Seed Handler - Pelleting

Ball-Horticultural-Company-; West Chicago (IL); On-site; 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

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Ball Horticultural Company is seeking a Seed Handler for the Pelleting team in Illinois. The role involves processing seed pellets with manual and automated equipment, ensuring quality according to recipes and specifications, and maintaining production records.

The job emphasizes teamwork, continuous improvement, and safe, efficient operations. Qualifications include a high school diploma, 1+ year seed/greenhouse experience, English communication, and basic math/computer skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Process seed pellets using manual and automated equipment to ensure consistent quality.
• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot production equipment to maintain efficiency.
• Inspect product quality at multiple processing stages and follow quality-control measures.
• Complete pre-shift and post-shift equipment checks and ensure tools are clean.
• Enter and maintain production records in the computer system.
• Work independently and collaboratively across Pelleting and internal groups, cross-train across manual and automated work.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts and apply Plan-Do-Check-Act methods.
• Support continuous improvement and help enhance quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Mix formulations based on recipes to ensure consistent product.
• Serve as a positive representative of Pelleting by sharing knowledge with customers and visitors.
• Demonstrate adaptability by performing other duties as needed.

Skills

Seed handling

English communication

Basic math & computer skills

Spanish language (bonus)

Education

High School diploma/GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

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