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Grain Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Wieland

3rd Shift Rolling Mill Operator

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

Performing in-process inspection, preparing and visually inspecting samples for QA; reduce scrap ... Monitor material quality, including flatness, gauge, hardness, grain size, and surface finish.

R J Van Drunen & Sons, Inc.

Forklift Operator

Crown Point, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

As a trusted partner in delivering fruit, vegetable,herb, and grain-based ingredient solutions to ... Perform daily equipment inspections and report maintenance needs. * Work in cold environments ...

R J Van Drunen & Sons, Inc.

Forklift Operator

Crown Point, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

As a trusted partner in delivering fruit, vegetable, herb, and grain-based ingredient solutions to ... Perform daily equipment inspections and report maintenance needs. * Work in cold environments ...

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All JobsGrain Inspector JobsGrain Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL

Grain Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.3K

$47.5K

$69K

How much do grain inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for grain inspector in Chicago, IL is $47,532.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,100.00 and $60,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grain inspector?

Grain inspectors are professionals who examine and grade grains such as wheat, corn, soybeans, and rice to ensure they meet quality and safety standards set by government agencies or industry guidelines. They sample grain shipments, check for moisture content, foreign materials, and signs of pests or disease, and issue official inspection certificates. Their work helps maintain the integrity of the grain supply chain and ensures fair trading practices between buyers and sellers.

What does a grain inspector do?

The duties of a grain inspector include inspecting containers, trucks, and railcars to ensure they meet requirements for carrying grain, ensuring they do not have leaks, infestations, or other issues. You are in charge of quality control and take samples of each grain load and test it using federal grain inspection procedures outlined by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and Agricultural Marketing Act (AMA). Other responsibilities include preparing for grading by running a number of tests and awarding each load with a corresponding grade based on moisture content, weight, and foreign material presence. Other tests may be required such as for measuring mycotoxins, proteins and oil, and more. You document all tests that you run and keep a record of all results and grades.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grain inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grain Inspector, you need a solid understanding of agricultural practices, grain quality standards, and sampling procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Experience with grading equipment, moisture meters, and government or industry-specific inspection software is typically required. Attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring accurate assessments and interacting with farmers and buyers. These skills and qualifications are vital to maintaining product quality, regulatory compliance, and fair trade within the grain industry.

What are some common challenges faced by grain inspectors during the harvest season, and how can they be effectively managed?

During the harvest season, Grain Inspectors often face increased workloads and tighter deadlines due to the high volume of grain that needs to be evaluated quickly and accurately. Adapting to varying environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures or dust, is another challenge. Effective time management, teamwork, and clear communication with farmers and facility staff are essential for maintaining accuracy and efficiency. Employers typically provide additional training and support during peak periods to help inspectors manage these demands.

What is the difference between Grain Inspector vs Grain Sampler?

AspectGrain InspectorGrain Sampler
CertificationsOften requires USDA or state certificationsMay require similar certifications, but less comprehensive
Work EnvironmentInspecting grain at storage facilities, mills, or portsCollecting samples at storage sites, during transport, or at processing plants
Industry UsageUsed in grain grading, quality control, and regulatory compliancePrimarily involved in sampling for testing and analysis

While both roles involve working with grain, a Grain Inspector focuses on evaluating grain quality and grading, often requiring certifications and regulatory knowledge. A Grain Sampler primarily collects samples for testing, which may be part of the inspection process but involves less certification. Both roles are essential in the grain industry and often work together to ensure quality and compliance.

More about Grain Inspector jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Grain Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Grain Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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For Grain Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Grain Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Grain Inspector jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Grain Inspector job openings:

Grain Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grain Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,532 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Forklift Operator

Van Drunen Family of Companies

Crown Point, IN • On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Join The Van Drunen Family Of Companies

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is growing! Keep operations moving at Van Drunen Farms.

At Van Drunen Farms, we're not just providing ingredients; we're providing people with purpose and possibility. As a trusted partner in delivering fruit, vegetable, herb, and grain-based ingredient solutions to companies around the globe, we're striving to build a values-aligned workforce that embodies humility, integrity, passion, and excellence. We are actively interviewing for positions on all three shifts.

Your role on the team:

  • Safely operate stand-up and sit-down forklifts to move, load, and unload materials.
  • Use RF scanners to track inventory and fulfill pick tickets with accuracy.
  • Transfer materials to storage, assist with shipping and receiving, and conduct cycle counts.
  • Manage documentation including shipping manifests, labels, and incoming paperwork.
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and report maintenance needs.
  • Work in cold environments (including freezers) with appropriate gear and support.
  • Collaborate across teams and follow all safety and procedural standards.
  • Contribute to a flexible and team-oriented environment by performing other duties as needed to support production goals, safety standards, and continuous improvement.
  • Support production areas including drying, freezing, grinding, sifting, boxing, and packaging.

What you bring:

  • Forklift certification or willingness to become certified upon hire
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English clearly and professionally
  • Strong time management, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Attention to detail and ability to work independently or as part of a team
  • Class B/CDL license is a plus

Physical requirements:

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks such as bending, kneeling, climbing, and pushing equipment
  • Comfortable working in varied environments (dusty, cold, hot, humid, wet, or loud).
  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including respirators, hearing protection, eye protection, and head protection.

Why Van Drunen Farms:

  • Weekly pay + production bonuses
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and training
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Tuition assistance + 401(k) with company match
  • Referral bonuses + career advancement pathways

Take the wheel and help us deliver excellence.

Apply today to explore how you can thrive as a forklift operator at Van Drunen Farms.

In the Van Drunen Family of Companies, commitment to excellence is in everything we do! As a global ingredient and nutritional supplement supplier to the world's best companies, we thrive on nourishing others with our products and our care for people. If you are looking to make an impact and grow with a family-friendly, values-driven company, you'll fit right in with the Van Drunen Family of Companies!

Our employees are the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, creativity, innovation, unique capabilities, and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our company's achievement as well.

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at recruiting@vandrunen.com.

Van Drunen Family of Companies may use artificial intelligence ("AI") in its recruitment and hiring process. To the extent AI is used, Van Drunen Family of Companies ensures that its use does not result in discrimination against applicants on the basis of any protected class.

Van Drunen Family of Companies does not accept unsolicited resumes. Any resumes, CV's, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a submitted request and written search agreement for a position-specific requisition will be deemed the sole property of Van Drunen Family of Companies and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by our company.

Equal opportunity employer: Disability/Veteran

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