Crush Operator

ADAMS VEGETABLE OILS INC; California (MO); On-site; USD 16,531 - 27,552; Full time

Job summary

Adams Group is seeking a Crush Operator to join the Operations Team in Arbuckle, CA. You will process seed into crude oil and meal, ensuring quality aligns with customer specifications.

New hires train on day shift, then rotate monthly through day, swing, and night shifts. Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED and forklift certification or ability to obtain it. This role requires physical endurance and adherence to safety protocols.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Forklift certification required or ability to obtain certification upon hire.
• Experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English for records and safety.
• Basic computer skills and SOPs proficiency.
• Strong problem solving and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment and processing technology.
• Collect product samples and monitor tank levels.
• Enter and track production data in computer systems.
• Manufacture products per customer specs and quality standards.
• Maintain daily shift reports and production documentation.
• Operate forklifts after training and certification.
• Support continuous improvement and safe work environment.
• Follow food safety and PPE policies.

Skills

English communication

SOP adherence

Basic computer skills

Mechanical aptitude

Teamwork

Analytical thinking

Independent working

Safety-focused

Education

High school diploma or GED

Forklift certification or ability to obtain

Job description

Job Details

Job DetailsJob Location: AVO Mill - Arbuckle, CA 95912Salary Range: $20.00 - $20.00 HourlyJob Shift: Any

Adams Group

Adams Group is a fifth-generation, family-owned specialty food company built on over 110 years of a simple but powerful belief: good food starts with good people. Founded on the principle of doing the right thing, we've grown to become the most trusted provider of high-quality specialty grains, oils, and seeds—delivering quality ingredients from seed to shelf.

Rooted in trusted farmer partnerships and vertically integrated operations, we combine agricultural expertise with intentional innovation to deliver specialty at scale. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and integrity isn't just what we do—it's who we are.

Our Legacy of Innovation

While we stay true to our values, our success across five generations comes from our entrepreneurial spirit and ability to adapt to the needs of a changing food landscape. Embodying the spirit of California, we push boundaries, pioneer new standards, and create better-for-all alternatives that nourish people from infancy to adulthood.

More Than a Job—A Purpose

At Adams Group, we offer more than careers; we offer the opportunity to be part of something meaningful. Whether you're producing high-quality ingredients, supporting sustainable practices, or building trusted relationships across our global network, your work helps nourish lives and communities across generations.

We care deeply for our people, build strong relationships with our partners, deliver consistently for our customers, and enrich the communities we serve. Together, we're elevating industry standards and making a lasting impact on the world.

Join Our Story

Come be part of a legacy where good starts with you. At Adams Group, you don't just have a career—you have a legacy.

Our Core Values

• Quality in all we do
• Doing the right thing
• Building relationships for shared success
• Adapting to change
• Leaving the world better than we found it

New hires will train on day shift until certified, then transition to a rotating monthly schedule that includes one month on day shift, one month on swing shift, and one month on night shift

Position Summary:

The Crush Operator is a member of the Operations Team reporting directly to the Superintendent of Operations and Operations Supervisors. The Crush Operator is accountable and responsible for the processing of seed into crude oil and meal, meeting established quality and customer specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment and processing technology, including filters, grinders, mixers, and other manufacturing equipment.
• Collect product samples and monitor tank levels to ensure product quality and efficient production.
• Utilize computer systems to enter, track, and maintain accurate production and operational data.
• Manufacture products according to established customer specifications and quality standards.
• Maintain accurate daily shift reports and production documentation.
• Operate mobile equipment, including forklifts and loaders, after completing required training and certification.
• Collaborate with coworkers and management to support continuous improvement initiatives and promote a team-oriented work environment.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and food safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to follow company policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English for recordkeeping, safety, quality training, and business communication.
• Basic computer skills.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to recognize signs of equipment or operational failure.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team‑oriented and safety‑focused environment.

Certifications/Licenses

• Forklift certification required or the ability to obtain certification upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience operating manufacturing or processing equipment.
• Experience using computerized production or manufacturing systems.
• Experience in food manufacturing, grain processing, or industrial production environments.

Working Conditions

• New hires will train on the day shift until certified before transitioning to a rotating schedule that includes day, swing, and night shifts.
• Ability to work rotating shifts.
• Overtime is required as part of the regular schedule and to provide operational coverage as needed.
• Ability to frequently bend, kneel, climb, crawl, twist, and lift up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work at elevated heights of 4 feet or more.
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to heat, cold, dust, noise, and other manufacturing conditions while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Food Safety Policy:

Adams Group is committed to producing and distributing high quality products through adherence to industry and regulatory standards. As an Adams Group employee, you will be trained on our food safety policies and will be held accountable to adhering to them. You will be encouraged and required to notify supervision about actual or potential food safety issues. Everyone at Adams is involved in delivering safe food - within your scope of work you will be empowered to act to resolve food safety issues.