**Chemical Application Operator — Grand Ridge, IL

Location:

Grand Ridge, IL (on-site)

Pay:

$19–$20/hour, depending on experience (potential to be higher), plus a company-wide 15–17% profit-sharing bonus

Industry:

Agriculture — seed corn production & seed treatment

Job Type:

Direct Hire, Full-Time

Shift:

Must be willing to work 2nd shift during peak season (October–November) — required.

Note:

**Equipment experience is NOT required — chemical application/mixing background is prioritized and seed/equipment specifics are trained.

**Job Summary

**

The Chemical Application Operator applies treatment coatings to seed corn after it has been sized and cleaned and before it goes to the packaging line — the last step before bagging. Using an automated treating system, the operator coats seed to each customer’s specification (fungicide, insecticide, or other treatments). The role requires care with chemicals, comfort working at heights in the treatment tower, and basic computer skills. Chemical application and mixing experience matter more than equipment experience, which can be trained.

**Key Responsibilities

**

Operate the automated seed-treating system to apply customer-specified coatings (fungicide, insecticide, etc.) to sized, cleaned seed corn.

Mix and apply treatment chemicals accurately and safely, per customer specifications and label requirements.

Work in the treatment tower at heights (comfort with heights required).

Monitor the automated process and product quality — the treater is the last step before bagging, so accuracy is critical.

Use basic computer controls to run and monitor the system.

Perform basic equipment maintenance and upkeep (helpful; can be trained).

Lift and handle materials weighing a minimum of 60 lbs.

Follow all chemical handling, safety, and PPE procedures; keep a clean, safe work area.

Work 2nd shift during peak season (October–November).

**Education & Experience

**

High school diploma or GED.

Chemical application or chemical mixing background is helpful and prioritized — e.g., ag retail/co-op crop protection, applicator, fertilizer blending, pest control, lawn care, water treatment, or industrial chemical handling.

Basic computer knowledge.

Basic maintenance background helpful (not required).

Comfortable working at heights (treatment tower).

Ability to lift a minimum of 60 lbs.

Must be willing and able to work 2nd shift during the fall (October–November).

An agriculture background with some seed knowledge is trainable and welcome. Equipment experience is NOT required.

Able to work in an environment with exposure to seed dust and pollen (PPE provided).

**Physical Demands & Work Environment

**

Seed production plant; treatment tower (work at heights). Chemical handling. Standing and lifting (minimum 60 lbs). Exposure to dust and pollen; PPE provided. 2nd shift required during the peak fall season.

**Compensation & Benefits

**

$19–$20/hour depending on experience (potential to be higher), plus a company-wide 15–17% profit-sharing bonus. Direct hire, full-time. Benefits include health, dental, disability, and 401(k); a $150 annual clothing allowance; and paid company team-building / outing days. Seasonal overtime available during peak production. Full benefit details shared with qualified candidates during screening.