Grain Inspector​/Grader

Position: Grain Inspector/Grader #01368
Title: Grain Inspector/Grader #01368, #01460

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $44,192 - $54,106 annually

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: CHESAPEAKE GRAIN OFFICE

Agency Website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Commodity Services, is pleased to offer a Grain Inspector/Grader Opportunity in the Grain Services Program. The Grain Services team works to inspect, grade, & officially certify domestic and export grain products in accordance with USDA Standards of Grain. While the Grain Inspector/Grader position is based in Chesapeake, successful candidates will travel regularly to grain facilities throughout Coastal Virginia - Hampton Roads, with occasional work assignments across the Commonwealth, including Richmond, Petersburg, & Virginia's Eastern Shore.

Teamwork based on-the-job training & self-directed learning will provide the foundation for successful candidates to learn & achieve the technical knowledge, skills, & abilities required to become licensed and certified. Successful candidates will sample, weigh and perform stowage examinations and conduct lab testing. Successful candidates will work toward earning corn and soybean grading licenses, and as they progress, future career growth opportunities, including advanced grading licensing may be introduced.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of agriculture commodities, farming or related field is desirable, however, if you have the ability & determination to be trained on federal/state regulations & are able to meet the conditions of employment as noted below then this knowledge is not specifically necessary as training will be provided. Other qualifications include excellent teamwork and customer services skills; demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse clientele and office supervisory personnel and work harmoniously with others;

read, interpret, apply, & explain complex rules & regulations; perform basic mathematical calculations and follow instructions; work independently with minimal supervision; be dependable and pay attention to details. Must have strong analytical skills; and be able to document accurately. H.S. Diploma/GED required.

Physical Demands: Position is physically demanding and requires long periods of standing, walking, climbing/descending of up to 50 feet, reaching, and frequent bending/stooping. Work involves visual & olfactory (sense of smell) analysis, therefore requires a verifiable ability to distinguish colors and odors. Grain dust may impact allergic conditions. Scheduling: Applicants must be dependable, able to report to work as assigned, and work a flexible shift schedule, including overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

During peak workloads, the program operates 24/7. Successful candidate must have the ability & flexibility to work varied hours & be able to adapt to changing work schedules with limited advanced notice. The position is designated as essential to agency operations during emergencies & employees are required to work during authorized closings such as during inclement weather (i.e. snow & ice storms, etc.).

Conditions of Employment: Successful applicants will be required to maintain a valid driver's license and have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for safety. Final candidates must meet the required qualifications to fully acquire a USDA license for sampler, stowage examinations, weigher, protein & oil testing within approximately 45 days of hire; licensure qualifications to grade corn & soybeans, and perform mycotoxin testing within approximately 8 months of hire;

licensure qualifications to grade wheat & mixed grains within approximately 24 months of hire; and other licenses as needed to meet service demands.

Additional Considerations

Training/coursework in agriculture or related field with knowledge or certification in the grain industry or in the grading of another commodity. An equivalent combination of training & experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities…