Production Operator

JD Heiskell Holdings LLC; Stratford (CT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

JD Heiskell Holdings LLC is seeking a Grain Elevator Operator to safely receive, store, handle and load grain, ensuring quality and compliance with safety and company standards. The role uses grain-handling equipment, rail loading systems, and shuttle facilities to move grain from storage to rail transport, with emphasis on teamwork and safety.

The position involves operating elevators and related equipment, monitoring inventories, and maintaining safe practices in a fast-paced environment;

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in grain elevators, agriculture, or manufacturing preferred.
• Ability to operate forklifts, loaders, and other mill equipment (certification a plus).
• Strong attention to detail and safety awareness.
• Comfortable with shift work, weekends, or overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

• Receive, inspect, grade, and transfer grain into designated storage facilities.
• Operate grain elevators, conveyors, legs, dryers, loaders, and related equipment.
• Perform shuttle train unloading operations according to customer, railroad, and company specifications.
• Monitor grain inventories, moisture levels, and grain conditions.
• Conduct routine inspections of equipment and facilities to ensure safe operation.
• Complete required documentation for grain receipts, shipments, and inventory transactions.
• Coordinate railcar placement, loading sequences, and shipment schedules.
• Maintain housekeeping standards throughout the elevator and loading facilities.
• Identify and report maintenance needs and equipment malfunctions.
• Assist with preventative maintenance and minor repairs.
• Follow all OSHA, company safety, food safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in safety meetings, training, and emergency response activities.
• Support other facility operations as assigned.

Skills

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Shift work

Forklift operation

Mechanical aptitude

Experience in grain elevators

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift

Job description

Description

Company Overview:

At JDH and each of our subsidiaries, we know that agriculture is about more than moving commodities—it’s about connecting people and building relationships that matter. Founded in 1886 and proudly family-owned for five generations, our deep roots in the industry enable us to manage grains, co‑products, animal feed, and feed ingredients effectively. With an extensive transportation network, we connect supply and demand across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Asia. We are committed to delivering reliability, value, and innovation, while providing a supportive and safe workplace where our team can thrive and grow.

Job Summary:

The Grain Elevator Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently receiving, storing, handling, and loading grain products while maintaining grain quality and complying with all safety, environmental, and company standards. This role operates grain‑handling equipment, rail loading systems, and shuttle loading facilities to ensure timely movement of grain from storage to rail transportation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Receive, inspect, grade, and transfer grain into designated storage facilities.
• Operate grain elevators, conveyors, legs, dryers, loaders, and related equipment.
• Perform shuttle train unloading operations according to customer, railroad, and company specifications.
• Monitor grain inventories, moisture levels, and grain conditions.
• Conduct routine inspections of equipment and facilities to ensure safe operation.
• Complete required documentation for grain receipts, shipments, and inventory transactions.
• Coordinate railcar placement, loading sequences, and shipment schedules.
• Maintain housekeeping standards throughout the elevator and loading facilities.
• Identify and report maintenance needs and equipment malfunctions.
• Assist with preventative maintenance and minor repairs.
• Follow all OSHA, company safety, food safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in safety meetings, training, and emergency response activities.
• Support other facility operations as assigned.
• Drive a culture of safety, accountability, opportunistic curiosity and contributes to creating an environment where people want to work.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience in grain elevators, agriculture, food production, or manufacturing preferred.
• Ability to operate forklifts, loaders, and other mill equipment (certification a plus).
• Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn equipment operation.
• Strong attention to detail and safety awareness.
• Comfortable with shift work, weekends, or overtime as needed.

Physical Demands:

• Indoor/outdoor grain elevator with exposure to dust, noise, and temperature changes.
• Fast-paced team environment with a strong focus on safety, cleanliness, and quality.
• Employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 60 pounds, climb 75 feet of ladder, and be able to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl.
• May require working on a rotating shift or weekends depending on production needs.
• Regular and predictable attendance in office or site location.
• May require local travel to other sites to support production demands on an as needed basis.