State of Maryland

An Agricultural Commodity Grader II is the full performance level of agricultural commodity grading work which involves the sampling, physical inspection, and grade determination of specific products. Employees in this classification make independent grade determinations for specific commodities or related groups of commodities. Employees resolve more complex grade distinctions and independently determine and explain technical grading standards, statutory requirements and grading procedures. Employees in this classification may assist in providing training and guidance to lower-level Agricultural Commodity Graders.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from an Agricultural Commodity Grading Supervisor, an Agricultural Inspector or an Administrator. Work performance is evaluated in terms of accuracy and consistency of grade determinations and the ability to interpret and correctly apply technical standards, procedures and regulations.

Work involves uncomfortable or unpleasant surroundings, including deviations in temperature, odors, repetitive motions, and outdoor inspections on farms. Work involves exposure to hazardous conditions such as wet, slippery floors; and exposure to chemicals and heavy machinery. The work requires the use of protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, masks, hard hats and safety shoes. The work may involve lifting up to 65 - 100 lbs, and requires climbing ladders.

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.

Selects and draws samples to be graded;

Performs visual grading and/or standard tests to determine specific characteristics of sampled commodities;

Compares observed characteristics and/or test results with established federal/State standards and/or company specifications;

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

Determines appropriate grade classification of commodities sampled;

Prepares grade certificates and reports of findings;

Explains grading techniques, standards and requirements to owners, shippers, buyers, sellers or other interested parties;

May perform egg inspections, grain inspections or some other limited type of inspection;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the physical characteristics, basic production processes, processing operations and distribution methods of common varieties of commodities graded;

Ability to understand, interpret and apply technical standards, statutory requirements, regulations and procedures involving grading operations;

Ability to perceive slight differences in physical characteristics such as size, shape, color, texture or consistency;

Ability to make accurate determinations of proper categorization on the basis of observed physical conditions and/or laboratory tests as compared to established standards;

Ability to prepare certificates and reports;

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others;

Ability to follow instructions.

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

Experience: One year of experience as an Agricultural Commodity Grader I.

OR

Two years of successful, progressively responsible technical experience in a phase of sampling, testing, grading, or inspection of agricultural products.

Notes:

1. Additional qualifying experience as outlined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four years of the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience 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. A valid Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license may be required before appointment to some positions in this class. Applicants must list the license number and date of issuance on the application

2. Employees in this classification must obtain the appropriate commodity grader license issued by the United States Department of Agriculture, after a period of initial training, and within three months of appointment.

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 assigned to Bargaining Unit C, Regulatory, Inspection and Licensure classes. As provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining. Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation. An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime, as provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series. NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance level in a classification series. In order to be noncompetitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series, an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class, as defined by the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.