Custom Applicator Trainee

CHS Inc.; Freeman (SD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

CHS Inc. in Freeman, SD invites applications for a Custom Applicator Trainee. The program emphasizes hands-on general labor and rapid progression toward an official role in its grain, agronomy and feed operations.

Within six months, trainees will obtain a CDL and pesticide applicator license, enabling immediate career advancement within CHS’s vast agricultural network and trusted customer base.

Qualifications

• Must meet minimum age requirement.
• 1+ years of experience in Operations and/or Business Operations.
• Ability to operate machinery such as loaders, conveyors, tractors, and track mobile.
• Ability to work extended hours during peak seasons to meet business demands.
• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• CDL license or ability to attain one with Hazmat endorsement preferred.
• Agriculture experience preferred.
• Pre-employment screening is based on the job requirements and industry guidelines and may or may not be required for the position. If required, selected candidates must pass pre-employment screenings to include all or a combination of drug, criminal, motor vehicle check, physical requirements and FMSCA Clearinghouse.

Responsibilities

• Carry out general labor responsibilities promptly and efficiently.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of the commodities handled at the location and comply with company policy and government regulations pertaining to commodities.
• Work with customers in a courteous and professional manner.
• Prepare trucks and railcars for loading/unloading, which may require sampling, loosening large nuts, opening hatches, and attaching and/or detaching flexible hoses.
• Load and unload agricultural inputs from railcars and/or trucks using heavy or light duty machinery/equipment.
• Control and monitor all load out functions.
• Understand and operate automated scale/dump systems.
• Conduct and properly record daily, weekly and monthly maintenance tasks including but not limited to lubrication of pumps, valves, and loading arms. Inspect in‑use equipment looking for seeps and leaks of process equipment.
• Monitor and maintain quality of inventory (may include blended, bulk or packaged product).
• Deliver products such as fertilizer, chemical, seed, feed and others to customer sites.
• Keep all work areas in a clean, orderly and safe condition.

Job description

CHS Inc. is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States that provides grain, food and energy resources to businesses and consumers around the world. We serve agriculture customers and consumers across the United States and around the world. Most of our employees are in the United States, but today we have employees in 19 countries. At CHS, we are creating connections to empower agriculture.

Summary

Ready to grow your career with clear advancement opportunities?

Join CHS as a Custom Applicator Trainee in Freeman, SD and take the first step toward becoming a Custom Applicator. Within six months, you will obtain your CDL and pesticide applicator license—setting you up for immediate career progression in a vital agricultural role. While working toward these certifications, you’ll gain hands‑on experience through general labor responsibilities and learn the full scope of operations across grain, agronomy, and feed to build a strong foundation for your future role. At CHS, you’ll be part of the largest cooperative in the U.S., while making a meaningful impact in your local community. We offer a supportive, safety-focused work environment, excellent benefits, and a pathway to a long‑term career with purpose and growth. If you’re looking for more than just a job—if you want to make a difference and build a rewarding future,we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, carry out general labor responsibilities promptly and efficiently. Responsibilities may include:
• Develop and maintain knowledge of the commodities handled at the location and comply with company policy and government regulations pertaining to commodities.
• Work with customers in a courteous and professional manner.
• Prepare trucks and railcars for loading/unloading, which may require sampling, loosening large nuts, opening hatches, and attaching and/or detaching flexible hoses.
• Load and unload agricultural inputs from railcars and/or trucks using heavy or light duty machinery/equipment. May include bulk and or packaged material.
• Control and monitor all load out functions.
• Understand and operate automated scale/dump systems.
• Conduct and properly record daily, weekly and monthly maintenance tasks including but not limited to lubrication of pumps, valves, and loading arms. Inspect in‑use equipment looking for seeps and leaks of process equipment.
• Monitor and maintain quality of inventory (may include blended, bulk or packaged product).
• Deliver products such as fertilizer, chemical, seed, feed and others to customer sites.
• Keep all work areas in a clean, orderly and safe condition. Conduct regular housekeeping duties such as sweeping, shoveling, power washing, scraping and cleaning up spills. Complete appropriate record keeping.
• Perform grounds maintenance including snow removal.
• Perform warehouse work including driving loader, loading/unloading inventory, forklift operation, and general maintenance.
• Promptly report any customer complaints, repair or maintenance needs, or safety concerns to supervisor.
• Maintain and promote a strong safety culture and follow all safety policies, procedures, and regulations. Identify and communicate workplace hazards and correct or seek assistance in correcting unsafe actions or conditions.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Perform other duties as needed or assigned to ensure facility operates smoothly and customers receive excellent customer service.

Minimum Qualifications (required)

• Must meet minimum age requirement
• 1+ years of experience in Operations and/or Business Operations

Additional Qualifications

• Ability to operate machinery such as loaders, conveyors, tractors, and track mobile
• Ability to work extended hours during peak seasons to meet business demands
• High School diploma or GED preferred
• CDL license or ability to attain one with Hazmat endorsement preferred
• Agriculture experience preferred
• Pre‑employment screening is based on the job requirements and industry guidelines and may or may not be required for the position. If required, selected candidates must pass pre‑employment screenings to include all or a combination of drug, criminal, motor vehicle check, physical requirements and FMSCA Clearinghouse.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 75 pounds
• Ability to climb rail cars, ladders, stairs, and bins
• Ability to work in dust and adverse weather conditions and temperatures

CHS offers a competitive total rewards package. Compensation includes base wage and, depending upon position, may include other earnings such as bonus, incentives and commissions. Actual pay offered will vary based on multiple factors which may include, without limitation, experience, education, training, specialized skills and certifications, minimum wage/salary requirements under local law.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, wellness programs, life insurance, health and dependent care spending accounts, paid time off, 401(k), pension, profit sharing, short- and long-term disability, tuition reimbursement and adoption assistance, subject to the eligibility requirements for each benefit plan.

CHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability.

Please note that any communication from a CHS recruiter would be sent using a chsinc.com email address. In addition, a CHS recruiter will not ask for confidential information over the phone or in an email, or request money from a candidate involved in an offer process. If you have questions regarding an employment opportunity, please reach out to [e-mail]; to verify that the communication is from CHS.