Title: Poultry & Grain Grader - Relief #01363

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $44,192 - $54,106 annually

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

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a full-time relief grader for day/night shift in a poultry processing plant and to perform contract and non-contract inspection of grain by performing weighing, sampling, and stowage examination services by applying standards prescribed by USDA and in accordance with the U.S. Grain Standards Act. Primary duties include applying appropriate USDA grade marks, monitoring government specifications to ensure plant compliance, and signing off on all documentation that pertains to grading and inspection functions. Perform stowage examinations by visual inspection that ensure carriers and containers are clean, dry and fit for loading. Perform export and domestic weighing services by observing the weighing through physical supervision and monitoring the loading of grains and commodities through the scales, in or out of the elevator, into a carrier. This position is assigned as a poultry/grains grader and requires daily travel and may require holiday and/or weekend work, which may be unplanned due to unforeseen situations.

Minimum Qualifications

Working knowledge of the poultry industry, poultry processing techniques, grading standards as specified by the USDA, and specifications governing the export of products. Knowledge of USDA Poultry and Grain Grading Standards and Regulations. Effective customer service, oral and written communication, organizational, and computer skills. Ability to communicate effectively with plant management and agency supervisory personnel must be dependable and pay attention to details; to work with limited supervision; and to train and monitor plant personnel. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply USDA/State regulations. Prior work experience or background in poultry production, processing, or grading and in working with limited supervision. H.S. Diploma/GED required.

Conditions of Employment: 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. 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 meet the required qualifications to fully acquire a USDA/FGIS license for sampler, stowage examinations, weigher, protein & oil testing within approximately 45 days of hire. 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 to 50 pounds on a regular basis. 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.

Additional Considerations

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 then this knowledge is not specifically necessary as training will be provided. 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.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that before we can legally employ an individual, we must verify both the identity and employment authorization of the individual. VDACS uses Form I-9 to satisfy this requirement. Form I-9, instructions, and the List of Acceptable Documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9. VDACS does not offer sponsorship for employment purposes; therefore, the selected candidate will need to be able to provide acceptable documents in accordance with Form I-9 (use link above for more details). Additionally, VDACS participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional assistance with this requirement, please contact hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov.

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.