Production & Heavy Machinery Operator

Overview of the Role

Join Grit One as an Operator where you’ll play a hands-on role in our production and port operations by safely and efficiently operating essential equipment. You’ll be responsible for meeting production standards, maintaining safety protocols, and contributing to continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a direct impact on the success of our facility and team.

What You Will Enjoy Most

• Working with a variety of equipment and gaining hands-on experience in production operations.
• Being part of a safety-first team that values discipline, accountability, and improvement.
• Contributing to Midwest Salt’s vision and growth by keeping operations running smoothly.
• Opportunities to expand your skills and grow into new roles as our company continues to scale.

Heads-up: this is an outdoor, all-weather role that includes evenings and weekends and will require overtime during certain port operations and parts of peak season. If that excites you, read on.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform assigned production work within established standards and goals.
• Operate equipment safely and within specifications, following care instructions and company policies.
• Step into other seat responsibilities as assigned when colleagues are out.
• Adhere to and recommend improvements for processes, procedures, and safety policies.
• Maintain accountability for performance metrics as directed by your manager
• Support continuous improvement by making recommendations to enhance safety, efficiency, and results.
• Equipment Operated:
• -Material Loader
• -Heavy machinery
• -Sennibogan
• -Wheel Loader
• -Pneumatic Hoppers
• -Blending System
• -Wheel Bobcat
• -Other Hoppers
• -Conveyors
• -Field Unloader

Who Thrives in this Role

• Safety-conscious individuals who prioritize personal and team well-being.
• Hands-on workers who enjoy operating machinery and equipment.
• Team players who are flexible and willing to step into different roles as needed.
• Problem-solvers who look for ways to improve processes and drive better results.

Must Haves (Required Qualifications)

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Heavy Equipment Operator Experience: 2 year minimum
• Technology Skills: Basic ability to follow digital instructions and input data into systems.
• Skills/Abilities: Strong attention to detail, safety-first mindset, ability to follow processes and standards.
• Travel Ability: Ability to reliably commute to the assigned facility.
• Schedule: Availability to work shifts, overtime, and weekends as required.

Bonus Points (Preferred Qualifications)

• Previous experience in industrial, production, or warehouse settings.
• OSHA or equipment-specific certifications.

About Grit One

Grit One is Midwest Salt with a port address — and a startup mindset. Located at the Port of Chicago, Grit One is our bulk salt production and storage facility where vessels unload, product gets stockpiled, and supply moves fast to customers who count on us.

We're still building this thing, which means every person on this team has a real hand in shaping what it becomes. We're big on ownership, smart ideas, and getting it right. If you're someone who shows up ready to figure things out, drive change, and be part of something that's just getting started, Grit One is where you want to be. Low prices, quality product, phenomenal service — that's the Midwest Salt promise. At Grit One, we deliver it straight from the water.

Key Role Details

• Location: On-site in Chicago, IL (Port Facility) Southside off the Calumet River
• Flexibility: Evenings, weekends, and overtime required during vessel operations and peak times