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Grain Merchandiser Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Grain Merchant Department: Merchandising Reports To: Vice-President, Grain Division Columbia Grain International, LLC is a global leader in the origination, processing, logistics, and distribution of ...

$150K/yr

Experience in animal nutrition, feed manufacturing, grain merchandising, or agricultural commodities. * Knowledge of ingredient procurement and commodity supply chain management. Skills * Exceptional ...

Grain Merchandiser information

See Oregon salary details

$11.6K

$131.4K

$209.3K

How much do grain merchandiser jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for grain merchandiser in Oregon is $131,450.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,900.00 and $201,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a grain merchandiser do?

A grain merchandiser purchases and sells grain as a commodity. Based on the market, which fluctuates based on supply and demand, they decide when to buy grain, then store it or process it until it is an ideal time to sell. They buy from farmers at a basis price at harvest, which is set based on the futures price, or the amount a buyer agrees to pay at a later date. Merchandisers often work for grain elevators, processors, or businesses that can hold the grain until resale. This job agriculture and business knowledge.

What does a grain merchandiser do?

A Grain Merchandiser is responsible for buying and selling grain commodities such as corn, wheat, and soybeans. They work with farmers, processors, and buyers to negotiate prices, arrange transportation, and ensure contracts are fulfilled. Their job involves analyzing market trends, managing risks, and maintaining relationships with clients to maximize profitability. Grain Merchandisers play a crucial role in the agricultural supply chain, helping ensure grain moves efficiently from producers to end-users.

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

To thrive as a Grain Merchandiser, you need a solid understanding of agricultural markets, commodity trading, logistics, and a relevant bachelor’s degree in business, agriculture, or economics. Familiarity with trading platforms, risk management software, and industry-specific ERP systems is typically required. Strong negotiation, analytical, and relationship-building skills help set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for maximizing profitability, managing market risks, and maintaining strong supplier and customer relationships in a competitive trading environment.

What are some of the main challenges a grain merchandiser faces during peak harvest season?

During peak harvest season, Grain Merchandisers often face the challenge of managing high volumes of inventory while ensuring timely logistics and delivery. They must closely monitor market prices, weather conditions, and transportation availability to make quick, informed decisions. Coordinating with farmers, buyers, and logistics providers can be demanding, and the fast-paced environment requires strong organizational and negotiation skills. Successfully navigating these challenges is essential for maximizing profitability and maintaining strong client relationships.

What is the difference between Grain Merchandiser vs Grain Buyer?

AspectGrain MerchandiserGrain Buyer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer experience in agriculture or commoditiesHigh school diploma or equivalent; knowledge of grain markets
Work EnvironmentOffice, grain storage facilities, transportation sitesOffice, grain elevators, farms
Industry UsageUsed by grain companies, cooperatives, and tradersPrimarily employed by grain elevators, cooperatives, and trading firms

Both roles involve working with grain commodities, but Grain Merchandisers focus on managing sales, logistics, and market analysis, while Grain Buyers primarily purchase grain directly from producers. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the grain industry.

How much money does a grain merchandiser make?

A grain merchandiser's average annual salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the company. Compensation may also include bonuses and benefits, and strong knowledge of commodity markets and trading skills can influence earnings.

What are popular job titles related to Grain Merchandiser jobs in Oregon?

For Grain Merchandiser jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Grain Merchandiser jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Grain Merchandiser jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Grain Merchandiser jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Grain Merchandiser job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Grain Merchandiser jobs in OR?

For Grain Merchandiser jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Grain Merchandiser job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $131,450 per year, or $63.2 per hour.

Grain Merchant

COLUMBIA GRAIN

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Columbia Grain rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

154th of 440 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Title: Grain Merchant

Department: Merchandising

Reports To: Vice-President, Grain Division

Columbia Grain International, LLC is a global leader in the origination, processing, logistics, and distribution of high-quality bulk grains, pulses, edible beans, oilseeds, and organics for domestic and worldwide export markets. Our vertically integrated company is headquartered in Portland, OR, and we own and operate over 60 facilities, including grain elevators and pulse processing plants across WA, ID, MT, NE, and ND.

At all levels of our organization, our employees are some of the most experienced and knowledgeable in the industry. We've spent over 40 years cultivating lasting partnerships with a wide network of producers and the local communities surrounding our facilities, which enables us to source the highest quality product to fulfill our mission of feeding the world.

Position Description

The Grain Merchant is primarily responsible for buying and selling bulk grain utilizing shuttle freight, DET's, COT's, single rail cars and trucks. The Grain Merchant will work with the other members of the team to work toward operational goals while maintaining quality and efficiencies.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Trades major product line commodities for the company rail as a profit/loss center.
  • Monitors export and domestic markets and arbitrage opportunities.
  • Hedges purchases/sales of commodities through an on-line order entry system.
  • Coordinates grain shipments with elevator managers, other merchants and customers.
  • Projects freight needs and corresponding coverage in deferred positions.
  • Monitors railroad and barge performance, events, tariffs and rail incentive programs.
  • Communicates with other company departments, vendors and customers.
  • Other duties assigned.

Skills, Knowledge, Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or Business-related or 4 year's industry experience.
  • Strong conceptual and problem-solving skills to evaluate problems and apply knowledge to identify appropriate solutions; ability to resolve issues effectively and efficiently.
  • Strong customer service orientation and ability to establish solid working relationships.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and other employees.
  • Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
  • Strong interpersonal skills; ability to interact with all levels of management.
  • Ability to be flexible and adaptive to successfully achieve the function of the position.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, storage, interest, commissions, ratios and conversions quickly and accurately.
  • Good work ethic (team environment, both safe and quality), efficient and willingness to perform all required work with good attendance.

Benefits Offered

  • Comprehensive Health, Dental, and RX benefits
  • Company paid Life Insurance and Disability
  • Flexible Spending Plans
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 401K Retirement savings plan
  • Paid Holidays, Vacation and Sick leave

Successful completion of initial and ongoing employment screens, including but not limited to criminal background and vehicle record as required.

Columbia Grain is an Equal Opportunity Employer


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