At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate and maintain fertilizer plant equipment while ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: Join UFA, a leading agricultural co-operative dedicated to community growth.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on diversity and employee growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in agriculture while working in a dynamic team environment.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years of hands-on experience in fertilizer or industrial operations.
The predicted salary is between 62100 - 75900 $ per year.
Reporting to the Team Lead, Facility Operations, UFA is seeking an experienced, hands-on Senior Fertilizer Facility Operator with approximately 8–10 years of relevant experience in fertilizer plant operations, agricultural operations, industrial plant operations, or a comparable environment. This role is responsible for supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of our fertilizer facility in Ponoka, Alberta. The successful candidate will bring a strong combination of operational experience, mechanical aptitude, and practical problem-solving skills to ensure the facility, equipment, and daily operations run effectively.
This is a dynamic, hands-on position that requires someone who is comfortable operating plant equipment, performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and stepping into different operational responsibilities as business needs change. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong ownership of their work, sound judgement, adaptability, and a collaborative approach to working within a close-knit team. The ability to work safely and efficiently in a fast-paced agricultural environment, particularly during peak fertilizer seasons, is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Support and participate in the daily operation of the fertilizer facility, including receiving, blending, loading, shipping, and handling fertilizer products.
- Operate fertilizer blending equipment and plant control systems to accurately prepare and load fertilizer products according to established specifications.
- Monitor plant operations and equipment performance to ensure safe, accurate, and efficient production.
- Operate loaders, conveyors, augers, pumps, and other agricultural or material-handling equipment as required.
- Support inventory movement and reconciliation activities to maintain accurate product handling and operational efficiency.
- Take ownership of assigned operational activities, proactively identifying challenges and ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently.
- Adapt to changing operational priorities and provide hands-on support across different areas of the facility during peak agricultural seasons.
Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and practical repairs on fertilizer plant equipment and associated machinery.
- Identify and troubleshoot mechanical issues involving pumps, motors, conveyors, drive systems, hydraulics, and other plant equipment.
- Complete routine maintenance activities, including lubrication, adjustments, replacement of wear components, and seasonal equipment preparation.
- Identify equipment deficiencies and take appropriate action to minimize downtime and maintain operational readiness.
- Recognize when specialized repairs are required and coordinate with qualified external service providers.
- Maintain accurate equipment maintenance records and communicate repair requirements, equipment conditions, and operational concerns to management.
- Support off-season maintenance and equipment preparation to ensure the facility is ready for peak operating periods.
Health, Safety & Operational Efficiency
- Maintain a strong commitment to workplace health and safety when operating equipment, handling fertilizer products, and performing maintenance activities.
- Follow established safe operating procedures, hazard assessments, lockout/tagout requirements, and applicable environmental and workplace safety standards.
- Conduct equipment inspections and identify unsafe conditions, ensuring defective equipment is removed from service when necessary.
- Ensure fertilizer blending and loading activities are completed accurately to prevent product loss, equipment damage, and operational disruptions.
- Demonstrate sound judgement and the ability to make timely decisions in situations where safety, accuracy, and operational efficiency are critical.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe fertilizer facility, shop, and yard.
- Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, operational processes, and overall facility efficiency.
Teamwork & Operational Support
- Work collaboratively with operations, sales, agronomy, management, seasonal employees, and external service providers to support daily business requirements.
- Demonstrate a team-first approach and willingness to assist with a variety of operational tasks as needed.
- Share operational knowledge and provide guidance to less experienced team members when appropriate.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and management regarding operational priorities, equipment concerns, and potential challenges.
- Demonstrate adaptability, accountability, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
- Support seasonal operational demands, including extended or flexible working hours during peak fertilizer seasons.
Qualifications & Experience
- Approximately 8–10 years of relevant experience in fertilizer plant operations, agricultural operations, industrial plant operations, or a comparable hands-on operational environment.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with practical experience troubleshooting, maintaining, and performing routine repairs on equipment.
- Experience operating agricultural, industrial, or material-handling equipment.
- Practical understanding of equipment operation, mechanical systems, and basic plant control systems.
- Ability to identify mechanical or operational issues, assess risks, and take appropriate corrective action.
- Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and safe equipment operation.
- Strong operational judgement, problem-solving skills, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities, manage competing operational demands, and work effectively under pressure.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a collaborative and dependable approach.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting up to 25 kg, and work extended or flexible hours during peak agricultural seasons.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience operating or maintaining a fertilizer blending facility or agricultural retail operation.
- Experience with fertilizer handling, blending, loading, or agricultural product movement.
- Experience operating and troubleshooting conveyors, augers, pumps, motors, loaders, and related plant equipment.
- Experience with equipment control systems, hydraulics, or basic mechanical troubleshooting.
- Agricultural or farming background with an understanding of seasonal operations and equipment requirements.
- Relevant experience in oil and gas, industrial processing, or similar plant operations.
- Relevant technical training, equipment certifications, or applicable commercial driver's license.
Senior Fertilizer Facility Operator employer: UFA Limited
UFA is an exceptional employer that prioritizes operational excellence and employee growth in the vibrant community of Saskatoon, SK. With a strong focus on fostering high-performance teams and providing career advancement opportunities, UFA cultivates a supportive work culture that values safety and productivity. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the petroleum sector while enjoying the benefits of working in a collaborative and dynamic environment.
