Commodity Grader II

Job Code: 32000060
Salary Grade: NC05

Class Concept

This is skilled grading work in the marketing of agricultural commodities in grading complex commodities or grader-in-charge work in the Marketing Division, North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Employees perform work in one of the following roles: skilled grading of a variety of complex products such as new poultry products; grader-in-charge work and/or training personnel in a poultry or shell egg plant, or fruit and vegetable, peanut or grain station; working as a relief terminal market grader; or a closely related set of duties. Skilled grading work includes working with a wide variety of graded products and/or packs for multiple contract specifications. Grader-In-Charge duties include program coordination with plant management, completion of required reports, and the training and supervision of permanent and/or temporary personnel. Work is performed under the general supervision of a grading supervisor and reviewed through periodic conferences and reports for accuracy and uniformity in applying grading standards. Work may include other duties as assigned.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of USDA standards, principles, and procedures for grading agricultural commodities in the area of assignment.
• Considerable knowledge of commodity processing procedures and sanitation standards as applied to the determination of a grade.
• Working knowledge of equipment calibration and use in the area of assignment.
• Ability to recruit, train, and supervise employees in sample pulling, grading procedures, and equipment use.
• Ability to make uniform and constant 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 and to compute billing charges.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and two years of closely related work experience including one year of experience in grading the commodities of the plant or station to which assigned; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Related work may include commodity grading, farming, quality control, working in a processing plant in the area of assignment, food service, grocery, and manufacturing.

Necessary Special Requirements

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