About this role
Job Description
Operator 1A - Decatur, IL
East Plant
This is a full-time, hourly position.
Pay Rate: $32.16/hour
Shift(s) Available: 3rd shift, must be available to train on 1st or 2nd shift as needed. Ability to work any shift, overtime including weekends, holidays, or different shifts with advance notice as needed.
Position Summary
The Operator 1A is a highly skilled production team member responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of manufacturing processes and equipment. Operator 1As are expected to demonstrate advanced process knowledge, sound decision-making skills, strong troubleshooting abilities, and leadership qualities that support operational excellence.
In addition to performing production and operational duties, Operator 1As serve as experienced resources within the department by promoting safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement initiatives. Operator 1As are expected to work independently, assist in training and mentoring colleagues, provide operational guidance when needed, and maintain a thorough understanding of plant processes, equipment, and procedures.
Operator 1As must be able to work any shift, overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.
Job Responsibilities
Job duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Perform all duties associated with manufacturing operations, including housekeeping, cleaning, inspections, material handling, sample retrieval, product transfers, equipment monitoring, repetitive lifting, stacking, and dumping of 55- pound bags, and other operational responsibilities required to support production objectives.
- Safely operate and monitor equipment including forklifts, bobcats, skid steers, pumps, conveyors, grind mills, fiber, germ and gluten dryers, and other process equipment throughout the facility.
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of departmental processes and equipment operations to maintain efficient production and product quality standards.
- Monitor process conditions, identify deviations, troubleshoot operational issues, and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
- Utilize computer-based operating systems and plant software to accurately enter, review, analyze, and document production, safety, quality, sanitation, environmental, and maintenance information.
- Perform equipment inspections and routine preventative care and assist with minor maintenance and repair activities as required.
- Serve as a role model for safety and operational excellence by actively promoting safe work practices, participating in safety initiatives, identifying hazards, and supporting continuous improvement efforts.
- Provide leadership and guidance to less experienced operators and colleagues by sharing knowledge, assisting with training activities, and supporting qualification efforts.
- Maintain qualifications on multiple operating areas and positions and demonstrate the flexibility to provide operational coverage where needed to support business demands and staffing requirements.
- Demonstrate accountability for production performance by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, optimize throughput, and enhance overall department performance.
- Interpret and follow operating procedures, work instructions, quality standards, and food safety requirements while ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Effectively communicate operational status, process changes, concerns, and shift turnover information to teammates, supervisors, maintenance personnel, and other departments.
- Ability to climb stairs, lift, bend, kneel, stand for extended periods, work in confined spaces, work at heights, and perform duties in hot, cold, dusty, and physically demanding environments.
- Maintain accurate documentation and records while demonstrating attention to detail and ownership of assigned responsibilities.
- Other duties as assigned.
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Job Requirements
- Exhibit regular and prompt attendance and maintain an attendance record in accordance with company policy.
- Demonstrated experience in manufacturing, production operations, industrial processing, military operations, or related environments preferred.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to successfully learn, understand, and operate complex manufacturing systems and processes.
- Demonstrated ability to make sound operational decisions and work independently with limited supervision.
- Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, and leadership teams.
- Proven commitment to workplace safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
- Ability to understand and effectively communicate in English (verbal and written).
- High School diploma or equivalent required; additional technical or industrial training preferred.
On-the-Job Training Requirements
- Successfully complete all Operator 1A qualification requirements and demonstrate proficiency according to established departmental standards.
- Complete ADM safety, food safety, quality, environmental, and operational training programs.
- Demonstrate competency in designated process areas and equipment operation.
- Obtain and maintain required certifications and equipment qualifications, which may include but are not limited to Forklift, JLP, Reach Lift, Non-DOT Truck, Lock Out/Tag Out, Confined Space, Fall Protection, and other site-specific requirements.
- Participate in ongoing development opportunities to expand operational knowledge, technical skills, leadership capabilities, and cross-functional expertise.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to move about or to a work site by ascending/descending stairs, bending, kneeling and prolonged periods of standing and sitting, stooping, bending, kneeling, or squatting frequently
- Ability to operate equipment or machinery that may be located at different heights; may require work on ladders, scaffolding or other work at heights or in confined spaces
- Ability to lift and transport materials and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds on a frequent basis, up to 55 pounds on an occasional basis and up to 50 pounds overhead
- Requires ability and willingness to wear respirators
- Ability to walk up to two (2) miles during the course of a workday over uneven ground surfaces, and/or walking over Railroad tracks.
Working Conditions
- Ambient conditions – Work area is, typically, a non-air-conditioned production environment. Hot or cold Temperatures, all seasonal elements, both indoors and outdoors
- Atmosphere: Dust (Peanut - known allergen), cotton, canola seed, and odor
- Must be able to work around noise levels that may reach or exceed 85 decibels and require use of hearing protection for most of the work shift
- Company provided protective clothing required: Uniforms, hardhats, earplugs, safety glasses, hair restraints, steel-toed shoes, gloves, and safety harness may be required based on task performed; employees are required to wear all required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) (i.e., hard-hats, safety glasses, earplugs, uniforms, and steel-toed boots) in addition to job specific PPE requirements. Employees in roles that require respirators will need to be clean shaven.
Before applying for an exempt, non-exempt or hourly job opportunity, you are expected to initiate a discussion and share your intentions with your supervisor.
- If you’ve been in your current position for more than 18 months, supervisor approval is not required.
- If you’ve been in your current position for less than 18 months, verbal supervisor approval is required.
Hiring Manager- Jared Poston
Recruiter- Lexi Suddarth
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Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.
If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
The pay for this position is expected to be:
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About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.