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Grain Operator, Mattoon

Primient · Mattoon, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 18, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

What do you know about the day-to-day work at a grain elevator receiving and shipping corn?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic picture of the job, which predicts whether they will stay past harvest.

Tell me about a physically demanding job you have held and how you stayed safe doing it.

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the physical work and protect themselves from strain and injury.

Tell me about a time you had to follow a procedure you thought was unnecessary.

What they are checking: Whether they follow safety rules consistently even when they seem slow or excessive.

How do you stay alert on a long, repetitive shift?

What they are checking: Whether they have habits to stay focused, since inattention around moving equipment causes injuries.

What would you do

A rail car needs to be loaded on a tight schedule and a conveyor starts making a grinding noise. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop and report equipment problems rather than pushing through to meet a deadline.

A farmer is upset about the grade his load received. How would you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay calm and respectful with customers and send disputes to the right person.

How do you help with general maintenance when nothing is being received?

What they are checking: Whether they take initiative on cleaning and upkeep during slow times instead of waiting for direction.

About the work

Explain why you should never walk on grain inside a bin while it is being unloaded.

What they are checking: Whether they understand engulfment risk, the most deadly hazard in grain handling.

How would you take a sample from a truck and what would you look for?

What they are checking: Whether they understand basic grain grading such as moisture, damage and foreign material.

What does lockout tagout mean, and when would you use it at an elevator?

What they are checking: Whether they know to isolate energy before clearing a jam or working on a conveyor or leg.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Primient.

Grain Operator, Mattoon | Primient About Primient Primient is a century old company with an entrepreneurial spirit. We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources. We deliver value through deep technical, commercial, and operational excellence that is backed by our long-standing corn wet milling heritage. Wherever we are in the process, from field to customer, our priorities are focused on ensuring we produce the safest, highest quality products through practices that uphold both our responsibility and commitments to the challenge and drive for excellence, our people and our planet. We are a privately held company with locations across the US, Mexico, Poland, and Brazil. W e’re investing in our plants and people to unlock our potential in the industrial and food sectors. Guided by our values of Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Growth, we’re focused on growing our business, our reputation, and the career of every teammate. About the Role The Operations/Outside Labor role is responsible for operating/monitoring all grain receiving and shipping operations at our grain elevators. Responsibilities include: Operating/monitoring all grain receiving and shipping operations Participating in grain quality control, general maintenance, housekeeping, and maintaining the highest of safety standards. Ability to work in hot and cold temperatures, climb and work at heights exceeding 50 ‘, climb ladders, lift & carry 55 lbs, and perform other physical duties. Ability to work extra hours during harvest season. Skills and experience required • High School diploma or equivalent • Mechanical equipment operating experience preferred. Total Rewards Starting pay of $20.60/hr + overtime We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes : • Competitive Pay ​ • Multiple Healthcare plan choices ​ • Dental and vision insurance ​ • A 401(k) plan with company and matching contributions ​ • Short- and Long-Term Disability ​ • Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Insurance plans ​ • Paid holidays & vacation ​ • Floating days off ​ • Parental leave for new parents ​ • Employee resource groups ​ • Learning & development programs ​ • Fun culture where you have an opportunity in shaping our future Career Path & Culture Primient is committed to a workplace that is all in – ensuring everyone has the opportunity to develop and shape a career that matters in an open culture which embraces equity, diversity and belonging. We challenge old ways of thinking; and encourage employee voices to be a guiding force for ongoing learning. ​ ​ Primient supports a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe our differences make better decisions, drive excellence, and deliver better business results. Primient employees experience autonomy and accountability in their role. Here, employees control their destiny as there is opportunity for career growth and pathways outside the norm. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging We are believers in the power of difference. We strive to represent the communities in which we operate and to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. We want Primient to be a place where every employee feels they belong and knows they are seen, heard, valued and safe to speak up. Our aspiration is to unlock the full potential in diverse perspectives, while offering everyone an equal chance to grow, Primient is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce . California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.

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