Title: Poultry Grader #00474

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $44,126 - $52,530

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: MOBILE WORKERS SW

Agency Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

VDACS is excited to begin Poultry Grading services at a brand-new poultry further processing facility located in Danville, VA! This state-of-the-art facility will be producing cooked ready to eat poultry products such as chicken nuggets, breaded fillets, and other products. This is not a slaughter poultry plant. This position is eligible for a night shift differential for hours worked between 4:30pm-5:30am and is eligible for Over Time and Holiday Pay. Duties include applying appropriate USDA grade marks, monitoring government specifications to ensure plant compliance, following child nutrition guidelines, and signing off on all documentation that pertains to grading and inspection functions. This position is restricted and paid for with non-general funds generated by assessing user fees for grading services requested by industry. This position is assigned to a poultry facility and may require holiday and/or weekend work which may be unplanned due to unforeseen situations based on client needs. Position is also required to perform relief coverage for day and night shift graders when unavailable.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of manufacturing, quality control or agricultural practices is beneficial particularly if related to the poultry industry; however, if you have the ability to be trained on federal/state regulations and are able to meet the conditions of employment as noted below then this knowledge is not specifically necessary as training will be provided. Other qualifications include the ability to read and apply USDA/State manuals; basic math skills; be dependable and pay attention to details; demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team environment; and fundamental knowledge of computer applications. H.S. Diploma/GED required.
Conditions of Employment: Must have or be able to obtain USDA Poultry Grading License issued by the USDA after completing a minimum of 160 hours of on-the-job training. Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position which includes working in an environment that has rapid temperature changes, wet and slippery floors, high noise levels, and would require lifting up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Must be available to temporarily work in different plants in emergency situations. Must have (or be eligible for) and maintain a valid driver’s license and have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety.

The final candidate must be eligible to meet the Federal Office of Field Operations Assignment Restrictions Directive (FSIS Directive 4735.9) regarding assignment restrictions and family or personal relationships as well as the one-year restriction for candidates who previously worked for a business under FSIS inspection.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of poultry science, USDA Poultry Grading Regulations and Standards, or related fields. 

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 Layoff, and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.