Grain Operations Specialist
Why Northside?
Job Summary
The Grain Operations Specialist will perform a wide range of activities under the direction of the Assistant Director of Operations to ensure the grain operation is running smoothly and accurately. This position will be primarily responsible for assisting in loading and unloading grain, site maintenance, as well as maintaining and developing general customer service processes and procedures. This role will additionally include coordination of grain container shipments. The role requires a high degree of flexibility, adaptability, and technical skills – especially as it pertains to the seasonal needs of grain handling. A good working relationship with other employees, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of a wide variety of tasks are needed to excel at this position.
Key Responsibilities
- Grain bin, dryer, and building housekeeping.
- Assist in operational day-to-day tasks of grain handling including loading and unloading grain.
- Understand current and future grain and commodity pricing and market outlooks.
- Develop, maintain, and improve policies and procedures relating to grain processes to promote accuracy, efficiency, and cost savings.
- Assist in performing the company’s inventory cycle count process and procedure.
- Operate forklift, scales, grain dryer and other equipment.
- Sample loads, load/unload trucks, and other grain handling operations.
- Site and grain equipment maintenance, including cleaning, changing motors, and greasing bearings.
- Complete preventative maintenance for equipment on site.
- Responsible for daily scale operations in addition to nights and weekends during peak grain season.
Supporting Responsibilities
- Preparing grain for container export in accordance with quality and regulatory standards.
- Loading containers with appropriate equipment, ensuring proper weight distribution and securement.
- Completing and maintaining accurate shipment records, load documentation, and inspection forms.
- Communicating with logistics providers, truck drivers, and internal staff to coordinate timely pickup and delivery.
- Monitoring inventory levels and tracking container movement to ensure shipment schedules are met.
- Ensuring container yard organization and cleanliness and reporting any container condition issues.
Job Requirements
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience: Prior experience in agricultural, commodity, or logistics environments is valued.
- Certifications: Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record: a valid Class A CDL is strongly valued.
- Technical Skills:
- Ability to lift 60 pounds, climb ladders, and operate a pallet jack with 2,000 pounds of material.
- Ability to understand agricultural sales and service.
- Proficient in the use of computer technology and other relevant tools.
- Knowledge of mechanical systems and tools required for general maintenance.
- Soft Skills:
- Display a high degree of adaptability and flexibility.
- Self-driven, motivated, and organizationally efficient.
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
- Safety-minded with strong awareness and adherence to safety protocols, regulations, and best practices.
- Strong commitment to quality, honesty, and client service.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with focus on team collaboration.
- Possess a confident and positive mindset.
Work Environment
This role is primarily operations-focused and involves working outdoors, with regular exposure to varying weather conditions. Occasional weekend work required during peak seasons.
Grain Originator
Why Northside?
Northside is family-owned, family-led, and leads the state in feed manufacturing. We are not just building a business; we are transforming an industry. Since 1948, our primary mission has never wavered—that is to be the most trusted and dependable partner in serving the agricultural industry. Our spectrum of individualized consulting, services, and products is unmatched and our relentless commitment to helping assure the success of our clients is our core ambition. You will love working here because we have purposeful work, growth opportunities, and benefits that matter.
Job Summary
Northside Elevator is seeking a driven, customer-focused Grain Originator to grow our grain business by developing long-term partnerships with area producers, increasing inbound grain volume to our Arcadia facility, and supporting our overall merchandising and operations strategy. This role blends procurement, customer relationship management and light operational responsibilities, to create lasting value for producers and our business. Relationship building acumen, results-driven mindset, effective communication, and strong knowledge of grain markets, basis strategies, and contracting tools are needed to excel at this position.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain trusted, long-term relationships with grain producers through regular communication and on-farm visits.
- Procure corn, soybeans, and wheat within a defined trade area.
- Monitor basis and futures markets to make competitive and profitable bids.
- Leverage CRM systems and data tools to track interactions, identify trends, and guide outreach strategies.
- Manage grain contracts from initiation through completion with accuracy and timeliness.
- Coordinate with merchandising, logistics, and operations teams to ensure smooth business execution.
- Demonstrate working knowledge of grain elevator operations including receiving, grading, storage, and loadout to enhance operational efficiency and optimize the client experience.
- Demonstrate flexibility and commitment to meet seasonal demands, including extended hours during harvest and peak contracting periods.
Supporting Responsibilities
- Identify and pursue new grain origination opportunities through proactive outreach and networking.
- Serve as a trusted advisor by educating producers on grain marketing concepts and strategies.
- Collaborate internally to recommend process improvements and support service efficiency.
Job Requirements
- Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Ag Business, Sales, Engineering or a related field; or equivalent experience.
- Experience:
o 2+ years of grain elevator operations experience.
o 2+ years of experience in grain origination, merchandising, or agricultural sales is valued. - Certifications: Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
- Technical Skills:
o Strong understanding of grain markets, basis strategies, and contracting tools.
o Proficient in the use of computer technology and other relevant tools.
o Proficient in Microsoft Office.
o Skill in CRM or grain software experience is valued. - Soft Skills:
o Self-motivated, organized, and results driven.
o Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
o High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
o Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
o Team-oriented with a client-first mindset and professional integrity.
o Comfortable using digital tools and data insights to enhance customer service.
o Possess a confident and positive mindset.
Work Environment - This role is primarily office-based (Arcadia, WI) with occasional, local travel for client meetings or industry events.
Scale Operator
Why Northside?
Job Summary
The Scale Operator is responsible for managing all inbound and outbound scale operations. This role requires accurate documentation of grain products, including necessary quality measurements and data collection to support quality assurance. The Scale Operator will collaborate on scale hours and schedules, participate in required training, and ensure compliance with all company policies and applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Strong communication skills and a commitment to excellent client service are essential for success in this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate scale to accurately record all product weights, ensuring proper documentation for grain handling, and quality assurance
- Complete knowledge of scale program and reporting features
- Ability to analyze and decipher shipping documents
- Communicate with operational staff and leadership on product flow
- Grade incoming grain and the ability to identify quality issues
- Operate grain grading equipment and troubleshoot issues
- Maintain updated grain charts for drying, sales and markets
- Assist clients with questions concerning grain contracts and pricing
- Maintain scale operations schedule
- Ownership of all related company processes and procedures
- Complete appropriate paperwork and reports
Supporting Responsibilities
- Provide maintenance support on scale equipment
- Manage scale certifications
- Perform other duties as assigned
Job Requirements
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education or relevant experience is a plus.
- Technical Skills:
- Proficient in the use of computer technology and other relevant tools, including Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to understand agricultural operations and service
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Skill in reporting and data management
- Previous experience in scale operations and grade grading valued, but not required
- Soft Skills:
- Strong attention to detail
- Display a high degree of adaptability and flexibility
- Self-driven, motivated, and organizationally efficient
- Strong commitment to quality, honesty, and client service
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with focus on team collaboration
- Possess a confident and positive mindset
- Safety-minded with strong awareness and adherence to safety protocols, regulations, and best practices
Work Environment
Primarily office-based, with the ability to work extended hours during peak grain harvest seasons
If you would like to apply for a career at Northside please fill out an application or email your resume to careers@northsideelevator.com.