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

Life insurance

401k/Profit Sharing

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Onsite café

Employee Assistance Program

Positive Health programs

Job summary

Ball Horticultural Company seeks a Seed Handler on the Pelleting team in Illinois. This role processes seed pellets, using both manual and automated equipment to meet recipe specifications and quality standards.

You will troubleshoot equipment, maintain production records, and collaborate with Pelleting and internal teams to keep operations flowing. Strong English communication, basic math, and Microsoft Office skills are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills.
• 1+ year experience with seeds or in a greenhouse preferred.
• Microsoft Office experience required.
• 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 following specifications and recipes.
• 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 and adjust as conditions change.
• Work independently and with Pelleting and internal teams; cross-train across manual and automated work.
• Participate in continuous improvement using Plan-Do-Check-Act; respond to quality feedback.
• Demonstrate adaptability by taking on other duties to support the department.

Skills

English communication

Teamwork

Quality awareness

Spanish language (nice to have)

Education

High school diploma or 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 preferred but not required.
• 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