policy, and maintains the appropriate professional image.
• Serves on the location Safety Committee and adheres to member cooperative environmental health and safety policies and training.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education and Experience: Previous applicator or related experience and/or training to demonstrate the ability to custom apply fertilizers, crop protection products, inspect fields, take soil samples, and do minor equipment maintenance.
• Functional Competencies: Proven professional communication and customer service skills, proven ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment, understanding of basic computer skills as they relate to the custom application business.
• Core Competencies: Business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making, and skill development.

Other Requirements

• Must have or have the ability to obtain a CDL and commercial applicator’s license.
• Ability to perform pre and post trip inspections, perform minor equipment maintenance and repair, and lift 70 lbs.

Benefits

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. Employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with company matching, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support overall well-being.