Custom Field Operator - GRAINCO FS - Serena, IL

Phase2 Technology; Serena (IL); On-site; USD 24,796 - 28,929; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision plan

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Phase2 Technology in Illinois seeks a Custom Operator within Agronomy Operations to apply fertilizers, crop protection products, and lime while inspecting fields and maintaining equipment.

This full-time, non-exempt role requires CDL and a commercial applicator's license, strong math and communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and on a team.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package and on-site work in Serena, IL with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Previous applicator or related experience with custom application and field inspection.
• Ability to follow pesticide label instructions and regulations.
• CDL and commercial applicator's license required or to be obtained.

Responsibilities

• Blend products according to recommended rates and procedures.
• Apply crop production inputs to fields following label instructions; record data as required by regulations.
• Maintain inventory and submit daily application records; ensure product accountability.
• Walk fields to detect weeds, insects, or disease and record observations.
• Collect samples for identification and record soil data for analysis.
• Set up, blend, store, transport, and apply products; repair and rebuild equipment as needed.
• Maintain company equipment per standards and uniform policy.
• Participate in location Safety Committee and adhere to health and safety policies.

Skills

Communication

Time management

Math skills

Teamwork

Computer literacy

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Salary Range: $18-$21 / hour

Employee: Date: Department: Agronomy Operations / Reports to: Brett Dannenberg / Job Title: Custom Operator / Grade: Full Time, Non-Exempt

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Under the direction of the location manager, the custom operator applies fertilizers, crop protection products, and Ag lime, inspects fields, and maintains and repairs plant and mobile equipment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Blend products according to recommended rates and procedures.
• Apply crop production inputs to fields following pesticide label instructions, recording data per regulations.
• Control inventory and submit application records daily; ensure product accountability.
• Walk fields following standard sampling patterns to detect and record weeds, insects, or disease.
• Count and report weeds, insects, or diseased plants; collect samples for identification.
• Record soil sample information for analysis.
• Set up, blend, store, transport, and apply products; repair and rebuild equipment as needed.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Maintain company equipment per standards and uniform policy.
• Serve on location Safety Committee and adhere to environmental health and safety policies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

Previous applicator or related experience and training demonstrating custom application, field inspection, soil sampling, and minor equipment maintenance.

Functional Competencies

• Professional communication and customer service skills; ability to follow instructions and communicate with customers and employees.
• Time management and basic math skills, including rate, ratio, percent, and graph interpretation.
• Independent and team-oriented work capability.
• Basic computer proficiency related to custom application business.

Core Competencies

Business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making, and skill development.

Other Requirements

• Must have or obtain a CDL and commercial applicator's license.
• Perform pre‑ and post‑trip inspections, minor maintenance and repair, and lift 70 lbs.

Benefits

We offer a fully funded pension, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, including supplemental plans such as accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. Paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k) with company matching, and an Employee Assistance Program support work‑life balance. Benefits eligibility may vary by position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. Certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.

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.