Production Operator - Night Shift

J.D. Heiskell & co.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

J.D. Heiskell & co.—a long‑standing agriculture-focused company with deep roots since 1886—is seeking a Plant Operator.

The role involves operating bulk feed manufacturing systems, loading and unloading trucks, and ensuring smooth flow of bulk commodities across bins and receiving systems. The ideal candidate will perform routine maintenance, conduct measurements on ingredients, climb ladders, and work long hours in challenging environments while maintaining strict safety and attendance

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Basic computer literacy and math comprehension helpful.
• Mechanical aptitude from prior work history.
• Ability to climb ladders, lift up to 75 lbs, and work long hours in harsh environments.
• Excellent attendance and individual productivity.

Responsibilities

• Operate Bulk Feed manufacturing system.
• Climb ladders and work at heights on top of facility.
• Perform scale weight tests weekly.
• Dump bag ingredients into mixes as formula requires.
• Load–unload trucks in both load out area and in the warehouse.
• Wait on customers as needed.
• Ensure bulk commodities flow from bulk bins.
• Refill micro ingredient hoppers when needed.
• Perform daily inspections of Fork Trucks.
• Perform minor maintenance on equipment including lubrication and adjustments.
• Clean control room daily and mill on a regular schedule.
• Pull bag orders for next day’s bag truck deliveries.
• Test incoming ingredients such as moisture and record results.
• Unload inbound trucks and rail cars as necessary.
• Inspect Front End Loader daily and manage bin inventories.

Skills

Bulk handling

Forklift operation

Equipment maintenance

Inventory management

Quality control

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Fork Trucks

Bulk receiving system

Moisture testing

Job description

Description

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.

Summary:

Organize, perform and be able to complete the following job functions as called on by the Plant Manager.

Job Functions:

• Operate Bulk Feed manufacturing system
• Climbing ladders and working at heights on top of facility
• Perform scale weight test weekly
• Dump bag ingredients into mixes as formula requires
• Load – unload trucks in both load out area and in the warehouse
• Wait on customers as needed
• Insure bulk commodities are flowing from bulk bins
• Refill Micro ingredient hoppers when needed
• Perform daily inspections of Fork Trucks
• Perform minor maintenance on equipment including lubrication and adjustments
• Clean control room daily
• Clean mill on regular schedule
• Pull Bag orders for next day’s bag truck deliveries
• Perform minor maintenance on equipment including lubrication and adjustments
• Clean mill on a daily schedule
• Operate and monitor bulk receiving system
• Test incoming ingredients, ie: Corn = % moisture % BCFM, properly record results
• Unload inbound trucks as necessary
• Unload rail cars as necessary
• Insure bulk commodities are flowing into correct bulk bins
• Perform daily bin inventory and rail car inventory
• Perform daily inspect of Front End Loader
• Clean receiving shed & office daily
• Assist with any other tasks as requested or assigned by management

Requirements

Physical and Education Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred
• Basic understanding of computers, math comprehension and previous plant environment is helpful
• Mechanical aptitude in prior work history.
• Must have the ability to climb ladders, lift up to 75 lbs, bend, kneel, stand for long periods, work in confined spaces, work with heights, and work long hours in harsh environments (hot, cold temperatures and a dusty conditions).
• Exhibit good work habits, including excellent attendance and individual productivity

Requires the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen, medical questionnaire and a background check.