Commodity Grader I

Job Code: 32000059
Salary Grade: NC04

Class Concept

This is grading work regarding the marketing of agricultural commodities in one or more of the following areas: poultry or shell egg, fruit and vegetable, peanut, or grain stations in the state of North Carolina for the Marketing Division, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Positions in this class are typically referred to as line graders.

Employees examine commodities for quantity, quality, condition, and other factors in certifying the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grade which serves as a primary criterion for determining the marketing price. The assignment of an official USDA grade is guided by a set of standards; however, judgmental decisions are required in determining the effect of variables such as the degree of weather damage and the presence of foreign materials. Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher-level grader or supervisor, and is reviewed for accuracy and uniformity in applying grade standards.

Employees may function as lead workers with additional duties and responsibility for program coordination with co-workers and/or plant management, overseeing the work of temporary and/or seasonal help, and recruiting/training new employees. Duties may also include the calibration and maintenance of equipment; conducting sanitation and safety inspections; the maintenance of records; and the completion of certificates, forms, and reports as required by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, the USDA, and packers, shippers and receivers. Work may include other duties as assigned.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of USDA standards, principles, and procedures for grading agricultural commodities in the area of assignment.
• Basic knowledge of commodity processing procedures and sanitation standards as applied to the determination of a grade.
• Ability to use and calibrate equipment in the area of assignment.
• Ability to coach, and/or supervise temporary or seasonal employees in sample pulling, grading procedures, and equipment use.
• Ability to make uniform and consistent decisions in assigning and certifying commodity grades.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with plant management, producers, shippers, receivers, co-workers, and others.
• Ability to complete required forms, records, and reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and one year of closely related work experience such as commodity grading, farming, quality control, working in a processing plant in the area of assignment, food service, grocery, and manufacturing; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

Ability to obtain licensure by USDA for commodities grader; possession of a valid state driver's license.