Role Overview

As an Operations Worker II at The Andersons in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, you'll dive into the heart of agricultural operations, playing a pivotal role in the seamless flow of raw materials, products, and services. This position demands a blend of hands-on expertise and attention to detail, where you'll handle everything from receiving shipments to ensuring products reach customers in perfect condition. With 1-2 years of relevant experience, you'll operate under moderate supervision, leveraging your developed skills to maintain efficiency in a fast-paced environment. Safety is paramount here—active participation in environmental and safety programs is non-negotiable, reflecting The Andersons' commitment to a zero-incident workplace. Imagine starting your day inspecting incoming grain trucks, then shifting to packaging fertilizers or loading applicators for field services. This role isn't just about labor; it's about being the backbone of a supply chain that feeds communities and supports Ohio's robust farming heritage.

The Andersons, a cornerstone of the agribusiness industry since 1947, operates state-of-the-art facilities in Upper Sandusky designed for high-volume handling of grains, fertilizers, and related products. As an Operations Worker II, you'll work with cutting-edge equipment, from forklifts and conveyors to automated storage systems, ensuring compliance with rigorous quality standards. This level requires you to go beyond entry-level tasks, incorporating basic quality inspections and data logging that directly impact operational metrics. Physical demands are real—lifting up to 60 pounds frequently, climbing to 100 feet, and enduring varying weather—but so are the rewards of contributing to sustainable agriculture in the heartland.

Day in the Life

Your shift at The Andersons in Upper Sandusky kicks off at 6 AM with a thorough safety briefing, reviewing the day's priorities like incoming rail cars of soybeans or outgoing fertilizer blends. Donning your PPE, you head to the receiving dock, verifying manifests against shipments using handheld scanners tied to the company's ERP system. Precision here prevents costly errors downstream. By mid-morning, you're operating a front-end loader to transfer materials into silos, monitoring levels via digital gauges and performing spot quality checks for moisture content or contaminants.

Lunch brings a quick team huddle where you discuss afternoon tasks—perhaps packaging custom seed orders or prepping equipment for on-farm applications. Post-lunch, you're in the warehouse, running a forklift to palletize goods, securing loads with straps, and updating inventory in real-time. Afternoons often involve maintenance rounds: greasing bearings, clearing dust from conveyors, and logging hours on fixed equipment. As the day winds down, you assist with shipping manifests, ensure housekeeping standards are met—sweeping bays, organizing tools—and join a quick debrief. Evenings might extend for overtime during harvest peaks, but the camaraderie and sense of accomplishment make it worthwhile. This rhythm builds resilience and expertise, positioning you for advancement.

Why Upper Sandusky, Ohio

Upper Sandusky, nestled in Wyandot County, Ohio, embodies small-town America with big opportunities. Just 70 miles south of Toledo and 60 miles north of Columbus, it offers easy access to urban amenities without the hustle. Home to around 6,500 residents, this community thrives on agriculture, with fertile soils supporting corn, soybeans, and dairy farms that The Andersons serves directly. The town's historic courthouse square buzzes with local shops, eateries like the family-owned Wyandot Drive-In, and annual events such as the Wyandot County Fair—one of Ohio's oldest, drawing crowds for rides, livestock shows, and demolition derbies.

Beyond farming, Upper Sandusky boasts excellent schools in the Upper Scioto Valley district, low crime rates, and affordable housing—median home prices hover around $180,000. Outdoor enthusiasts love Indian Lake nearby for boating and fishing, while Crane Creek State Park offers hiking amid wildflowers. The Andersons' facility here is a hub of innovation, employing hundreds and fueling the local economy. Living in Upper Sandusky means short commutes, community events like Friday night football, and a cost of living 15% below the national average. It's where careers grow alongside family roots, in a place where neighbors know your name and fresh produce stands dot country roads.

Career Growth

The Andersons invests heavily in talent development, and as an Operations Worker II in Upper Sandusky, you're on a clear path upward. Start by mastering equipment certifications—forklift, aerial lifts, hazmat handling—through company-sponsored training. Excel in data accuracy and safety leadership to move into Operations Worker III or Lead roles within 1-2 years. From there, supervisory positions like Shift Supervisor beckon, overseeing teams and optimizing workflows.

Cross-training opportunities abound: pivot to quality assurance, logistics coordination, or even agronomy services. The Andersons' internal mobility program has seen workers advance to Plant Manager or Regional Operations roles, complete with tuition reimbursement for degrees in supply chain or agribusiness. Mentorship pairs you with veterans, while performance reviews chart your progress. In Upper Sandusky, growth means stability—many employees celebrate 20+ year tenures, retiring with pensions and pride in building America's food supply.

Compensation & Benefits

Earning between $38,000-$48,000 annually (based on experience and shifts), Operations Worker II roles at The Andersons in Upper Sandusky offer competitive pay with overtime premiums during peak seasons. Benefits kick in day one: comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with low deductibles, plus a 401(k) match up to 6%. Generous PTO accrues from hire, including vacation, sick days, and paid holidays. Unique perks include safety bonuses, tool allowances, and employee stock purchase plans. Wellness initiatives cover gym memberships and mental health support, ensuring you're covered holistically. Shift differentials add 10-20% for nights/weekends, boosting take-home pay significantly.

Culture

The Andersons' culture in Upper Sandusky is rooted in its Statement of Principles: integrity, respect, and excellence. Teams foster collaboration—think potlucks, safety barbecues, and recognition events celebrating milestones. Diversity is embraced as an EO employer (M/F/Veteran/Disability/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation), with inclusive policies and ERGs. Leadership walks the floor, valuing input from all levels. Drug-free workplace standards ensure safety, with clear testing protocols. Phishing awareness training keeps everyone vigilant. It's a place where hard work meets heartfelt support, building lifelong bonds.

How to Apply

Ready to join? Visit The Andersons' careers portal, search for Operations Worker II in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and submit your resume. For application guidance, download the External Applicant Guide. Email questions to talentacquisition@andersonsinc.com. We review applications weekly; top candidates advance to skills assessments and interviews. Note: No unsolicited agency resumes; drug testing applies. Beware phishing—only @andersonsinc.com emails are legit.

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