Production Operator

CHS Inc.; Rochelle (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

CHS Inc. is seeking a Process Operator for its ethanol production facility in Rochelle, IL. The role involves operating and maintaining equipment, monitoring controls, collecting samples, and ensuring efficient, compliant operation across all processing stages.

The position demands mechanical aptitude, process knowledge, and the ability to work rotating shifts in a fast-paced environment. A $1,500 sign-on bonus is offered, paid over 12 months.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in Operations or Production Operations.
• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Pre-employment screening may be required (drug, criminal, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Operate machinery and equipment in a processing facility, ensuring product quality and safety compliance.
• Conduct continuous inspections and monitor operating parameters to meet production targets.
• Perform QA sampling, interpret results, and take corrective action as needed.
• Maintain records and comply with regulations, policies, and safety procedures.
• Conduct preventive/corrective maintenance and care for tools and equipment.
• Maintain housekeeping and sanitation in the assigned area.
• Assist with loading/unloading products and materials as required.
• Complete training as needed to support plant operations.
• Contribute to a safe work environment and communicate hazards or unsafe conditions.
• Collaborate with coworkers to identify efficiency improvements.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Process knowledge

Rotating shifts

Education

High School diploma or GED

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

CHS Ethanol is looking for a safety-conscious Process Operator to operate and maintain equipment in our ethanol production facility. Responsibilities include monitoring systems, adjusting controls, performing inspections, collecting samples, and ensuring efficient, compliant operation across all processing stages. Candidates should have mechanical aptitude, process knowledge, and the ability to work rotating shifts in a fast-paced environment.

This position also includes a $1,500 sign‑on bonus, paid out over 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, operate machinery and equipment of a processing facility. Responsible for product quality, meeting safety requirements, and throughput in the assigned area.
• Conduct continuous inspections, monitor equipment, record operating parameters of key process points and make necessary machinery and equipment adjusments to ensure specifications and production targets are met.
• Ensure effective implementation of QA policies and procedures, complete required sampling and testing of process streams, and understand and interpret QA results and take appropriate action when required.
• Comply with and implement all regulations and requirements including completion of necessary record keeping.
• Conduct preventative and corrective maintenance and equipment as required.
• Responsible for housekeeping, sanitation schedule, and general appearance of the assigned work area.
• Load and unload products from/to truck and rail and carry materials.
• Monitor, maintain and care for all issued tools.
• Successfully complete initial, ongoing and supplemental training.
• 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.
• Work together with co-workers in a professional manner to support overall plant operations, anticipate and solve problems in a timely manner, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Perform other duties as needed or assigned to support operations.

Minimum Qualifications (required)

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

Additional Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED 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 work independently for extended periods of time, as well as in confined spaces and in hazardous environments.
• Ability to spend long periods of time being on your feet including walking, standing and climbing steps and ladders, and work at heights up to 120 ft.
• Ability to lift and carry materials up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to wear all required protective equipment which may include respirators, hard hats, and eye and hearing protection.
• Ability to use both automated and manual tools and equipment.
• Ability to shovel, sweep, load, unload, lift and carry materials up to 50 lbs frequently
• Ability to work in noisy ,dusty, and all weather conditions

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.