Hybrid Seed Operations & Maintenance Technician bei Northern Partners Cooperative

🌽 Rooted in Farming. Powered by People Like You.
 Join Northern Partners Cooperative and help our communities grow — one seed at a time.

The Seed Operations and Maintenance Technician is responsible for the efficient operation of the seed warehouse, including receiving, storing, treating, packaging, and shipping seed products. This role involves ensuring the quality and safety of seed handling processes, maintaining accurate inventory records, and operating seed treatment equipment according to specified protocols. This position is also responsible for the accurate and efficient application of chemical treatments to seeds to enhance their performance and protection. This role involves operating seed treatment equipment, adhering to safety protocols, and ensuring high-quality standards in the treatment process. The Seed Operations and Maintenance Technician plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and viability of seeds before they are distributed to customers. This position works closely with the Seed and Agronomy Sales teams to ensure optimal customer experience.

1. Warehouse Operations: Receive and unload seed shipments, verifying quantities and quality against purchase orders. Organize and store seeds in the warehouse, maintaining an orderly and accessible inventory system. Pick and prepare seed orders for shipment, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery. Operate forklifts and other warehouse equipment safely and efficiently. Delivers to customers products and services that are sold by the branch. Coordinate with shipping carriers and customers to ensure on-time delivery. Prepare shipping documents and labels according to company and regulatory requirements. Conduct quality checks on incoming and outgoing seed shipments to ensure they meet company standards. Handle and store treated seeds according to safety guidelines and regulatory requirements. Maintain a clean and organized warehouse to prevent contamination and ensure the integrity of seed products. Maintain comprehensive records of warehouse activities, including receiving, storage, and shipping transactions. Prepare reports on inventory status, order fulfillment, and warehouse operations. Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments to coordinate warehouse activities. (25%)

2. Seed Handling and Treatment: Operate seed treatment equipment to apply chemical treatments to seeds as per product specifications. Ensure proper calibration and maintenance of seed treating machinery. Measure and mix treatment chemicals accurately to meet product specifications. Monitor the treatment process to ensure even and effective application of treatments. Monitor and document the treatment process, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Conduct regular quality checks on treated seeds to ensure compliance with company and industry standards. Maintain detailed records of treatment batches, including chemical usage and seed lot numbers. Identify and address any issues in the treatment process promptly to prevent contamination or substandard treatment. Clean, sort, and package seeds according to company standards. Troubleshoot and repair equipment as needed, coordinating with maintenance personnel for major repairs. Keep the treatment area clean and organized to facilitate safe and efficient operations. (25%)

3. Inventory Management: Maintaining accurate inventory records, forecasting inventory needs, ensuring the timely replenishment of stock, and minimizing inventory costs. Conduct regular physical inventory counts and reconcile discrepancies. Monitor stock levels and report any shortages or excesses to management. Monitor incoming and outgoing product to ensure accurate inventory. Coordinate with procurement and sales teams to plan for seasonal demand fluctuations and promotional activities. Generate purchase orders and coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of inventory. Monitor lead times and manage re-order points to prevent stockouts and excess inventory. Track incoming shipments and verify quantities and quality against purchase orders. Analyze inventory data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. Prepare and present reports on inventory metrics, such as turnover rates, stock levels, and order accuracy. Provide insights and recommendations to management based on inventory analysis. (25%)

4. Customer Service: Keeps the Agronomy/Seed Operations & Sales Director informed of operational, customer, vendors, or employee issues that may arise. Maintain a positive culture for both staff and patrons. Provides outstanding and courteous customer service. Promotes business with existing and potential customers. Work closely with other team members to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction. Process and manage customer orders accurately and efficiently. Coordinate to ensure timely delivery of the cooperative’s products and services. Greet customers in a friendly and courteous manner, thank them for their business. Ensure customers are informed on safe product handling. Assists Agronomy and Seed sales teams with scouting fields to monitor crop progress to assist in developing plans for pest infestations or other crop problems. Train and teach Seed Sales Interns on seed treating and warehouse maintenance. When available, assist in operational duties in the agronomy and grain divisions as directed by the Agronomy/Seed Operations & Sales Director. This may include deliveries to customers, delivery of products to NPC applicators in the field, running agronomy machinery and general maintenance functions in the agronomy division at any location. Performs required preventative maintenance and has all preventive maintenance reports turned in on time. Performs routine housekeeping to keep grain facilities safe, clean, and professional in appearance. Unload and/or load grain for transport or storage. Assist with weighing grain trucks/tractors. (10%)

5. Maintenance and Housekeeping: Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments regarding project status and findings. Assists in keeping all inside and outside work areas extremely neat and orderly. Perform routine maintenance on warehouse and treatment equipment. Troubleshoot and repair equipment as needed, coordinating with maintenance personnel for major repairs. Operate and maintain warehouse equipment, including forklifts and pallet jacks. Identify and report any equipment malfunctions or safety hazards to management. Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to seed production and handling. Participate in safety training sessions and contribute to a safe working environment. Keep current on all safety practices and procedures. If conditions arise, make the Safety, Health, Environmental, & Quality Director aware. Takes responsibility for monthly facility inspections, as by OSHA inspection standard. Completion of safety reports and required records. Maintains a safe working environment and promotes safety amongst customers and employees. (10%)

6. Other Duties: Contributes to additional company and team efforts, projects and initiatives as needed. Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Experience & Education

• Required – High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Plant Science, Biology, or a related field is a plus.
• Required – Valid Driver’s License.
• Required –  Forklifts and other warehouse equipment; NPC will assist in obtaining.
• Required - Commercial Applicators License (General Standards, Field Crop and Seed Treatment)
• Required – Class A CDL with HAZMAT, tanker, and airbrake endorsements required; NPC will assist in obtaining.
• Required – Experience in seed treatment, agricultural operations, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in warehouse operations, inventory management, or a related field is a plus.
• Knowledge of seed treatment chemicals and safety regulations, is a plus.
• Knowledge of seed handling and storage practices, is a plus.
• Experience in seed production, agricultural research, or a related field, is a plus.
• Knowledge of plant biology, seed physiology, and agronomic practices, is a plus.
• Ability to operate and maintain agricultural and seed processing equipment.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of people within and outside the organization.
• Takes charge and inspires others. Assigns meaningful work with clear direction and timelines. Balances workloads and effectively manages time.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills for inventory management and record-keeping, including familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Physical ability to lift and move heavy objects (up to 50 lbs. or more) and stand for extended periods.
• Physical ability to perform fieldwork, including lifting and carrying equipment (up to 50 lbs. or more) and working in various weather conditions.
• Ability to assess a situation and determine the best course of action (sound, good judgment).
• Analyzes problems and sources of conflicts, communicates with direct reports for help with resolution and problem solving.
• Approachable; puts others at ease, gives full attention, shows interest, responds appropriately. Builds relationships both internally and externally through professional and highly developed verbal and written communications.
• Ability to operate equipment (application equipment and machinery, shop tools, forklifts, class A and B trucks).

Physical Demands - Considerable physical exertion

Occasionally exposed or required to:

• Ability to lift 75 lbs. or more occasionally.
• Ability to stand or sit occasionally.
• Ability to bend and stoop constantly/continuously.
• Ability to enter information into a computer.
• Ability to climb stairs, where applicable.
• Ability to grasp and reach constantly/continuously.
• Ability to understand and communicate verbally, in person and over radio and/or phone.
• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions and varying temperatures.
• Ability to work in an environment with high dust levels and chemical fumes.
• Ability to meet requirements of PFT and fit testing, when applicable.
• Ability to distinguish, with a degree of accuracy, differences or similarities in intensity or quality odors, or recognizing particular odors, using nose.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekend, holidays and/or alternate shifts as needed.
• Uses near, far, and peripheral vision and depth perception for task(s) being performed.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when handling treated seeds and chemicals.
• Work performed in the warehouse may have exposure to seed dust, chemicals, and varying temperatures.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, seed dust, and agricultural chemicals.
• Noisy conditions.
• Working conditions may include dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards with appropriate safety measures.
• Travel, 30% or more travel may be required. This may include off-site training and/or work at alternate locations.

 Benefits:   

3 Health Insurance plan options with prescription benefits

Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions

Health and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

2 Dental Plan options (base plan at no cost if enrolled in health plan)

Vision Plan (at no cost if enrolled in health plan)

Company Paid Group Life & AD&D

Supplemental Life & AD&D (employee & dependents)

Company paid Short-Term Disability

Supplemental Short-Term/Long Term Disability

Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans

Defined Benefit Co-op Retirement Pension Plan (accrual rate of 2.00% and company contribution rate is 5.83%)

$250.00 yearly Clothing Reimbursement allowance

Paid Time Off (PTO) – Vacation, Personal Days, and Sick time

9.5 paid Holidays

Additional benefits – paid bereavement, paid jury duty, Family Medical Leave (FMLA), paid maternity/paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer day, wellness program, profit sharing bonus, employee assistance program, company paid learning courses, LifeMart discount program, plus so much more!

About the Company:

As a homegrown, locally owned full-service cooperative, Northern Partners Cooperative has been rooted in the community from the very beginning. Our goal is to continually work to grow customer value and cooperative strength within the community we all share. Located in Northern Illinois, we have 10 locations throughout La Salle and Bureau County offering products, services, and expertise that focus grain, agronomy, energy, and seed.  

Northern Partners Cooperative offers opportunities for passionate individuals looking to unlock a greater value for the future of agriculture and our communities. We know that a business or farming operation requires hard work and dedication and that's why we take pride in having knowledgeable, hardworking team members that are dedicated to being our most valued partner, helping us to reach new levels of success. 

 Northern Partners Cooperative’s Core Values:

•               Honesty and integrity in all our relationships

•               Focus on our people and their ability to contribute to the success of NPC

•               Foster a culture where innovative solutions thrive

•               Commitment to safety, quality, and service to our employees and member owners

•               Commitment to our communities

 Additional Information:

Northern Partners Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law. All information provided will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Your application must reflect that you possess the required qualifications for the position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, physical and environmental demands but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

No agencies or 3rd party vendors.