Agricultural Seasonal Sampler

State of Montana•Great Falls, MT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Department of Agriculture is serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky. 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 grad of crops for setting market values under federal standards issued by USGA/AMA. Grain Samplers may start their day at the Lab preparing samples for grading inspections. They may then be assigned a route for collecting samples. Most of the day may be spent driving the route from one grain elevator to the next. Elevators are located from 1 to 4 hours or more from the lab in Great Falls. While at each elevator, crop samples are taken from rail cars, trucks and totes or bags. The samples are then returned to the lab after completing the assigned route. The routes and crops being collected vary each day. The State Grain Laboratory uses on-the-job training methods during the normal paid work hours.

Requirements

Good driving record.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to lift up to 50 lb. crop samples and boxes.
Ability to climb ladders to the top of rail cars, hopper cars, and trucks.
Ability to carry a 12 ft. probe to the top of rail cars/trucks and insert into 12 feet of compacted grain.
Willingness to work outdoors in various conditions, including exposure to traffic, road construction, adverse weather, noise, fumes, and dust.
Willingness to work extended hours during peak season (end of July to early January), potentially up to 10 hours a day and seven days a week.
Willingness to work a reduced work week during off-peak season (January to July).
Ability to work independently and manage routes and crops varying each day.

Nice To Haves

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Prepare samples for grading inspections.
Collect grain and crop samples from rail cars, trucks, totes, and bags.
Drive routes to various grain elevators, which may be 1 to 4 hours or more from the lab.
Return collected samples to the lab after completing the assigned route.
Perform processing of samples in the laboratory using lab equipment.
Ensure accuracy in sample processing to meet federal standards.