Grain Operations Worker Role Overview

In the heart of St. Marys, Ontario, The Andersons offers an entry-level opportunity as a Grain Operations Worker that serves as the foundation of our agricultural supply chain. This position is perfect for individuals eager to start a career in grain handling, storage, and distribution without requiring prior experience. You'll be part of a team responsible for the seamless flow of grain from farm to market, ensuring every bushel is received, stored, cleaned, packaged, and shipped with precision and care. At The Andersons, we value hard work and reliability, providing comprehensive training to equip you with the skills needed to excel in this vital role. Operating out of our state-of-the-art facility in St. Marys, you'll contribute to customer satisfaction by maintaining high standards in grain conditioning and facility upkeep. This isn't just a job; it's your entry point into a stable industry with real growth potential.

A Day in the Life of a Grain Operations Worker

Imagine starting your shift at dawn in St. Marys, Ontario, where the air carries the earthy scent of fresh grain. Your day begins with a safety briefing alongside your team, reviewing the day's priorities: incoming truckloads from local farmers, silo transfers, and preparation for outbound shipments. Dressed in provided PPE, you head to the receiving area to guide drivers, sample incoming grain for moisture and quality, and operate conveyor systems to unload efficiently. Mid-morning, you might switch to cleaning duties, using specialized equipment to remove debris and condition the grain, ensuring it meets rigorous standards. Lunch brings camaraderie in the break room, sharing stories of the morning's successes. Afternoon tasks could involve packaging bulk grain into bags or loading railcars, all while logging inventory in our digital system under close supervision. As the shift winds down, you perform upkeep—sweeping floors, checking equipment, and securing the facility. It's physical, rewarding work that ends with the satisfaction of a job well done, often with overtime during harvest season.

Why St. Marys, Ontario?

St. Marys, Ontario, is more than a dot on the map—it's a vibrant community nestled in Perth County, renowned for its natural beauty and agricultural heritage. With the Thames River winding through limestone quarries that give the town its iconic white stone architecture, St. Marys offers a picturesque backdrop for work and life. Population around 7,000, it boasts a tight-knit feel where neighbors know each other, yet it's just a short drive from larger centers like London and Kitchener-Waterloo for urban amenities. The cost of living is affordable, with median home prices significantly below provincial averages, making it ideal for young professionals or families starting out. Outdoor enthusiasts thrive here: hike the trail systems, fish in crystal-clear quarry ponds, or enjoy the St. Marys Museum Quarter's historical charm. Local festivals like the St. Marys Fall Fair celebrate the farming roots that align perfectly with The Andersons' mission. Low crime rates, excellent schools, and a growing craft beer scene add to the appeal. Choosing St. Marys means balancing rewarding work at our grain facility with a high quality of life in one of Ontario's hidden gems.

Career Growth Opportunities

The Andersons invests in your future, transforming entry-level Grain Operations Workers into skilled leaders. Start with hands-on training in grain operations, safety certifications, and equipment handling. Excel, and advance to roles like Grain Lead Hand, Elevator Operator, or Quality Control Specialist within 1-2 years. Our structured development program includes mentorship, online courses, and on-site workshops. High performers pursue supervisory positions overseeing shifts or even management tracks in logistics and agronomy. Many alumni have climbed to regional operations managers, leveraging skills gained in St. Marys. We partner with local colleges for tuition assistance, opening doors to certifications in agriculture technology or supply chain management. With our global network, opportunities extend beyond Ontario to U.S. facilities or corporate roles. At The Andersons, career growth is merit-based—your dedication in daily tasks paves the way for promotions, raises, and leadership.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer competitive pay starting at $20/hour (up to $25 with experience/shifts), translating to $41,600–$52,000 annually with overtime. Benefits kick in day one: full health/dental/vision, RRSP matching up to 4%, paid vacation escalating with tenure, and performance bonuses averaging 5-10% of salary. Enjoy shift premiums, safety incentives, and employee discounts on farm supplies. Family-focused perks include parental leave, childcare support, and wellness reimbursements up to $500/year. The Andersons is committed to fair pay, with annual reviews and transparent advancement scales.

Company Culture at The Andersons

Our culture embodies integrity, teamwork, and innovation, rooted in the Statement of Principles that guides every decision. In St. Marys, expect a supportive environment where supervisors provide close guidance for success. Team barbecues, safety awards, and volunteer days foster bonds. We prioritize work-life balance with predictable shifts and respect for family time. Diversity is celebrated—veterans, newcomers, and all backgrounds thrive here. As a drug-free workplace, we ensure a safe, healthy space. Phishing scam awareness and ethical hiring underscore our commitment to trust.

How to Apply

Ready to join? Visit our careers page or click here for application guidance. Submit your resume highlighting any physical work experience. Interviews are held on-site in St. Marys; pre-employment screening required. We respond within 48 hours. Note: Only @andersonsinc.com emails are legitimate. Equal opportunity employer.

FAQ

Q: Is experience required? No, full training provided.
Q: What shifts are available? Days, afternoons, rotating including weekends.
Q: Do you sponsor visas? Canadian citizens/PR preferred; no sponsorship.
Q: What's the dress code? Steel-toe boots, PPE provided.
Q: How physical is the job? Lifting 50lbs+, outdoor work in all weather.