Senior Fertilizer Facility Operator

Department:
Sales

Employment Type:

Full-Time

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, reliability, 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…