Job Title: Corn Sorter / Harvest Laborer
Job Description
This seasonal role supports harvest operations by safely sorting corn on a moving conveyor line, removing waste and damaged product, and ensuring only high-quality seed moves forward in the drying process. You will work in a fast-paced agricultural production environment from August through October, following strict safety procedures and maintaining a clean and organized work area while contributing directly to seed quality and overall plant efficiency.
Responsibilities
Safely sort corn on a moving conveyor belt by removing discard and waste, and ensuring only undamaged seed moves forward in the drying process.
Identify and remove off-@type ears, wet or immature ears, moldy ears, insect-damaged ears, husk ribbons, rogue ears, crop debris, and other foreign material, and return cobs needing re-husking to the appropriate area.
Work from a standing or elevated seated position in front of a moving conveyor belt for extended periods while maintaining focus and accuracy.
Abide by all safety policies and procedures, including the consistent use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Follow lockout/tagout, emergency stop (E-Stop), and other equipment safety processes as instructed.
Maintain cleanliness of the work area by sweeping, removing debris, and performing general housekeeping tasks as workload allows and as required.
Assist with kernel cleaning processes when materials change, ensuring smooth transitions and consistent product quality.
Report any accidents, near-miss incidents, or safety violations promptly to the appropriate supervisor, no later than the end of the shift.
Participate in incident and accident investigations as requested to help identify root causes and improve safety practices.
Maintain cleanliness of break rooms by cleaning up after yourself and following posted expectations.
Attend all scheduled shifts reliably to meet production demands during the harvest season.
Comply with site policies regarding vehicle operation, including wearing seatbelts in all motor vehicles on site and using only hands-free technology when operating a vehicle.
Refrain from using mobile phones or other portable electronic devices in working areas during work time, except as allowed with hands-free technology when operating vehicles.
Follow site rules prohibiting food and drink in working areas and park only in marked and designated areas as directed.
Support general labor tasks as needed, including loading and unloading, sweeping, packaging, and other production-related activities.
Essential Skills
Ability to speak and understand written English to follow instructions, safety procedures, and production guidelines.
Previous experience in physically demanding work environments.
Capability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a moving conveyor belt.
Ability to work with hands at a quick pace while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Comfort working in dusty conditions and around plant allergens such as corn dust.
Reliability and commitment to regular and consistent attendance during the harvest season from August through October.
Willingness and ability to follow safety policies, including lockout/tagout, emergency stop procedures, PPE use, and site rules.
Ability to work scheduled shifts that may include early mornings, long days, and weekend work.
Transportation to and from the assignment location, as this is the responsibility of the worker.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Understanding of seed operations or prior experience in seed processing is a strong plus.
Experience in general labor, agriculture, farm work, or harvest-related roles.
Experience in warehouse, production, or assembly environments.
Familiarity with loading and unloading trucks and handling materials safely.
Experience using hand tools and hand power tools in a work setting.
Previous exposure to packaging, packing, and cleaning tasks in an industrial or agricultural facility.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented production environment.
Comfort working outdoors during harvest season in various weather conditions.
Why Work Here?
You will join a mission-driven agricultural organization that supports farmers in feeding the world while protecting the planet. The workplace emphasizes safety, teamwork, and respect, offering a structured environment with clear procedures and support from experienced supervisors. Seasonal harvest work provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in modern seed production, develop practical skills, and work alongside a dedicated team in a fast-paced yet safety-focused setting.
Work Environment
This is a seasonal harvest position running from August through October at a production plant that processes corn seed. The role involves working on a moving conveyor belt, either standing or seated in an elevated chair, for extended periods. The schedule is structured with two main shift patterns: Sunday to Wednesday and Wednesday to Saturday, with long days and early start times. The environment can be dusty due to corn processing operations and may involve warmer temperatures, especially during peak seasons. During harvest, some work may take place outdoors in various weather conditions. The facility operates with strict safety standards, including mandatory PPE such as safety eyewear, general purpose gloves, and hearing protection, which are provided. Workers must wear long pants without rips or tears, a shirt with sleeves that at least cover the shoulders (no loose clothing), and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Utica, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $16.00 - $16.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Utica,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
