State of Maryland

An Agricultural Commodity Grader Trainee is the entry level of agricultural commodity grading work which involves the sampling, physical inspection, and grade determination of specific products. Employees in this classification receive formal and/or on-the-job training in the technical standards and grading techniques used to determine the applicable grade classification as it relates to quality and condition of various agricultural commodities. Satisfactory progression will also include experience in the application of a wider variety of standards and familiarity with a wider variety of commodities. Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive close supervision from an Agricultural Commodity Grading Supervisor, Agricultural Inspector, or 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. 

Learns to grade various agricultural commodities according to grading programs

Learns to select and draw samples to be graded. Learns to perform visual grading and/or standard tests to determine specific characteristics of sampled commodities;

Learns to compare observed characteristics and/or test results with established federal/State standards and/or company specifications;

Learns to interpret technical standards, rules and regulations concerning grade determination, grading procedures and commodity characteristics;

Learns to determines the appropriate grade classification of commodities sampled;

Learns to prepare grade certificates and reports of findings;

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

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

Performs other related duties.

Ability to learn, understand, and apply a variety of technical standards, procedures, and skills;

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

Ability to make accurate determinations of proper categorization based on comparison of observed physical characteristics to established standards;

Ability to prepare certificates or 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.

Note: Applicants may substitute experience in a phase of sampling, testing, grading, inspection or marketing of agricultural products on a year for year basis for up to four years of the required education.

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 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 non-competitively 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.