Loader Operator

Koch Fertilizer, LLC is looking for a Loader Operator to join our Plant Operations team in Wever, Iowa! This is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a long-term career in fertilizer operations with a team that values ownership, initiative, and continuous improvement. In this role, you will play a key part in ensuring product moves safely and efficiently through our plant, directly contributing to production reliability and customer delivery.

We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their work, looks for better ways to do things, brings problems forward, and is motivated to grow their capabilities over time within our operations team. Your responsibilities and opportunities will grow as you demonstrate capability - we expand decision rights, or authorities, for people who take ownership, build skills, apply what they learn, and contribute to the team's success.

This role is not just about completing assigned tasks or earning certifications. Certifications and pay progression are tied to the results you deliver through demonstrated capability in the role. We recognize and invest in people who apply what they learn, take on more responsibility, and help the team improve.

The assigned work is outdoors in all types of weather conditions. The Loader Operator works 12-hour shifts (6:00-6:00) on a 4-5-5 rotation: 4 days on, 5 off, 5 nights on, 4 off, 5 days on, 5 off. This role requires periodic overtime coverage in addition to your normal schedule, at times on short notice, to maintain operation of the shipping area in a 24/7, 365 day a year facility. This site operates during all holidays. Site outages both planned and unplanned, as well as seasonality of customer needs, can require both overtime and change in schedule as appropriate.

• Loading & Operations: Safely and efficiently load trucks and railcars with fertilizer products while maintaining throughput and identifying opportunities to improve loading efficiency.
• This requires repeated task cycles including but not limited to crawling under rail cars to manipulate valves, using pneumatic stairs and gangways to access shipping tankers and railcars for top loading, manual manipulation of articulated loading arms and hoses, opening and closing top hatches and connecting and disconnecting ammonia tankers.
• Additionally, this requires working with various chemicals loaded onsite both hazardous and non-hazardous. Hazardous chemical loading requires additional protective PPE which is provided by the company.
• Use of small power tools is required for some tasks. Heavy equipment, e.g. a Cat End-loader, is required for dry fertilizer loading.
• Some DCS/HMI/PLC interaction required for most loading tasks.
• Coordination: Work closely with operations, maintenance, and logistics teams to ensure smooth product flow and proactively address potential disruptions.
• Customer Interaction: Build positive working relationships with truck drivers and rail personnel by communicating clearly, coordinating loading activities, and ensuring a smooth and efficient experience on site.
• Training & Development: Participate in training and actively seek opportunities to expand your knowledge of plant systems and operations. You will be expected to apply what you learn in the field, continue building capability, and use that capability to support the team.
• Ownership & Continuous Improvement: Identify and take ownership of problems even when they are not "yours," look for better ways to complete the work, and help others grow through sharing what you discover. Success in this role requires more than showing up and completing tasks - it requires contributing to the team's ability to operate safely, reliably, and efficiently.
• Troubleshooting & Problem Solving: Identify and help resolve loading and equipment issues, taking steps to prevent recurring problems
• Safety Ownership: Take personal responsibility for safety by recognizing risks, speaking up, and taking action to prevent incidents - even beyond assigned responsibilities

• High School Diploma or GED
• Willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the role, including:
• Working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Climbing stairs/ladders and working at heights
• Walking extended distances and performing repetitive physical tasks
• Wearing required PPE, including respirator and other protective equipment
• Lifting up to 50 pounds and operating manual valves/equipment
• Ability to operate automated systems and learn plant processes
• Ability to operate mobile equipment

• Experience operating heavy equipment or working in an industrial, manufacturing, or agricultural environment
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting experience
• Experience working in a team-based, safety-critical environment
• Demonstrated track record of learning new skills and taking on additional responsibilities