Seed Handler - Pelleting

Ball Horticultural Company; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401k/Profit Sharing

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Onsite café

Job summary

Ball Horticultural Company in Chicago seeks a Seed Handler for the Pelleting team. You will process seed pellets, mix formulations from recipes, and ensure product quality across stages.

The role involves operating automated equipment, maintaining records, and collaborating with internal teams to keep production moving. You will troubleshoot issues, support continuous improvement, and share process knowledge with customers and visitors in a professional manner.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience working with seeds or in a greenhouse.
• Verbal and written English communication skills.
• Basic math and computer skills, including record-keeping.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process seed pellets using manual and automated equipment following specifications and recipes.
• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot production equipment to maintain efficiency.
• Inspect product quality at multiple stages and follow QC measures.
• Enter and maintain production records in the computer system.
• Work collaboratively across Pelleting and internal groups and cross-train.
• Participate in continuous improvement and apply Plan-Do-Check-Act techniques.
• Serve as a positive representative and share process knowledge with customers and visitors.

Skills

Seed handling

English communication

Basic math

Computer skills

Spanish beneficial

Job description

Description

As a Seed Handler on the Pelleting team, you process seed pellets manually and through automated equipment, so products meet specifications for consistency, quality, and cleanliness. You mix formulations from recipes, check seed and equipment at multiple stages, troubleshoot operating issues, and work with Pelleting and internal teams to keep production moving. Done well, your work gives customers reliable seed products and helps the team maintain dependable service.

Job Responsibilities

• Process seed pellets using manual and automated equipment while following specifications and recipes to ensure consistent quality.
• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot production equipment to maintain efficient operations.
• Inspect product quality at multiple processing stages and follow quality-control measures to identify inconsistencies, contamination, or signs of tampering before product moves forward.
• Complete pre-shift and post-shift equipment checks and verify that tools and equipment are fully clean through multiple steps, responding when additional seed is identified.
• Enter and maintain production records in the computer system and retain information from standard operating procedures while making appropriate adjustments as seed and processing conditions change.
• Work independently and collaboratively across Pelleting and internal groups, cross-train across manual and automated work, and take initiative when training or resolving processing issues.
• Participate in continuous improvement work, apply the Plan, Do, Check, Act approach, and respond constructively to quality-control feedback and changing work requirements.
• Support continuous improvement efforts, apply feedback constructively, and help enhance quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Mix formulations based on recipes to ensure consistent product
• Serve as a positive representative of the Pelleting department by sharing process knowledge with customers, visitors, and tour groups in a professional and engaging manner.
• Demonstrate adaptability by performing other duties needed to support the department's work and organizational values.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma/GED.
• Verbal and written English communication skills.
• 1+ year of experience working with seeds or in a greenhouse.
• Microsoft Office experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.
• Basic math and computer skills, including entering and maintaining records in a computer system.

Physical Requirements

• Push/pull up to 50 lbs. up to 10% of the day.
• Lift/carry up to 40 lbs. up to 10% of the day.
• Sit/stand up to 100% of the day.
• Kneel/bend up to 20% of the day.
• Reach above shoulder level up to 15% of the day.
• Climb/balance up to 10% of the day.
• Frequent use of hands/fingers up to 100% of the day.

Hourly Pay Range: $18 – 19 / hour

Scheduled hours: 6:00am-2:30pm CT

Our promise to you

We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable.

In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:

• Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance
• An onsite subsidized café overlooking 30 acres of renowned display gardens and restored natural areas
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs