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Grain Harvest Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grain Operator

Wye Mills, MD ยท On-site

$17.50/hr

Non-Harvest season is 7:00AM to 4:00PM Monday through Friday. Major Duties & Responsibilities: * Operate conveyance equipment to move grain to and from storage. * Load grain for outbound shipment.

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Grain Harvest Operator information

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$15

$18

$22

How much do grain harvest operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for grain harvest operator in the United States is $18.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grain harvest operator?

Grain Harvest Operators are agricultural workers responsible for operating and maintaining machinery used to harvest grain crops such as wheat, corn, barley, and oats. Their duties include driving combines, tractors, and other equipment to efficiently collect and process crops during the harvest season. They also inspect, clean, and repair machinery to ensure it functions properly and safely. Grain Harvest Operators may work long hours, especially during peak harvest times, and often travel between fields or even across regions depending on crop locations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grain harvest operator?

To thrive as a Grain Harvest Operator, you need practical experience with agricultural machinery, a solid understanding of crop harvesting procedures, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with GPS guidance systems, combine harvesters, and maintenance tools is typically required, and some positions may require a commercial driver's license (CDL). Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work long hours in a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality harvest operations, which are crucial for farm profitability and sustainability.

What are some common challenges faced by grain harvest operators during peak harvest season?

During peak harvest season, Grain Harvest Operators often face challenges such as long working hours, rapidly changing weather conditions, and the need to quickly adapt to equipment malfunctions. Coordinating with other team members and staying alert to safety protocols are essential due to the fast-paced and physically demanding nature of the work. Operators also need to balance efficiency with careful handling to minimize crop loss and maintain equipment reliability throughout the season.

What is the difference between Grain Harvest Operator vs Combine Operator?

AspectGrain Harvest OperatorCombine Operator
CertificationsHigh school diploma, safety trainingHigh school diploma, safety training
Work EnvironmentFields during harvest seasonFields during harvest season
Job DutiesOperating grain harvest machinery, monitoring cropsOperating combine harvesters, crop processing
Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in agricultureSpecific to combine machinery operation

The main difference is that a Grain Harvest Operator oversees the operation of various harvesting equipment, while a Combine Operator specifically operates combine harvesters. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but the Combine Operator focuses on a specific machine type, whereas the Grain Harvest Operator may manage multiple harvesting tools.

What are popular job titles related to Grain Harvest Operator jobs?

For Grain Harvest Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Grain Harvest Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,400 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Grain Elevator Operator - TEMPORARY/SEASONAL

Princeton, MO โ€ข On-site

$19.80/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist in implementing work schedules, safety programs, logistics, and record keeping in conjunction with the facility manager.

  • Perform all aspects of grain handling and facility operations, including weighing, grading, and operating loading/unloading equipment.

  • Inspect grain facilities daily, maintain inventories, and ensure compliance with environmental laws and safety policies.


Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!

Your Opportunity

Compensation $19.80 hourly.

This position is responsible for assisting in the implementation of work schedules, safety programs, logistics and record keeping in conjunction with the facility manager. Performs all aspects of grain handling and facility operations.

Core Respossibilities
  • Weigh and grade both inbound and outbound grain and grain products proficiently in an effort to ensure all products meet SFD specifications. Prepares scale receipts and enters deliveries into database.
  • Operate loading/unloading equipment to ship or receive grain products.
  • Inspect grain facilities daily to ensure equipment maintains proper condition of stored grains.
  • Help facility manager schedule logistics as they pertain to inbound and outbound grain.
  • Maintain and handle inventories to maximize SFD profitability including grain movements, condition, blending of grain/grain products.
  • Identify any problems or improvements and work with facility manager to find solutions.
  • Deal proficiently with customers on a daily basis.
  • Assist in implementing any specific work or safety programs set forth by SFD.
  • Responsible for being in compliance with all environmental laws and procedures to which Smithfield Foods and Smithfield Hog Production subscribes.
  • Report all environmental issues immediately to supervisor.
  • Read and understand the company's emergency notification process and will be responsible for reviewing that policy at their work site.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
  • Ability to understand and comply with all safety policies and practices.
  • Verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills.
  • Effective communication with grain customers.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team.
  • Available to work extended weekday and weekend hours during grain harvest seasons.
  • Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
Work Environment & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics & physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
  • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
  • Regularly work at elevated heights.
  • Routinely exposed to moving mechanical parts; outside weather conditions.
  • Must be able to tolerate cold, heat, grain dust, grain/mill odors, and noisy conditions.
Relocation Package Available No

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.