Ag Lead Operator

Company: Prairie Band Ag
Position Title: Lead Operator
Job Classification: Non-exempt, Full-Time
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Ag Facilities – Holton, KS
 
Primary Accountabilities:
The Ag Lead Operator Position will report to the Production Manager and perform duties in an industrial hemp processing facility. Duties will include but are not limited to tasks such as operating hemp processing equipment, unloading/loading trucks, operating a forklift and other mobile equipment, packaging and palletizing products and general facility cleaning and equipment maintenance.

Major Duties:

• Take an active role in operating machinery, coordinate, and oversee day-to-day production or processing activities.
• Complete and follow Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and Permit to Work (PTW) as needed.
• Read, interpret, Standard Operating Procedures.
• Read, interpret, and complete work orders as directed.
• Read and interpret P&ID, field maps and other documents when necessary.
• Ability to clean facilities and machinery to ensure work areas are free of trips and slip hazards.
• Troubleshoot and fix machinery as needed.
• Complete work individually or in team settings.
• Serve as the go-to person and provide guidance, support, and mentorship to crew members.
• Train new employees in SOPs, equipment use, and safety protocols.
• Complete daily logs, shift reports, and communicate updates to management.
• Track material usage, waste, and yields.
• Identify and troubleshoot any issues related to quality or performance
• Perform or schedule routine equipment checks and basic maintenance.
• Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are followed.
• Perform job duties safely while promoting a culture of safety and accountability
• Assist other production hands and supervisors as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Certifications within OSHA safety policies are preferred.
• Ability to prioritize and maintain safe working practices and a safe working environment.
• Prior experience supervising or leading a team is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and writing skills.
• Be team-oriented and be able to work with a diverse team with varying backgrounds and skills.
• Forklift, Skid steer, and Tractor experience/certified.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new jobs/cross train for all positions in the processing facility.
• Verbal and written communication.
• Must be detail oriented.
• High school diploma or equivalent, additional education or training a plus.
• Strong understanding of machinery, tools, and general production workflows.
• 3–5 years of experience in production, processing, or agricultural operations.
• Prior experience Operating heavy equipment and forklifts a plus.
• Basic understanding of computers and math comprehension.
• Ability to exhibit good work habits, including attendance and punctuality.
• Comfortable working in outdoor/agriculture settings and variable weather conditions.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• May require periods of travel.
• Must be willing to work extended and varied shifts.
• Must be willing and able to work in all seasons and conditions throughout the year.
• Physically able to lift items that are 50 lbs. and team lift 100 lbs.
• May be exposed to extreme conditions (hot or cold).
• Must be able to climb stairs, lift, bend, kneel frequently and stand for long periods.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces, work with heights and in a dusty environment.
• Must be able to successfully complete background check, Physical Capabilities Profile test and drug screen.

Additional Duties:

• Support any other duties as assigned by supervisor/leaders.

Indian Preference Exercised:
Prairie Band, LLC is subject to Title 22: Employment Code of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. In accordance with Title 22, this position is designated as a TIER 2 position. Preference will be given to individuals to the extent required pursuant to Section 22-2-4(B).

Applicants can apply at: www.prairiebandllc.com/careers