Agricultural Commodity Grader; Dairy

Position Overview

In this position you will serve as an Agricultural Commodity Grader (Dairy) responsible primarily for conducting plant survey inspections of dairy processing plants by evaluating plant premises, equipment, operations, and products to determine compliance with official specifications/requirements and eligibility for official plant approval status. You may also perform grading and inspection of dairy food products.

Key Responsibilities

• The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
• Conducts a methodical check and evaluation of facilities, processing equipment, processing and packaging methods.
• Prepares detailed inspection reports covering a large number of carefully examined items in each inspection to determine plant compliance with the specifications and overall program requirements.
• Meets with plant management to explain plant evaluation findings and makes recommendations for correction of conditions that are not in compliance with specifications.
• Conducts follow-up visits, as required, to monitor and assess problem areas at specific plant locations and to assure ongoing eligibility of plants to produce approved product.
• Selects representative samples of product for test weighing and for container and product quality examination, and prepares samples for transmittal to designated laboratory for chemical and bacteriological analysis.
• Applies and interprets official standards, contract specifications, and instructions in the inspection or grading of butter, cheese, dry milk and other dairy or related products.
• As required, inspects product at time of loading in order to identify the commodity as that which was previously inspected and found to meet quality requirements of the contract or specification.

Required Qualifications

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• May be subject to a one year probationary period.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
• Selectee will be subject to a pre-employment medical statement and/or exam.
• 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.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.