Get your foot in the door for a permanent Federal job! The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for permanent positions to be filled immediately. If you are selected, you will be trained to be a USDA Agricultural Commodity Grader to inspect fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops in College Park, GA.

Responsibilities

As a USDA Agricultural Commodity Grader, you will be trained to perform the necessary duties listed below.
For fresh fruits and vegetables and related products: 
Selects representative samples from the product lots in accordance with prescribed sampling and plans.
Inspects products to determine the quality, condition, and/or compliance with U.S. Grade Standards or stated contract specifications. Typically, this requires considering such factors as:
  • product size, shape, color, and similar quality factors;
  • product maturity, firmness, breakdown or decay, bruising, and similar condition factors; and
  • quantity, packaging, or similar conditions which are common in contract specifications.
Prepares inspection reports based on examination of product. This is done through application of official grade standards or contract specifications to determine product’s grade, quality and/or condition. 
When the assignment involves products with which the employee is thoroughly knowledgeable, the incumbent applies the official standards and regulations to determine the product’s grade and/or condition and directly issues the certificate using the FEIRS software on the ruggedized laptop issued to each grader, but only after first learning the certification process utilizing handwritten note sheets and certificates. Verbally explains inspection determinations to appropriate industry employees.
In difficult or unusual cases, prepares a draft certificate with a tentative determination and submits it for higher-level review (i.e., a supervisor, inspector-in-charge or senior grader) before issuance.
As assigned, performs inspections and grading of products with which the employee is unfamiliar under the guidance of a senior grader, inspector-in-charge or supervisor.

Skills

For processed fruits and vegetables, related products and/or nuts:
Draws and examines representative samples of products and determines grade, condition and wholesomeness in accordance with official grade standards, buyer-seller contracts or other written specifications.
Makes observations to determine if plant facilities, operating methods, processing equipment and personnel are in compliance with SCI sanitation requirements and FDA regulations. If the plant or operation is not in compliance, the grader reports this to plant management and higher SCI Division officials.
Observes the raw product material to establish the suitability for processing and advises plant management of the results. If/when corrective action by the plant is necessary, inspector monitors and assesses effectiveness.
Performs a limited number of analytical determinations by prescribed methods and techniques, often under the direction of an inspector of higher grade.
Instructs technicians and aids in proper grading and inspection techniques.
May serve as a lead grader at a processing plant, peanut buying point and/or shelling facility and may coordinate activities, schedules and work assignments for other inspection personnel assigned to the facility.
May monitor processing plant operations, product grade evaluation, and quality control
procedures; provides technical assistance as necessary.

Qualifications

Below are a list of position requirements:
 
  • Selectee will be subject to a pre-employment medical statement and/or exam.
  • Valid state driver’s license is required at the time of application.
  • Prior to an official offer, selectee will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) acknowledging/accepting that geographic mobility is a condition of employment. Failure to sign the MOU will result in withdrawal of the job offer.
  • The work environment includes exposure to freezing and/or hot temperatures, fumes, dust and odors from coolants, slippery surfaces, moving materials, handling equipment, high noise levels and in close proximity to others.
  • The work requires periods of physical exertion to lift and move boxes, cartons and heavy packages of product (often weighing over 50 pounds); prolonged periods of standing, walking, stooping, bending, and climbing.
  • The work requires physical coordination and finger dexterity in at least one hand to perform digital examinations of commodities;
  • Normal or corrected vision in at least one eye for distance, depth perception, and color to detect abnormalities in product.
  • The ability to assure safety in a highly mechanized and/or noisy environment through adequate or correctable hearing.
  • The work requires use of both legs, arms, and hands to perform carrying, pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, kneeling, grasping, and working with hands in water.
  • The work further requires working on weekends and overtime; traveling for extended periods of time; working multiple shifts and changing/rotating shifts (i.e., first, second and third).

Security Clearance Requirements

Basic public background check.

Eligibility to Work Requirements

Able to work in the U.S.

Required Documentation

Send password protected copies of Federally formatted resume, DD-214, VA Disability Civil Service Letter, if applicable, and any unofficial transcripts to ams.scp.recruitment@usda.gov.

Learn more