Licensed Grain Inspector

The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for a Licensed Grain Inspector located in Great Falls, MT. Open until filled with first review of candidates October 1, 2023. Position is posted as full-time, but persons interested in possible part-time opportunities should apply. Successful candidate will be offered training opportunities to increase skills and pay.

The mission of the Department of Agriculture is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries.

The State Grain Laboratory, located in Great Falls, is responsible for the operation of a statewide grain and commodity inspection program. Accurate and unbiased sampling inspections and testing are performed in compliance with federal and state grain standards. The State Grain Laboratory is the only federally designated, official grain inspection service in the state of Montana. The purpose of official grain inspection is to certify the type and grade of crops for setting market values under federal standards issued by USGA/AMA.

Job Overview:

The purpose of official grain inspection is to determine the type and quality of Montana grown grain and crops, which in turn sets their market value.

As a Licensed Grain Inspector, you will:

• Collect and observe agricultural or agricultural-related samples ensuring representative sampling following standard operating procedures.
• Inspect samples and compare characteristics (e.g., size, shape, decay, soft rot, etc.) with standards and tolerance levels.
• Record data pertaining to agricultural samples.
• Respond to general agricultural inquiries.
• Maintain regular communication with growers to assess inspection needs, respond to questions, and provide advice and assistance.
• May prepare samples for analysis following proper protocols to ensure that they will be labeled, stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
• May set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
• Interpret and enforce government acts and regulations and explain required standards to agricultural workers.
• Declare quality of products including for conformance to specifications.
• Performs grading functions as a USDA/FGIS-licensed grain inspector for commodities.
• Provide direction to appropriate resources for information about diseased or damaged crops.
• Respond to customers regarding inspection reports including providing rationale for grading decisions and appeals processes.
• Use and apply federal, state, local, and industry/commodity-specific regulations, procedures, grading standards, and inspections.
• Use and apply federal, state, local, and industry-specific regulations, procedures, grading standards, and inspections.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of quality and safety standards for an officially licensed grain Lab.
• Skilled in explaining and demonstrating grading techniques and methods of grain or pulse inspections.
• Ability to operate all laboratory equipment.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees and public.
• Ability to obtain additional licenses for grading grain or pulse as required.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Travel required for sample collection.
• Outdoor work during inclement weather conditions.
• Requires working in a laboratory environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 - 2 years of job-related work experience.
• Possession of USDA/FGIS licenses to grade peas and/or lentils. A USDA/FGIS sampler/technician license and USDA/FGIS license as a NIRT technician.
• The Department may consider a training assignment whereby the successful candidate may obtain their license after hire.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted

Preferred Qualification:

• Relevant experience as a laboratory technician in an official grain lab.
• 1 year experience as a federally licensed inspector of pulse crops: peas, lentils, beans (chickpeas).

Benefits:

Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation package Upon date of hire, employees working at least half-time for more than six months are eligible for state paid premiums toward employee "core" medical, dental, and basic life insurance coverage. Employees earn 15 working days of annual leave, 12 days of sick leave and 10-11 paid holidays each year. Membership in a Retirement System - vesting criteria applies. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

---