The Leadership Development Trainee program prepares motivated individuals to become the next generation of facility leaders at Viserion. Over the course of this 18–24-month program, trainees gain hands-on, cross-functional experience in grain and feed facility operations, safety, maintenance, commercial activity, and people leadership. Upon successful program completion, participants will transition into positions aligned with career interests, performance, and business needs. While the program offers a comprehensive experience across both bulk grain handling and feed manufacturing, it is possible to focus on either career path independently. Positions in scope for participants to grow and develop into include but are not limited to; Elevator Manager, Superintendent, Site Manager, Operations Manager, Merchandiser, and Maintenance Manager.
This program is designed for two kinds of candidates: recent college graduates beginning their careers, and experienced professionals without a two or four-year degree who are ready to take the next step into leadership. Both paths follow the same structured curriculum, mentorship, and performance review process.
ResponsibilitiesEssential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Participate in day-to-day facility operations including receiving, storing, transferring, and loading out commodities
- Learn and enforce Viserion safety programs; lead tailgate safety meetings and support incident investigations
- Assist with preventative and predictive maintenance activities alongside skilled trades and site leadership
- Complete regular facility, safety, and environmental compliance inspections
- Learn grain grading, blending, and quality management practices under FGIS and company standards
- Gain exposure to merchandising fundamentals – bids, contracts, freight, and position management
- Support accurate inventory reporting and understand how facility decisions affect P&L
- Gain exposure to and learn hiring, onboarding, payroll, and progressive discipline processes
- Build communication skills through regular reporting to facility and regional management
- Travel to other Viserion locations for training, exposure, and peer collaboration
- Other duties as assigned
Only applicable to feed manufacturing career paths:
- Learn and participate in day-to-day feed mill operations including receiving, batching, and load-out of finished feed
- Understand feed formulation, quality control, and regulatory compliance requirements
A 2-year or 4-year degree is preferred but not required. Candidates without a degree who bring relevant, progressively responsible work experience (e.g., grain, agriculture, industrial operations, maintenance, or supervisory experience) are encouraged to apply – that experience may substitute for the degree preference.
- Upcoming/recent graduates: Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business, Operations Management, or related field – no prior full-time work experience required
- Non-degreed candidates: relevant hands-on industry, operations, or leadership experience expected in place of a degree
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Self-directed, organized, and goal-oriented
- Comfortable adjusting to shifting schedules and multiple demands
- Demonstrates and promotes a strong safety mindset
- Genuine interest in pursuing a long-term career in the grain and feed industry
- Overnight travel is required throughout the program for training, site visits, and organizational exposure
- Willingness and ability to relocate is a plus and may open additional placement and advancement opportunities at the end of the program
- Safely be able to climb ladders: occasionally work at heights in excess of 100 feet.
- Occasionally lift 100 pounds with assistance from a coworker.
- Regularly moves items weighing up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
- Frequently required to: sit for prolonged periods of time, reach for/manipulate standard office equipment, communicate with various staff and/or reach for and manipulate objects.
- Frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions
- Occasionally required to work over water with and without consistent current (location specific)
- Occasionally exposed to elevated dust levels consistent with grain/feed handling equipment
- Occasionally exposed to chemicals used in facility maintenance, cleaning, or pest control
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business, Operations Management, or a related field for upcoming or recent graduates
- Relevant hands-on industry, operations, maintenance, agricultural, or leadership experience may substitute for a degree
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Self-directed, organized, and goal-oriented work style
- Ability to adjust to shifting schedules and multiple demands
- Strong safety mindset
- Genuine interest in a long-term grain and feed industry career
- Willingness and ability to travel overnight throughout the program
- Ability to climb ladders and occasionally work at heights exceeding 100 feet
- Ability to occasionally lift 100 pounds with coworker assistance
- Willingness to relocate
What We Do
Western Milling is an agriculturally based nutrient-solutions company serving plants, animals, and people. It manufactures commercial and retail animal feeds, including dairy, poultry, hog, and cattle formulas, plus minerals, supplements, flaked grain, and commodities. The company also supplies soil amendments, seeds, fertilizers, and specialty agricultural products, with co-manufacturing, trucking, rail, and merchandising services supporting agricultural customers across its integrated operations.
