Operator - Ag View FS - Varna, IL

The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably. FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.

Operator

Salary Range: $19-$25/hour

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law.  In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Under the direction of the Location Manager, delivers products, communicates sales leads, custom applies fertilizers, crop protection products or aglime, inspects fields, takes soil samples, and maintains or repairs equipment as needed. May work under the direction or supervision of licensed or certified pesticide or fertilizer applicator.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Delivers products to customers according to company standards and to increase potential sales.  Communicates sales leads to their supervisor.

Blends products according to recommended rates and procedures.

Under appropriate supervision, 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.  Collects samples of the unidentifiable weeds, insects or diseased plants for identification by the Crop Specialist.

Collects soil samples using proper procedures.  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

Responsible for maintaining company equipment according to company standards.

May serve on the location Safety Committee and adheres to the company environmental health and safety policies and training.

Performs buildings and grounds maintenance as assigned.

Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Normally requires a high school diploma or the equivalent thereof, and 2 years or more of related work experience to demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to safely operate sprayers, floaters, single or tandem axle trucks and other equipment and to meet company and DOT standards.

Demonstrated core competencies including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.

Must have or obtain a CDL and maintain a satisfactory driving record.

Must hold and maintain, or have the ability to obtain, all required pesticide or fertilizer licenses or certifications in states where crop production inputs are applied.  If applicable, responsible for renewing licenses or certifications as required and reporting status of licenses or certifications to the Location Manager.

Ability to work extended hours and on-call as business conditions warrant.

Occasionally exposed or required to: 

• Extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, etc.)
• Noisy conditions
• Working conditions may include dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards, requiring utilization of appropriate safety measures
• May be required to work at varying heights
• Lift 51 - 70 lbs.

We are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. 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. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law.  In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.

We are an equal opportunity employer, including protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment may be contingent upon receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.