State of Maryland

An Agricultural Commodity Grading Supervisor is the supervisory level of agricultural commodity grading work.  Employees in this classification direct a comprehensive program of sampling, testing and grading activities for several different agricultural commodities.  This work involves the supervision of staff that interpret, explain, and apply a variety of technical standards and determine appropriate grade classifications based on comparison of observed conditions and/or test results to established standards.  Employees are expected to actively participate in performing the more complex grade determinations that are made based on experience, subjective analysis as well as objective comparison to standards.  Employees in this classification are often called upon to resolve differences of opinion regarding grade determination.  Employees in this classification have supervisory responsibility for lower-level seasonal and permanent Agricultural Commodity Graders.  

Employees in this classification receive general supervision and works under the administrative direction of the Section Chief.  Employees are expected to assist in promoting the Departments grading program and explain its purposes to farmers, processors, and consumers.  Work effectiveness is determined on the basis of accuracy, uniformity, and consistency of grading services delivered by the unit supervised.  

Positions in this classification are evaluated using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work Sections of the class specification.

Supervises the operation of a comprehensive agricultural commodity grading program;

Assists in selecting and training of lower-level Agricultural Commodity Graders;

Resolves differences in opinion regarding grade classifications;

Interprets and explains grading techniques, standards and requirements to owners, shippers, buyers, sellers and the general public;

Conducts seminars for applicants for grading services;

Prepares grade certificates and reports of findings;

Interprets technical standards, rules and regulations concerning grade determinations, grading procedures and commodity characteristics;

Performs appropriate observation and/or standard tests  independently to determine specific characteristics of sample commodities;

Performs other related duties

Knowledge of the expert grade standards, methods of distinction among grades and the method, techniques and tests used in the grading process for agricultural commodities;

Knowledge of modern supervisory practices;

Ability to understand, interpret and explain technical standards, rules and regulations applicable to the grading of agricultural commodities;

Ability to express ideas clearly;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;

Ability to make effective recommendations consistent with program priorities, established broad objectives and technical accuracy;

Ability to develop and implement administrative procedures and operational practices.

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Seven years of experience in the grading of agricultural commodities, four years of which must have been as a federally licensed grader of at least four agricultural commodities.

Notes:

1. Applicants may substitute education at an accredited college or university on a year-for-year basis for up to two years of the required experience.

2. Applicants may substitute additional experience as outlined above for up to four years of the required education.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in quality assurance, inspection and grading classification or quality assurance, inspection and grading specialty codes in the agricultural commodity grading field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

1. Employees in this classification may be required to obtain a valid Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license within 30 days of appointment.

2. Employees in this classification may be required to obtain the appropriate commodity grader licenses issued by the United States Department of Agricultural within three months of employment.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.  

This classification is not assigned to a bargaining unit, as indicated by the designation of S (Supervisor), M (Manager), T (Agency Head), U (Board or Commission Member), W (Student), X (Used by Agency or Excluded by Executive Order), or Z (Confidential).  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.