State of Maryland

An Agricultural Commodity Grader III is the journeyman level of agricultural commodity grading work.  Employees in this classification are normally assigned to a specific commodity packing or processing plant and are responsible for grading specific commodities or related groups of commodities.  The work involves sampling, testing, inspection and grade determination in assigned commodity groups.  Employees in this classification make independent grade determinations for a wider variety of commodities and resolve more complex grade distinctions.  Employees independently interpret and explain technical grading standards, statutory requirements and grading procedures.  Employees in this classification may supervise and review the work of lower-level Agricultural Commodity Graders.  

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a high level Agricultural Commodity Grader or Agricultural Commodity Grading Supervisor.  Work is evaluated in terms of the accuracy and consistency of grade determination and the ability to interpret and apply technical standards, procedures and regulations.   

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.

Samples, tests, inspects and grades agricultural commodities under general supervision in order to assign proper grade classification;

Interprets, explains and applies appropriate technical standards for the particular commodities graded;

Prepares certificates and reports of findings;

Performs other related duties.

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

Knowledge of the particular characteristics which are the basis for grade determination of the commodities graded;

Knowledge of the basic procedures and methods involved in sampling, testing and inspecting commodities for grade determinations;

Ability to understand, interpret and apply technical standards, regulations and procedures applicable to the grading process;

Ability to perceive subtle differences in size, shape, color texture or other physical characteristics;

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

Ability to prepare certificates or reports;

Abilty to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others;

Abilty to follow instructions.

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

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

                                                                   OR                               

                    Three years of successful, progressively responsible technical experience in a phase of sampling, testing, grading, inspection or marketing 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 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. 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.