AGRI COMMODITY GRADER II (X162C)

Position Information

Summary

The Agriculture Commodity Grader II is responsible for providing technical supervision of company employees and for monitoring poultry and poultry products to ensure compliance with established standards. This position is governed by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations, state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Functions

Monitors temperatures and relative humidity in the coolers; checks temperatures of the washers, the individual egg, and the final rinse according to established procedures. Tests the sanitizer spray rinse to ensure compliance with USDA requirements. Verifies the accuracy of individual and bulk scales. Monitors and verifies the grading of poultry and poultry products performed by industry graders by observing, examining samples of finished products, counting, weighing, and checking temperature to ensure compliance with USDA regulations. Performs pre-operational sanitation inspection of the plant facility according to the USDA standards. Inspects poultry processed under government contract by examining product to determine conformance with specifications. Issues certificates for shipping, verifying compliance with regulations. Inspects trucks used for shipping poultry and poultry products for cleanliness and temperature control. Trains selected industry personnel to grade poultry to USDA standards, and notifies processing plant management of grading/operational problems and recommends corrective action. Contacts plant management of non-compliance standards and/or safety hazards; recommends corrective action. Maintains USDA Shell Egg and Poultry regulations and instruction manuals. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

Shift work is required. Exposure to varying temperatures and humidity levels is required. Frequent in-state travel is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of USDA grading and instructional manuals. Knowledge of shell egg and poultry processing equipment. Ability to pass a standardized test on federal regulations governing the grading and inspection of poultry and/or poultry products. Ability to perform/monitor on-site inspections to determine/verify compliance with USDA standards and recommend corrective action. Ability to complete and submit required documents and reports in accordance with established procedures. Ability to inspect facilities and equipment for cleanliness. Ability to perform commodity grading. Ability to oversee the work of industry poultry graders.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma; plus three year of experience in poultry inspection, commodity grading, or a related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

Must be licensed as a poultry and/or shell egg grader by the USDA as established by the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 as amended (7USC 1621).  Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license.