Rail Switch Operator

Ardent Mills•Wichita, KS

1d•$21 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Rail Switch Operator is responsible for spotting and moving wheat and flour railcars on the property, operating a Shuttle Wagon, and unloading wheat, flour, and screening from vessels. The role ensures inbound and outbound containers are sealed according to Ardent Mills requirements and verifies product quality by collecting samples and conducting required inspections and tests. The operator may perform minor equipment repairs, basic maintenance, sanitation, housekeeping, and infestation-control tasks, and may assist other plant personnel during normal and abnormal operating conditions. The position is based at the Ardent Mills production facility in Wichita, Kansas, and requires regular on-site presence. Work schedules may vary with business and operational needs and may include shift work, overtime, weekends, holidays, and on-call responsibilities where applicable.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
1–2 years of relevant experience.
Strong reading comprehension, writing, and math skills.
Ability to operate large equipment, including a fork truck and Shuttle Wagon.
Mechanical aptitude for minor equipment repairs.
Proficient in English, both written and verbal.
Able to lift 50 pounds and exert 20 pounds of force.
Able to ascend and descend stairs throughout the facility.
Able to work in a production environment, wear required personal protective equipment, and wear respiratory protection.
Able to work in hot and cold conditions.
Must be clean-shaven when N95 or other respiratory protection is required to ensure a proper seal.
Must be willing and able to work 4 a.m. to 12 p.m., occasional 12-hour shifts, weekends, holidays, and potentially seven days a week to support business needs.
Able to perform duties and deliver results in new situations while following safety and food-safety policies and team values.
Able to serve others with understanding, respect, and care; operate with simplicity, clarity, and transparency; and deal with and drive change.
Able to organize, prioritize, and own multiple tasks while meeting or exceeding deadlines.
Able to learn and apply new technology and share knowledge with others.
Willing to accept accountability and work well in a team.
Willing to cross-train in at least one other position for development and to provide relief duties as needed.

Nice To Haves

Manufacturing or plant operations experience.
Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, personal safety, and food-safety processes.
Analytical skills to recognize and assess problems.

Responsibilities

Spot and move wheat and flour railcars on the property.
Operate a Shuttle Wagon and move railcars on the property.
Unload flour and screening from vessels.
Unload wheat from vessels.
Ensure inbound and outbound containers are sealed according to Ardent Mills requirements.
Collect wheat and product samples, perform required quality tests and inspections, and verify products meet specifications and applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
Perform minor equipment repairs and basic maintenance duties as required.
Comply with Master Sanitation Schedules and perform daily housekeeping assignments.
Perform housekeeping, sanitation, and infestation-control tasks as assigned.
Assist other plant personnel during normal and abnormal operating conditions.
Cross-train in at least one other position and provide relief duties as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Market-driven base pay; starting range of $21.00–$25.00 per hour.
Incentive eligibility with a target bonus plan of OIP, 5% annually.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Health and dependent savings accounts.
Life and disability programs.
Voluntary benefit programs.
Company-sponsored wellness programs.
Retirement savings with company match.
Team Member and Family Assistance Program (EAP).
Paid time off and paid holidays.
Employee Recognition Program with Rewards (RAVE).
Shift differential for eligible employees assigned to shifts outside standard business hours.