Utility Operator (1st Shift)

Location: 1B Riverside Lane, Chattanooga, TN 37406 · Employment Type: Full time

About the role

Ardent Mills is the leading flour milling and ingredients company in North America. This position is based at a production facility and requires regular on-site presence to perform essential functions. Work schedules may vary based on business and operational needs and could include shift work, overtime, weekends, holidays, or on-call responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Production Associates will rotate through and support the following operational areas:

• Utility Operators: Maintain and operate various utility systems and equipment; perform sanitation duties to maintain food safety requirements essential for production processes.
• Bulk Operators: Load bulk delivery vessels; perform sanitation duties to maintain food safety requirements and ensure compliance within the bulk department.
• Elevator Operators: Operate and maintain elevators or lifts; perform sanitation duties to maintain food safety requirements for movement of raw materials (grains, ingredients) throughout the facility.
• Warehouse Operators: Manage warehouse operations including receiving, storing, organizing, forklift operation, and distributing raw materials and finished products; perform sanitation duties for food safety compliance.
• Pack Operators: Operate pack equipment, process and pack products; perform sanitation duties to maintain food safety requirements and ensure compliance within the pack department.

Requirements

• Customer-focused mindset with exceptional problem-solving skills
• Reliable, hardworking, with a "can-do" attitude
• Willingness to learn new skills and support team members in achieving production goals
• Adaptable and willing to work in various areas of the plant, rotating through positions and shifts
• Strong emphasis on safety and pride in work quality

Physical Requirements

• Ascend and descend stairs multiple times per day
• Climb ladders (step and extension)
• Lift up to 50 pounds and exert 20 pounds of force
• Frequently stand, walk, rotate, bend/stoop, twist, crouch, kneel, balance, and reach at shoulder level and below
• Perform physical duties including bending, lifting up to 50 lbs., kneeling, climbing, crawling, and twisting safely
• Work in varied indoor and outdoor conditions including heat, cold, dust, and loud noise, with required PPE (including dust mask)
• Work in elevated areas (4 feet and above)
• Must be clean shaven to ensure proper respirator seal (including N-95 dust mask) when respiratory protection is required

Benefits

• Annual performance bonus (OIP, 5% target)
• On-the-job training
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health and Dependent Savings Accounts
• Life and disability programs
• Voluntary benefit programs
• Company-sponsored wellness programs
• Retirement savings with company match
• Team Member and Family Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Recognition Program with Rewards (RAVE)
• Mental/emotional wellness programs
• Recognition and perk rewards

Pay

Starting hourly range: $16.00 – $18.00, with additional earning potential commensurate with experience. All team members are incentive eligible with a targeted bonus plan (OIP, 5% annual) based on contribution, company performance, and individual results.

Schedule

• 1st Shift (primary assignment)
• Shift differential paid for eligible employees assigned to shifts outside standard business hours; differential is added to base hourly rate and included in overtime calculations
• Schedules may vary based on operational needs, including overtime, weekends, holidays, or on-call responsibilities