Agriculture Laborer

Saint Ansgar, IA

Key Responsibilities:

1. Grain Handling and Storage Support:

Grain Receiving: Assist in the unloading and receiving of grain from trucks, ensuring that the grain is properly graded and inspected for quality.
Grain Storage: Help with the proper storage of grain in bins or silos, ensuring that it is kept in optimal conditions (e.g., managing moisture levels, maintaining cleanliness).
Inventory Management: Assist in tracking and maintaining grain inventory, ensuring accurate records of the amount and type of grain received, stored, and shipped.
Grain Quality: Support quality control efforts by checking moisture levels and reporting any issues related to grain quality or contamination.

2. Agronomy Support Services:

Field Work: Assist with basic tasks in the field such as soil sampling, fertilizer application, and other crop protection tasks under the supervision of a senior agronomy professional.
Product Handling: Help load and unload fertilizers, pesticides, and other agronomy products while following all safety procedures and guidelines for handling chemicals.
Application Assistance: Support the team in applying fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides to customer fields, ensuring accuracy and safety while applying products.
Field Inspections: Assist in monitoring crops and fields for signs of pest damage, nutrient deficiencies, or disease. Report observations to senior agronomy staff for further action.

3. Equipment Operation and Maintenance Support:

Machine Operation: Operate basic machinery and equipment used in grain handling and agronomy applications, including trucks, forklifts, and spreaders (with training and supervision).
Basic Equipment Maintenance: Assist with routine cleaning and basic maintenance of equipment to ensure that it remains in good working condition.
Field Preparation: Help with preparing equipment for use in the field, including calibration of spreaders, sprayers, and other machines for accurate application.

4. Customer Service and Communication:

Customer Interaction: Assist in communicating with customers, providing them with timely information about deliveries, grain quality, and other agronomy services.
Documentation: Help record customer requests, delivery schedules, and product inventories in the system, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Problem-Solving Support: Provide basic support for addressing customer concerns or issues related to grain deliveries or agronomy applications, escalating to senior staff as needed.

5. Health and Safety Compliance:

Safety Practices: Follow all safety protocols and regulations when handling grain, chemicals, and equipment. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.
Workplace Safety: Ensure that work areas (both in the field and in storage areas) are clean and organized to prevent accidents and maintain a safe environment.
Regulatory Compliance: Follow state and federal regulations related to agricultural chemicals, grain handling, and storage.

Key Skills & Qualifications:

Basic Knowledge of Agriculture: Some understanding of farming operations, including grain storage, soil health, and crop protection (or a willingness to learn).
Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to operate basic machinery and equipment used in grain handling and agronomy operations (training provided).
Attention to Detail: Ability to observe grain quality, machinery performance, and other operational details to ensure tasks are completed accurately.
Teamwork: Ability to work well as part of a team, taking direction from senior staff while contributing to overall operations.
Safety Awareness: Familiarity with or willingness to learn safety protocols for working with machinery and chemicals.
Communication Skills: Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for customer interaction and team coordination.
Adaptability: Ability to work in changing conditions, particularly during busy seasons like planting and harvest times.

Education & Experience:

High School Diploma or GED is typically required. A background or coursework in agriculture, agronomy, or a related field is helpful but not required.
Experience: Previous experience in agriculture, farming, or warehouse environments is a plus but not required. On-the-job training will be provided.
Licenses/Certifications: A pesticide applicator license or other certifications may be required or encouraged, depending on the location and job duties. These can often be obtained after employment.

Working Conditions:

Location: Work may involve both indoor and outdoor settings. Employees may work in grain silos, on farms, and in fields.
Physical Demands: The role can involve physical tasks such as lifting heavy loads, operating machinery, and working in various weather conditions.
Hours: This is a seasonal industry, so hours may vary, with extended hours or weekends required during planting and harvest seasons.
Travel: Some travel within the local area may be required, especially for fieldwork or customer visits.

Conclusion:

The Grain and Agronomy Operations position is a great starting point for individuals interested in pursuing a career in agriculture. It offers hands-on experience in both grain handling and agronomy services, providing a solid foundation for future growth in the industry. The role is perfect for those who enjoy working outdoors, have a passion for agriculture, and are eager to learn the ins and outs of grain management, soil health, and crop protection. With training and mentorship, this position offers an opportunity for skill development and career advancement within the agricultural sector.