Grain Operations & Maintenance Technician

Position Overview:

The Grain Operations & Maintenance Technician is responsible for the efficient, safe, and compliant operation and maintenance of grain handling, drying, storage, and loadout equipment at the cooperative’s grain facilities. This position supports daily operations including receiving, conditioning, storing, and shipping grain, as well as performing preventative and corrective maintenance on facility equipment and systems. The technician ensures all work is conducted safely, in accordance with company policies, environmental regulations, and cooperative standards. During seasonal peaks or special projects, the technician may assist other departments such as agronomy, energy, or seed to support overall cooperative success.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Support: Perform all grain operations activities, including the safe and efficient receiving, drying, conditioning, storing, and shipping of grain. Operate and monitor all grain handling systems such as conveyors, elevators, legs, pits, dryers, fans, and loadout systems to ensure smooth facility performance and quality preservation. Manage grain receiving by directing inbound trucks, inspecting loads for quality and moisture, collecting representative samples, and recording weights and grades accurately. Operate the scale and OneWeigh system to process inbound and outbound tickets, ensuring all transactions are entered accurately and in compliance with cooperative policies and state grain regulations. Oversee grain transfers between bins, monitor temperature and aeration systems, and adjust equipment to maintain optimal storage conditions. During shipping operations, prepare and load grain according to contract requirements, ensuring accurate documentation and coordination with drivers and dispatchers. Maintain precise records of all grain movements, drying logs, and quality checks, supporting accurate inventory management and compliance with regulatory standards including OSHA, DOT, EPA, and FDA. (35%)

2. Equipment & Facility Maintenance: Conduct preventative and corrective maintenance on mechanical, electrical, and structural systems including motors, bearings, gearboxes, conveyors, spouting, and dryers. Diagnose and repair equipment malfunctions to minimize downtime and ensure continuous facility operation. Participate in scheduled maintenance planning, assist in maintenance recordkeeping, and ensure that all work is completed safely and efficiently in accordance with lockout/tagout and confined space procedures. Maintain proper lubrication, alignment, and cleanliness of equipment while identifying potential failures or safety concerns before they result in breakdowns. Collaborate with the maintenance team and management to plan and prioritize repairs, upgrades, and capital improvement projects that enhance operational reliability. (25%)

3. Safety & Compliance: Promote and adhere to all cooperative and regulatory safety policies to maintain a safe working environment for all employees, customers, and visitors. Complete daily safety inspections and maintain required documentation, including confined space entry permits and lockout/tagout checklists. Follow all OSHA, EPA, and company safety procedures, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. Maintain awareness of grain dust hazards and assist in the implementation of dust control and housekeeping practices to reduce fire and explosion risks. Promptly report and assist in investigating safety hazards, incidents, or near misses, and actively participate in safety meetings, drills, and training programs to foster a proactive safety culture. (15%)

4. Customer Service & Teamwork: Provide professional, courteous, and responsive service to cooperative members, customers, and coworkers. Communicate effectively with other grain locations to ensure efficient operations and timely issue resolution. Represent Northern Partners Cooperative in a positive manner, upholding the organization’s values and promoting teamwork across all divisions. Assist other departments—such as agronomy, energy, and seed—during seasonal peaks, downtime, or special projects, and support operations at other grain facilities as needed, including those outside of the employee’s home location, to ensure consistent cooperative performance. Contribute to continuous improvement by offering feedback, identifying process enhancements, and maintaining a collaborative and solution-oriented attitude. (10%)

5. Housekeeping: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment throughout all areas of the grain facility, including pits, tunnels, bins, driveways, and storage areas. Routinely remove grain build-up, debris, and dust to prevent contamination and safety hazards. Perform seasonal facility upkeep tasks such as snow removal, sweeping, mowing, and general grounds maintenance. Ensure tools, equipment, and materials are properly stored and maintained after use. Demonstrate ownership and pride in the appearance and condition of the facility to promote safety, efficiency, and professional presentation. (10%)

6. Other Duties: Contributes to additional company and team efforts, projects and initiatives as needed. Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Experience & Education

• Preferred – High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred – 2–5 years of experience in grain operations, maintenance, or related agricultural/industrial setting.
• Preferred – Experience operating and maintaining mechanical and electrical equipment such as augers, conveyors, and grain dryers.

License/Certification

• Preferred – Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.
• OSHA safety training (Confined Space Entry, Lockout/Tagout, and Fall Protection) preferred or will be provided upon hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and strong troubleshooting skills for grain handling, drying, and storage equipment, with the ability to perform both routine and emergency repairs.
• Solid understanding of grain handling systems, storage practices, and drying operations, including inventory management and quality monitoring.
• Proficient in computer use for accurate data entry, maintenance tracking, and reporting within operational and inventory systems.
• Thorough knowledge of and adherence to safety protocols, including lockout/tagout procedures, confined space entry, and compliance with OSHA, EPA, FSMA, and company policies.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, capable of identifying operational or equipment issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to collaborate with coworkers, supervisors, customers, vendors, and seasonal staff across multiple departments and locations.
• Ability to work independently, as well as cooperatively in a team environment, supporting other divisions such as agronomy, energy, and seed when needed.
• Adaptable to seasonal workloads, extended hours during peak periods, and variable weather conditions while maintaining productivity and safety standards.
• Physical capability to perform labor-intensive tasks, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds or more, standing for extended periods, and performing work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Strong time management, organization, and prioritization skills to efficiently balance multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and support continuous operational improvement.
• Commitment to promoting a safety-focused culture through proactive hazard identification, reporting, and adherence to safe work practices.

Environmental Conditions & Physical Demands - Considerable physical exertion

Occasionally exposed or required to:

• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, wind, and precipitation.
• Duties may occur during early mornings, evenings, or extended hours during peak seasonal periods.
• Exposure to agricultural products, including fertilizers, crop protection chemicals, treated seed, and related odors or residues.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and harnesses, is required at all times when performing maintenance tasks, handling chemicals, or working with treated seed to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Exposure to dust, pollen, and airborne particulates from grain, seed, and fertilizer operations.
• Work performed near moving machinery, heavy equipment, and vehicle traffic in plant or field environments.
• Periodic exposure to loud noise from equipment, trucks, or plant operations requiring hearing protection.
• Surfaces may be uneven, wet, muddy, or slippery, increasing risk of slips, trips, and falls.
• May include entry into confined spaces or storage areas, requiring adherence to safety procedures and permits.
• Handling and storage of hazardous materials in compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and state safety regulations.
• Potential exposure to dust, fumes, chemicals, electrical hazards, and agricultural wildlife (insects, rodents, etc.).
• Travel between cooperative grain facilities, other divisional facilities, customer sites, and related field locations may be required.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, crouch, stoop, and reach frequently throughout plant, warehouse, and field operations. Climbing ladders, catwalks, and grain bins safely is required, including heights up to approximately 100 feet.
• Regularly lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 50 pounds; occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 100 pounds with assistance or mechanical aids. Perform strenuous physical tasks during grain handling and maintenance activities.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination required to operate hand tools, power tools, machinery, and precision equipment safely and effectively.
• Close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus are necessary for equipment operation, reading labels and instructions, and performing detailed tasks accurately.
• Hearing ability sufficient to detect alarms, signals, and verbal instructions, and to communicate effectively in person or via radios and headsets in noisy environments.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks, sustain productivity, and maintain focus over extended work periods, including long shifts, weekends, holidays, and seasonal overtime during peak grain operations.
• Visual acuity and depth perception sufficient to read labels, instructions, and digital displays and to perform detailed work accurately.
• Ability to maintain balance while working on uneven, slippery, or rough surfaces and at elevated heights.
• Ability to wear and use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, respirators, hearing protection, protective clothing, and harnesses as required for tasks and regulatory compliance.
• Willingness and ability to work in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and humidity, and tolerate exposure to dust, chemicals, agricultural particulates, and treated seed when wearing appropriate PPE.
• Ability to maintain balance and stability while working on uneven, slippery, or rough surfaces.
• Ability to detect odors associated with agricultural products, chemicals, or grain quality concerns as needed for operational safety and quality control.
• Ability to safely enter, exit, and maneuver around vehicles, equipment, storage areas, confined spaces, and elevated platforms while maintaining situational awareness and safety standards.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, holidays, and alternate shifts during seasonal or peak operations.

Benefits:  

• 3 Health Insurance plan options with prescription benefits
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Health and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 2 Dental Plan options (base plan at no cost if enrolled in health plan)
• Vision Plan (at no cost if enrolled in health plan)
• Company Paid Group Life & AD&D
• Supplemental Life & AD&D (employee & dependents)
• Company paid Short-Term Disability
• Supplemental Short-Term/Long Term Disability
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans
• Defined Benefit Co-op Retirement Pension Plan 
• $250.00 yearly Clothing Reimbursement allowance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) – Vacation, Personal Days, and Sick time
• 9.5 paid Holidays
• Additional benefits – paid bereavement, paid jury duty, Family Medical Leave (FMLA), paid maternity/paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer day, wellness program, profit sharing, employee assistance program, company paid learning courses, LifeMart discount program, plus so much more!

About the Company:

As a homegrown, locally owned full-service cooperative, Northern Partners Cooperative has been rooted in the community from the very beginning. Our goal is to continually work to grow customer value and cooperative strength within the community we all share. Located in Northern Illinois, we have 10 locations throughout La Salle and Bureau County offering products, services, and expertise that focus grain, agronomy, energy, and seed.  

Northern Partners Cooperative offers opportunities for passionate individuals looking to unlock a greater value for the future of agriculture and our communities. We know that a business or farming operation requires hard work and dedication and that's why we take pride in having knowledgeable, hardworking team members that are dedicated to being our most valued partner; helping us to reach new levels of success. 

Northern Partners Cooperative’s Core Values:

•               Honesty and integrity in all our relationships

•               Focus on our people and their ability to contribute to the success of NPC

•               Foster a culture where innovative solutions thrive

•               Commitment to safety, quality, and service to our employees and member owners

•               Commitment to our communities

 Additional Information: