Is becoming a grain elevator worker right for me?
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How to become a Grain Elevator Worker
Becoming a grain elevator worker doesn’t usually require extensive formal education, but it does involve specific training and physical readiness. Here’s a general path to get started:
- Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent: Most employers require at least a high school diploma or GED. Basic math, reading, and communication skills are important for handling instructions, operating equipment, and tracking inventory.
- Gain On-the-Job Training: New hires typically receive hands-on training at the grain elevator, learning how to operate equipment, follow safety procedures, and handle grain properly. This training may last several weeks and is often supervised by experienced workers or supervisors.
- Obtain Safety Certifications (if needed): Some employers may require safety certifications such as OSHA training, fall protection, or confined space entry. Forklift certification or equipment-specific training may also be required, depending on the role.
- Be Physically Fit and Safety-Minded: The job requires stamina, strength, and a strong focus on safety. Employers look for reliable individuals who can handle demanding physical tasks and follow safety rules closely.
- Advance with Experience: With time, grain elevator workers can move into more specialized or supervisory roles, such as elevator operator, maintenance technician, or facility manager. Additional training or certifications can support career advancement.
Certifications
The following certifications may be offered through community colleges, technical schools, online training platforms, or directly through employers.
- OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry Certification: Offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), these courses cover essential workplace safety topics relevant to grain handling environments.
- Confined Space Entry Certification: Often labeled as “Permit-Required Confined Space Entry Training,” this certification teaches workers how to safely enter and work in confined spaces like storage bins and silos.
- Fall Protection Certification: This course is typically titled “Fall Protection Training for General Industry” and complies with OSHA standards for working at heights.
- Forklift Operator Certification: Also known as “Powered Industrial Truck Certification,” this training is required under OSHA standards for anyone operating forklifts or similar equipment.
- First Aid/CPR Certification: Provided by organizations such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, these courses certify individuals in basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).