Lead Plant Operator - Canola Seed Processing

About the role

BASF Agricultural Solutions is hiring a Lead Plant Operator for its Idaho Falls Canola Seed Plant in Idaho Falls, ID (on site). You will lead daily plant activities across seed receiving, conditioning, cleaning, treatment, packaging, warehousing, inventory management and shipping, giving hands-on technical direction to plant operators, seasonal employees and contractors.

Key responsibilities

• Operate and oversee seed-processing equipment and systems, monitoring throughput, process efficiency and quality controls.
• Act as shift lead and technical resource, coordinating work assignments, reallocating resources and supporting production schedules and staffing plans.
• Troubleshoot plant processes and equipment, implement corrective actions to reduce downtime and support preventive maintenance.
• Ensure work follows Standard Operating Procedures, quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Promote safe work practices and support BASF EHS and Responsible Care programs through safety meetings, inspections, Job Safety Analysis, incident investigations and stop-work decisions.
• Serve as primary technical trainer for procedures, equipment operation, troubleshooting and safety, and support cross-training.
• Maintain operational records and compliance documentation and contribute to continuous improvement.

Required profile

• High school diploma or GED; equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• At least three years of experience in seed processing, agricultural manufacturing, warehouse operations or industrial production.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting plant processes and equipment.
• Team-development, communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Required skills

• Advanced knowledge of seed conditioning, cleaning, treatment, packaging, warehousing, inventory management and logistics.
• Inventory-management systems, SAP, Microsoft Office and plant reporting systems.
• Forklift and material-handling equipment operation.

What we offer

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible.
• Retirement savings plan with company match and investment options.
• Well-being programs including mental health support.
• Family benefits such as fertility, adoption and parental leave support, and back-up child and elder care.
• Mentoring, career development, matching-gifts program and employee discounts.