Agricultural Commodity Grader (*Repost

Introduction

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland's Executive Branch. Formed in 1972, it addresses agricultural needs for the state and oversees animal health, consumer services, plant and pest management, and resource conservation. The Food Quality Assurance Program conducts inspections, audits, registrations and certifications of agricultural commodities and facilities, funded through fees charged to producers, processors and wholesalers.

This position is emergency essential, on a rotating shift with flexibility to work various day or night shifts. Day shift: 7:00 am–5:00 pm. Night shift: 4:30 pm–3:30 am.

U.S. citizenship is required to obtain the required USDA licensing.

Grade: ASTD9

Position can be based out of Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, or other counties on the Eastern Shore. Duties will be completed mainly on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

This position selects and evaluates samples of poultry as a resident grader and relief grader to certify compliance with established standards for grade, weight, labeling and buyer specifications. Accurate and impartial certification provides a standard description that promotes uniform marketing and ensures buyer satisfaction.

• Select, evaluate, and document results for samples of poultry accurately, efficiently and in accordance with established standards.
• Evaluate safety hazards, document findings, and take appropriate action in accordance with established procedures. Retain or prohibit processing of USDA shielded product based on safety hazards, labeling, and/or sampling results.
• Review documents, regulations, procedure updates, memos, specifications, etc., from the Maryland Department of Agriculture, USDA and other agencies; maintain files, handbooks and implement required actions.
• Complete and submit required documents (certificates, volume reports, time sheets, work assignment sheets, charge sheets) accurately and in accordance with requirements.
• Communicate effectively with plant management, MDA supervisor, other MDA employees, industry personnel, wholesalers, retailers, food service management, federal supervisors, consumers, etc., concerning regulations, technical grading standards, procedures and non‑compliances.
• Provide dependable coverage of assigned shifts and other duties as assigned.
• Provide effective training and education concerning poultry standards & quality factors to plant employees, other MDA employees, students and the general public at public fairs and seminars.
• Oversee and coordinate grading activities at poultry processing plants to ensure specification requirements are met.

• Education:
  
  Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• Experience:
  
  One year of progressively responsible technical experience in sampling, testing, marketing, grading or inspecting agricultural products.
• Up to four years of experience may substitute for one year of education.
• Military service experience in quality assurance, inspection and grading may substitute for required experience on a year‑for‑year basis.

• Experience working on a farm or ranch, including internships and volunteer work.
• Experience interpreting and applying State and/or Federal agricultural or food safety regulations such as the National Organic Program regulations, Produce Safety Rule, and Good Agricultural Practices regulations.

U.S. citizenship is required to obtain required USDA licensing.

• Motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.
• Appropriate commodity grader license issued by the USDA, to be obtained within three months of appointment after a period of training.

This position requires work that may involve exposure to temperature extremes, odors, repetitive motion, outdoor inspections in all weather, hazardous environments with chemicals and heavy machinery, and slippery floors. Physical demands may include lifting cases of eggs and poultry, extensive walking through agricultural…