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Grain Inspector Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Andersons, Inc.

Worker II, Food Operations

Mansfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

The position involves operating scales, assisting with truck dumping, testing and grading grain, monitoring bins and grain flow, and performing routine inspections to ensure quality, food safety, and ...

All JobsGrain Inspector JobsGrain Inspector Jobs in Decatur, IL

Grain Inspector information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$10.7K

$44.8K

$65K

How much do grain inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for grain inspector in Decatur, IL is $44,755.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,900.00 and $56,700.00 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 cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Grain Inspector jobs?

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

Grain Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grain Inspector job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,755 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Worker II, Food Operations

Mansfield, IL • On-site

The Andersons, Inc.
Restaurants • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about The Andersons, Inc.external

$14 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

For assistance on how to apply, please click here
Job Description:
About The Andersons, Inc.
The Andersons, Inc., is a North American agriculture and renewable fuels company that conducts business in the agribusiness and renewables sectors. Guided by its Statement of Principles, The Andersons is committed to providing extraordinary service to its customers, helping its employees improve, supporting its communities, and increasing the value of the company. For more information, please visit www.andersonsinc.com.
Position Summary
The Food Operations Worker role supports the safe and compliant handling of food-grade grain used in corn chips and pet food through daily operations including receiving, storage, cleaning, inspection, packaging, and shipping. The position involves operating scales, assisting with truck dumping, testing and grading grain, monitoring bins and grain flow, and performing routine inspections to ensure quality, food safety, and operational integrity. Work is performed in a combination of indoor and outdoor environments within a 24/7 facility and requires strict adherence to GMP and SQF standards. A strong safety mindset is essential, as this role emphasizes following procedures, maintaining a clean and food-safe environment, and proactively identifying and addressing potential safety or quality concerns. This position is ideal for dependable individuals who take pride in their work, value teamwork, and are committed to working safely in a physically active, food-grade operation.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform assigned food grain operations tasks including but not limited to general facility upkeep, sampling for quality, and packaging
  • Operate various types of mobile equipment such as a forklift, bobcat, or payloader
  • Maintain a good working knowledge and adherence to all food safety policies and procedures
  • Perform all tasks in a fashion that promotes the safety and quality of our products
  • Actively participate in all required food safety and quality related meetings and training events
  • Identify and report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately

What is Expected of You and Others at This Level
  • Has developed skills through formal training or considerable work experience
  • Works within established procedures
  • Completes work with a moderate degree of supervision

SELF LEADER COMPETENCIES
Competencies Expected of You and Others at This Level
  • Customer Focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
  • Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
  • Values Differences - Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
  • Optimizes Work Processes - Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Instills Trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty. Integrity and authenticity
  • Ensures Accountability - Holding self and others accountable for meeting commitments
  • Being Resilient - Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations

Education and Experience
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent preferred
  • 1-2 years' relevant experience required

Physical Requirements and Working Environment
  • Must be able to stand for an extended period of time
  • Ability to frequently lift/push/pull up to 75 pounds
  • Must be able to climb/stoop/kneel at heights up to 180 feet
  • Works indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and temperatures
  • Working conditions could include dust, fumes, moderate noise and uneven surfaces

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It does not include all responsibilities and skills required of the job and may be changed at any time. All responsibilities must be completed in compliance with all safety protocols, policies, procedures and consistent with the spirit and philosophy of The Andersons' Statement of Principles. #IND123
Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer. The Andersons, Inc. is a Drug-Free Workplace. The Andersons, Inc. is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation.
Note: The Andersons, Inc. conducts drug, alcohol and/or medical testing of applicants and employees based on type of position. A copy of our testing policy is available by contacting the HR Department at talentacquisition@andersonsinc.com.
We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.
PHISHING SCAM WARNING: The Andersons is aware of the continued increase of phishing scams, leveraging various methods of attack via email, text, voice and social media. Please note that The Andersons only uses company email addresses, which contain "@andersonsinc.com", to communicate with candidates via email. If you are contacted by someone about an open job at The Andersons, please verify the domain of the sender's email address and that they are asking you to apply on this website. If you believe you've been a victim of a phishing scam, please visit the Department of Homeland Security's Cyber Smart website to learn how to report it.

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