What are the responsibilities and job description for the Agricultural Commodity Grader-CMT position at USDA AMS SCI?
A USDA Agricultural Commodity Grader (Career Mixed Tour) is responsible for inspecting, grading, and certifying agricultural commodities to ensure they meet federal quality, safety, and marketing standards. A Career Mixed Tour position is a permanent USDA appointment in which employees work full-time during peak agricultural seasons and may have scheduled periods of reduced or non-duty time during slower seasons while retaining federal employee status and benefits.
Job Description
An Agricultural Commodity Grader performs inspections and grading services under the authority of the United States Department of Agriculture to support producers, processors, exporters, and consumers. The position requires evaluating the quality, condition, and compliance of agricultural products according to USDA grading standards and regulations.
Primary Responsibilities
- Inspect fresh and processed agricultural commodities at processing plants, warehouses, shipping facilities, and other production locations.
- Grade products according to USDA quality standards and official inspection procedures.
- Examine products for quality, maturity, size, color, defects, damage, and overall condition.
- Collect representative samples for laboratory testing or quality verification.
- Complete official inspection certificates, reports, and electronic documentation accurately.
- Verify compliance with federal regulations, customer specifications, and contract requirements.
- Operate grading equipment, scales, moisture meters, and other inspection tools.
- Maintain detailed records using USDA electronic inspection systems.
- Communicate inspection findings professionally with applicants, plant personnel, exporters, and industry representatives.
- Travel to assigned facilities throughout the inspection area as needed.
- Ensure compliance with workplace safety policies and USDA operating procedures.
- Maintain impartiality and integrity while performing official inspection services.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of USDA agricultural commodity grading standards and inspection procedures.
- Ability to identify product defects, quality factors, and grading characteristics.
- Strong attention to detail and observational skills.
- Ability to interpret regulations, manuals, and grading instructions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Proficiency with computers, tablets, and electronic reporting systems.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work in cold storage, processing facilities, outdoor environments, and varying weather conditions.
- Ability to lift equipment or product samples (typically up to 50 pounds).
Work Environment
Agricultural Commodity Graders frequently work in:
- Food processing plants
- Packing houses
- Cold storage facilities
- Warehouses
- Shipping and export facilities
- Agricultural production operations
The position may require:
- Early morning, evening, weekend, or holiday work during peak production seasons.
- Frequent travel within the assigned geographic area.
- Exposure to refrigerated environments, machinery, noise, dust, and wet conditions.
- Standing, walking, climbing stairs, and prolonged periods of physical activity.
Career Mixed Tour Schedule
A Career Mixed Tour employee:
- Holds a permanent federal appointment.
- Works a full-time schedule during seasonal periods of high workload.
- May experience scheduled periods of reduced hours or non-duty status during slower seasons.
- Retains federal employee status and eligibility for benefits during the mixed tour appointment, subject to applicable USDA and federal personnel policies.
Desired Qualifications
- Knowledge of agricultural commodities or food processing operations.
- Experience in quality assurance, food inspection, manufacturing, warehousing, or agriculture.
- Ability to make objective decisions based on established grading standards.
- Valid driver's license (typically required for travel between inspection locations).
- Successful completion of USDA training and certification requirements
Pay: From $40,948.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
License/Certification:
- CDL (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Burley, ID 83318 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $40,948