Senior Fertilizer Operations & Maintenance Operator

UFA; Ponoka; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UFA is seeking a Sr. Fertilizer Operations & Maintenance Operator to ensure safe, reliable operation of fertilizer facilities and fleet. You will perform maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and support field applications while adhering to safety standards.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, this hands‑on role requires strong mechanical skills, physical stamina and the ability to work extended hours during peak seasons. Alberta‑based opportunities with a focus on safety and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to diagnose mechanical, hydraulic and basic electrical issues.
• Experience with agricultural or fertilizer handling equipment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work and lift up to 25 kg.
• Valid Class 3 Alberta driver’s licence or higher (assets).

Responsibilities

• Perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance and repairs on fertilizer facility equipment and related machinery.
• Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic and basic electrical issues and coordinate repairs.
• Maintain equipment readiness through lubrication and seasonal preparation.
• Keep maintenance records, tools and supplies and communicate repair needs to management.
• Assist in day‑to‑day fertilizer facility operations including loading, shipping and inventory movement.
• Operate loaders, conveyors, augers, blenders, trucks and other equipment within certification requirements.
• Support field application, fertilizer deliveries and equipment transportation during peak seasons.
• Conduct pre‑use, pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections and remove unsafe equipment from service.
• Follow safety procedures, lockout/tagout and PPE requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe shop, plant and yard and support housekeeping.
• Serve as a resource for training, equipment care and continuous improvement.
• Work with sales, agronomy, operations, management and customers to support safe operations.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Equipment operation

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Job description

Department: Sales

Employment Type: Full-Time

Requisition ID: 1963

Date Posted: September 30, 2026

Closing Date: October 14, 2026 or until filled

Position Summary

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Sr. Fertilizer Operations & Maintenance Operator supports the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the fertilizer facility, mobile equipment and associated fleet. This hands‑on role is responsible for equipment readiness, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, fertilizer plant operations and seasonal application or transportation support.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs on fertilizer facility equipment, trucks, trailers, applicators, augers, conveyors and related material‑handling equipment.
• Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic and basic electrical issues, complete routine repairs within competency and coordinate qualified external service providers when specialized repairs are required.
• Maintain equipment readiness through lubrication, adjustments, replacement of wear components, seasonal preparation, calibration support and off‑season repair programs.
• Maintain maintenance records, parts, tools and supplies, and communicate equipment condition, repair needs and operational risks to management.
• Participate in day‑to‑day fertilizer facility operations, including receiving, blending, loading, shipping, inventory movement and reconciliation.
• Operate loaders, conveyors, augers, blenders, trucks, trailers, tender units and other equipment within licence, certification and competency requirements.
• Support field application, fertilizer deliveries, product movement and equipment transportation during peak seasons where qualified.
• Conduct pre‑use, pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections; identify unsafe or defective equipment and ensure it is removed from service until repaired.
• Follow safe operating procedures, hazard assessments, lockout/tagout requirements, PPE requirements and environmental, transportation and workplace safety standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized and safe shop, fertilizer plant and yard while supporting housekeeping, yard organization and seasonal preparation.
• Serve as an experienced operational resource by supporting employee training, consistent equipment care, operational discipline and continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively with sales, agronomy, operations, management, seasonal staff, contractors and customers to support safe, efficient operations and customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude with practical experience troubleshooting, maintaining and repairing agricultural, heavy‑duty, fertilizer, industrial or material‑handling equipment.
• Experience operating and maintaining mobile and material‑handling equipment, with preference for fertilizer applicators, floaters, loaders, trucks, trailers, conveyors, augers, pumps, motors and drive systems.
• Working knowledge of hydraulic systems, bearings, welding, fabrication and basic 12/24‑volt electrical troubleshooting is an asset.
• Agricultural or fertilizer industry experience, including fertilizer handling, blending or application, is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, safe equipment operation and sound judgement when addressing equipment or operational issues.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting up to 25 kg, and work extended or flexible hours during peak fertilizer seasons.
• Strong organizational, communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work independently and maintain maintenance records.
• Valid Class 3 Alberta driver’s licence or higher, air brake endorsement and relevant trade, mechanical, agricultural or technical training are assets.

You and UFA. Let’s Grow Together.

UFA is one of Canada’s largest and most progressive agricultural co‑operatives. We’re a multi‑billion‑dollar organization that offers the products, services, and support our 127,000+ members need to build, grow and succeed. While our roots will always be in agriculture, we’re proud to support the industries and communities that drive Western Canada’s economy. We need your skills, expertise and ideas to help us keep growing.

• A Business with a Purpose - Join a member‑owned co‑operative with a mission that matters: improving the well‑being of our members, helping them feed the world, and enabling investment in local communities.
• Recognized and Rewarded for Your Performance - At UFA, success is shared. You’ll own your work and be recognized for both individual and organizational results.
• Work‑Life Success - We prioritize safety, respect your time, and offer flexible options and comprehensive benefits to support your life inside and outside of work.
• We Help Each Other Grow - Our collaborative culture fosters growth through hands‑on experience, mentorship, training, educational support, and diverse career paths.

Diversity Equity, and Belonging

At UFA, we care about our employees and what makes them unique. We strive to create an inclusive environment that welcomes employees from diverse backgrounds, where everyone can do their best work. If you require accommodation during the application or selection process, please contact [e-mail].

Stay Connected

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest updates.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.