Title: Poultry Grader #W0069

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $21.25 - $25.75 per hour

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 part-time Poultry Grader to service poultry plants located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. 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. 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 as a poultry grader at Un-Scheduled plants and requires daily travel and may require holiday and/or weekend work, which may be unplanned due to unforeseen situations.

This position is eligible for a night shift differential for hours worked between 4:30pm-5:30am and is limited to 1,500 hours per year.

Minimum Qualifications

Include the ability to read and apply USDA/State manuals; work with minimal supervision; basic math skills; be dependable and pay attention to details. Demonstrated ability to follow established procedures, exercise sound judgment, and maintain accurate records. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Ability to adapt to changing workloads, schedules, and work environments. 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 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.

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.