Custom Applicator - Heritage FS - Herscher, IL

Heritage FS, Inc.; Herscher (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension

401(k) plan

Paid vacation

Discretionary time off

Education support

Total rewards package

Job summary

Heritage FS, Inc. in Herscher, IL is seeking an Agronomy Operator who will deliver products, apply fertilizers, inspect fields, and support equipment maintenance under the Location Manager.

This role focuses on customer service, accurate blending, and safe operation of spray and NH3 equipment. Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent, 2+ years related experience, a valid driver's license (Class A CDL preferred), and the ability to pass DOT physical/drug tests.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 2+ years of related work experience.
• Ability to operate sprayers, floaters, trucks and related equipment safely.
• Must pass DOT physical and drug test; willingness to obtain CDL if not held.
• Must hold or obtain pesticide/fertilizer licenses as required in applicable states.
• Excellent safety, communication, and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver products to customers and provide excellent service.
• Blend products and apply crop inputs following labels and rates.
• Operate and maintain application equipment and perform minor repairs.
• Manage inventory and record application data per regulations.
• Coordinate application schedules with customers and team.
• Follow safety protocols and conduct equipment safety checks.

Skills

Customer service

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Communication

Physical strength

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Pesticide/Fertilizer licenses (state)

Tools

Sprayer operation

Floater operation

Equipment maintenance

DOT compliance

Job description

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.

At Heritage FS, we take pride not only in our business, but in our people. We offer a strong benefits package, featuring a defined benefit pension plan and 401k plan, as well as paid vacation and discretionary time for all full-time employees, and support for continuing education. Heritage FS provides a full range of farm supplies and services, including agronomy, seed, fertilizer, fuel, financing, marketing advice and products. We also offer a full-line of energy products such as gasoline, ethanol, biodiesel, diesel fuel, propane, and lubricants.

We’re a company with deep roots throughout our territory and we work to honor those communities through our high standards of business and by supporting numerous local events and projects. We have a culture of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. As a member-owned cooperative we take great pride in the work we do in our eleven-county territory because we live here, too. Our customers are our neighbors and we don’t take that lightly. We know we are stronger by hiring resourceful and considerate members of our communities.

Agronomy Operator

SALARY/PAY RANGE

$41,000 - $43,000 (salary non-exempt)

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, and maintains or repairs equipment as needed.

Essential Job Functions

• Delivers products to customers, ensuring satisfaction and increasing sales. Provides excellent customer service and coordinates deliveries.
• Blends products and applies crop inputs following recommended rates and pesticide labels. Sets up and manages equipment for blending, storage, and delivery.
• Operates and maintains custom application equipment, including sprayers, floaters, and NH3 equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency. Performs minor repairs and assists with equipment servicing.
• Manages inventory, ensuring products are accounted for with invoices or delivery tickets. Records application data daily, following regulations.
• Coordinates application schedules with customers and team members. Follows maps and instructions for precise product placement.
• Follows safety protocols, including PPE use and proper chemical handling. Conducts vehicle and equipment safety checks, ensuring compliance with DOT standards and proper load distribution.

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.
• Works with assigned operations team performing applications and other duties as needed for customer service.
• 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.
• Must be able to get in and out of, as well as operate, all required vehicles and equipment.
• Demonstrated core competencies including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.
• Must have a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. A Class A CDL is preferred. If not currently holding a CDL, must be willing to obtain one with the necessary endorsements.
• 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.
• Must pass the DOT physical and drug test prior to employment and continue to pass these tests anytime required thereafter while employed with the company.
• Ability to work extended hours and on-call as business conditions warrant.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 60 pounds of product or equipment over your head and be able to position that product in any area required by a patron or supervisor.
• Must be able to climb ladders, stairs and steps, walk on platforms, etc. at required heights to perform as required.

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

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.

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/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.

Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.