2nd Shift Operator, West Plant - Decatur, IL

Job Description

Operator – West Plant | Decatur, IL
This is a full-time, hourly position.
Starting Pay: $30.62/hr + shift differential
Shifts: Must be able to work any shift. Includes 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts on a rotational or swing schedule (e.g., seven-day swing and/or rotating schedule). Overtime, weekends, holidays, and shift changes may be required with notice.
Learn more about ADM:

Why Join?

• Weekly Pay
• Benefits Start Day 1
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage
• Health & Wellness Incentives
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• 401(k)/ESOP + Pension with ADM Match
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Company-Paid Life Insurance + Voluntary Life (employee, spouse, child)
• Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Assistance
• Advancement Opportunities
• Perks at Work (employee discount program)

Position Summary
The Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of Corn Germ Prep or Extraction equipment. This role monitors and adjusts production systems, performs equipment inspections, and maintains accurate documentation to support continuous plant operations and product quality.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate process equipment safely and efficiently in accordance with all SOPs.
• Monitor equipment and process conditions — including flow rates, temperatures, pressures, and chemical dosages — and make adjustments to maintain target specifications.
• Conduct routine inspections, collect samples, troubleshoot issues, and document findings.
• Utilize computer and control systems to input, verify, and track production data.
• Perform LOTO (Lock Out/Tag Out) to safely isolate equipment when required.
• Work closely with Maintenance, Quality, Utilities, and other departments to support production needs.
• Maintain accurate recordkeeping for production, equipment checks, and shift handoffs.
• Identify, report, and stop unsafe conditions or acts in alignment with ADM’s “Safe or We Don’t Do It” culture.
• Participate in safety meetings and follow all safety, food safety, environmental, and security guidelines.
• Prepare reports of production, downtime, and safety incidents for review by operations leadership.
• Review SOPs and provide suggestions for process or equipment improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Production Supervisor or Management.

Job & Physical Requirements
This role is performed in an active plant environment and requires both technical skill and physical capability for safe daily operation.

Required Experience & Skills

• Prior experience maintaining, monitoring, and adjusting equipment in a manufacturing, industrial, or military environment.
• Experience with Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to recognize and respond to abnormal equipment conditions.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and system monitoring.
• Strong safety awareness and willingness to intervene when conditions are unsafe.
• Reliable attendance, solid work ethic, and ability to work effectively with a team.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, call-ins, and rotating/swing shifts as needed.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to climb stairs and ladders, work at heights, and enter confined spaces.
• Ability to walk up to two miles during a shift, including over uneven surfaces and rail tracks.
• Lift up to 40 lbs frequently and 55 lbs occasionally, including overhead lifts.
• Prolonged standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and computer-based tasks.
• Ability and willingness to wear respirators; must be clean-shaven where required for seal integrity.
• Work in hot/cold environments, dust, odors, and noise at or above 85 dB (hearing protection required).
• Ability to work around and operate equipment such as forklifts, reach lifts, and non-DOT trucks.

• Required PPE includes: hardhat, safety glasses, ear protection, gloves, steel-toed shoes, uniforms, and task-specific PPE such as safety harnesses.

On-the-Job Training Requirements
New colleagues will undergo structured on-the-job training to acquire skills and certifications based on established standards, including:

• ADM Safety, Food Safety, Quality, and Environmental Training
• Planner/Operations Training
• Equip…