Agricultural Commodity Grader

**JOB TITLE**: Agricultural Commodity Grader

**LOCATIONS**: Oshkosh, WI

**PAY SCALE & GRADE**: GS-1980-05/07

**JOB OPENS**: 04/16/2024

**JOB CLOSES**: 04/22/2024

**APPOINTMENT TYPE**: Permanent **WORK SCHEDULE**: Full-time

You can make a difference The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. MRP offers an array of occupations and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team

To learn more about what it's like to work at the Agricultural Marketing Service, what the agency does, and the types of careers, please visit the AMS careers site.

**Duties**
- The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
- The duties may include, but are not limited to:

- Inspect products to determine the quality, condition, and/or compliance with U.S. Grade Standards or stated contract specifications.
- Prepare inspection reports based on the examination of products.
- In difficult or unusual cases, prepare a draft certificates with a tentative determination and submits it for higher-level review.
- Draw and examine representative samples of products and determines grade, condition and wholesomeness in accordance with official grade standards, buyer-seller contracts or other specifications.
- Make observations to determine if plant facilities, operating methods, processing equipment and personnel are in compliance with sanitation requirements and Food and Drug Administration regulations.
- Observe the raw product material to establish the suitability for processing and advises plant management of the results.
- Perform a limited number of analytical determinations by prescribed methods and techniques, often under the direction of an inspector of higher grade.
- Instruct technicians and aids in proper grading and inspection techniques.

RequirementsConditions of Employment
- You must be a US Citizen or US National.
- Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
- Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
- Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
- Prior to an official offer, selectee may be required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) acknowledging/accepting that geographic mobility is a condition of employment. Failure to sign the MOU may result in withdrawal of the job offer.

**Qualifications**

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

**FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL**: Applicants must have 3 years of general, progressively responsible experience, one year of which was equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-4 level in the Federal service. Experience must demonstrate the ability to:

- Analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions, plan and organize work.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
OR
Applicants must have successfully completed a 4-year course of study, from an accredited college or university, leading to a bachelor's degree.

**FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL**: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 level) that demonstrates the ability to:

- Grade, sample and/or inspect fruit and vegetable commodities.
- Identify and describe product defects, and/or inspecting facilities. Draw samples of product, perform mechanical tests, attend formal training courses in grading agricultural commodities, and grade samples.
- Grade and inspect distinct products for comparison with clear standards and common contract specifications.
- Identify and describe common product defects or diseases.

OR
One full year of graduate level education in Agriculture, Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Business, Economics or a related field;
OR
**Superior Academic Achievement**:To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND must meet certain GPA requirements.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

**COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-05/07 GRADE LEVELS**:Applicants may have combinations of successfull