Plant Operator

This role is responsible for safely and effectively performing operations functions at a Southern States fertilizer plant. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to learn and develop operations skill sets, utilize specialized industrial equipment, and work under direct supervision.

• Maintain regular communication with store leadership to receive daily assignments and provide timely information regarding receiving and inventory supply, customer orders, facility maintenance, safety, loss prevention, and other factors critical to daily operations.
• Provide prompt and courteous customer support.
• Operate front-end loader to blend fertilizer and load semi-trucks directly. Unload merchandise in various forms, including pallets, boxes, bulk, and/or large items, utilizing proper equipment and manual lifting as appropriate.
• Unload semi-trucks and railcars using specified plant unloading equipment.
• Demonstrate initiative to develop new operations skills and participate in training opportunities offered by SSC to increase familiarity with the facility and learn procedures for performing additional plant operations.
• Comply with requirements of the SSC Quality Control (QC) Program in each operation performed and immediately notify plant leadership of any suspected problem with product quality.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area by keeping tools and equipment in proper places and all materials off the floor. Perform all related cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and properly dispose of waste material.
• Work safely to avoid harm to yourself, co-workers, equipment, or inventory and comply with OSHA regulations, Southern States Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards, work rules, and policies.

• Requires a High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
• Prefer prior experience in a warehouse handling inventory and operating industrial equipment, including forklift, front-end loader, blenders, and conveyors. Customer-focused communication skills and familiarity with the agricultural industry are also preferred.
• Requires the ability to obtain forklift certification and front-end loader certification within a given period.

This role primarily performs essential job functions in an indoor environment that is not climate controlled and experiences temperature and humidity swings. Occasionally, essential functions are performed outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions. May require use of stairs and working on ladders or scaffolding.

Frequently exposed to hazards, including dust, odors, fumes, and chemicals associated with the production, packaging, warehousing, and distribution of fertilizer products, as well as moving mechanical parts, equipment, and vehicles, electrical current, vibrations, lubricants, and wet surfaces, and noise levels where hearing protection may be required.

• Continuously balance and bend; stand and walk on concrete; reach with arms and hands, use hands in repetitive motion; manual dexterity (fingers), grasp and handle fertilizer bags, containers, and equipment controls; utilize eye/hand coordination; turn and twist head/neck and waist/back. Pull, push, lift, carry up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Frequently crouch, kneel, stack, stoop, sweep. Pull, push, lift, carry 50-80 pounds, may be assisted.
• Occasionally shovel. Pull, push, lift, carry 80-100 pounds, may be assisted.