Heavy Equipment Operator

Western Milling; Hanford (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Job summary

Western Milling in Hanford, California is seeking a hands-on plant operator to assist with receipt, storage and shipment of grain and crop inputs.

You will operate front loaders, forklifts, and other equipment, document batch records, unload rail cars, monitor mill operations and ensure product quality with overtime as needed.

The role offers competitive pay and benefits, including paid vacation, sick leave, medical, dental, vision and a 401(k) with employer match.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years' related experience preferred.
• Heavy equipment experience preferred.
• Basic operating knowledge of augers, belt-driven machinery, elevators, and other equipment used in the production process.

Responsibilities

• Operate front loaders and forklifts to load and move product safely.
• Clear documentation of batch records to maintain traceability.
• Unload rail cars and bulk trailers efficiently and safely.
• Mill operations: monitor and control plant processes (elevators, augers, drags, pits).
• Quality control: assess moisture, protein, dockage, odor, and record results.
• General cleanup and yard duties; provide backup support as needed.
• Overtime work on scheduled or call-in basis; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Multi-tasking

Focus under interruptions

Follow-through

Self-motivated

Record keeping

Operate yard equipment

Time management

Critical thinking

Troubleshooting

Written records

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Augers

Elevators

Belt-driven machinery

Forklifts

Job description

Overview

This position is primarily responsible for assisting with the receipt, storage and shipment of grain and other crop inputs/agricultural products.

Responsibilities

• Heavy equipment operations: Operate front loaders to load commercial trucks with agricultural products, operate forklifts to move product around facility. Operate rolls and other machinery to ensure that product is manufactured to Company standards and customer specifications. Safely operate bobcat and other industrial powered vehicles as needed.
• Clear documentation of batch records to maintain traceability.
• Unload rail cars and bulk trailers in an efficient and safe manner.
• Mill operations: Be proactive in operating and monitoring all plant operations. Be able to serve as Control Room operator, controlling and adjusting elevators, augers, drags, pits and turn heads. Monitor product flow and speed to ensure no plugs, overflows etc.
• Quality Control: Grade and classify grain in accordance with Company standards. Be able to accurately assess and record moisture, protein, dockage, odor etc.
• General clean up duties including sweeping, shoveling etc.
• Monitor assigned plant operations (e.g. controls for roller, grinder, mixer, etc).
• Provide back-up support for other roles as necessary.
• Available for overtime work on a scheduled or call-in basis, as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned by the manager/supervisor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two (2) years’ related experience preferred.
• Heavy equipment experience preferred.
• Basic operating knowledge of augers, belt-driven machinery, elevators, and other equipment used in the production process.

Skills

• Multi-task and handle continuous interruptions without losing focus.
• Concentrate and remain focused despite repeated interruptions.
• Strong follow-through skills.
• Self-motivated and accountable for results.
• Safely operate all yard equipment referenced in the essential duties.
• Able to work on a time deadline and follow instructions.
• Perform critical thinking and troubleshoot.
• Write clearly and legibly to keep detailed and accurate records.

Physical Requirments

• Frequently lift/carry objects weighing up to and including 50 pounds.
• Frequently twist, stoop, kneel, crawl, bend, climb, push, and/or pull.
• Frequently reach for objects in performance of the specific essential job tasks.
• Occasionally lift/move/push/pull objects weighing up to and including 100 pounds.
• Occasionally perform overhead lifting of objects weighing up to and including 50 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Vision sufficient to safely perform the specific essential jobs tasks outlined.

Environment

• Continuously exposed to outdoor/uncontrolled weather conditions.
• Regularly exposed to work near moving parts/equipment.
• Regularly exposed to major amounts of dust.
• Regularly exposed to moderate to severe noise levels.
• Occasionally exposed to chemicals used in the manufacturing process.

The Company offers paid vacation time, paid sick leave, medical, dental and vision plans as well as a 401(k) with employer match.

Note: Valid Driver’s License required for insurance purposes. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of this position at any time.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements, which may change from time to time based on business needs. When appropriate, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Compensation Min

USD $16.90/Hr.

Compensation Max

USD $17.50/Hr.