Grain Inspector #W0150

DHRM • Chesapeake, VA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Commodity Services is hiring part-time Grain Inspectors for its Grain Services Program. The team inspects, grades, and officially certifies domestic and export grain products in accordance with USDA Standards of Grain. The position is based at the Chesapeake Grain Office, with regular travel to grain facilities throughout Coastal Virginia and Hampton Roads and occasional assignments elsewhere in the Commonwealth, including Richmond, Petersburg, and Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Teamwork, on-the-job training, and self-directed learning support the development of the technical knowledge and skills required for the role.

The work includes sampling, weighing, stowage examinations, and laboratory testing as service demands require. Employees must be dependable and able to work a flexible schedule that may include overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays. During peak workloads, the program operates 24/7. Schedules may change with limited advance notice, and employees are designated essential during emergencies and must work during authorized agency closings.

This physically demanding position involves extended periods of standing and walking, climbing and descending up to 50 feet, reaching, and frequent bending and stooping. Work also requires visual and olfactory analysis, including the ability to distinguish colors and odors. Grain dust may affect allergic conditions. Employees must maintain a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record, meet qualifications to acquire required USDA licenses, and successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Positions are hourly, limited to 1,500 hours per year, and do not include benefits.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Reliability and ability to learn through training.
• Effective oral and written communication with a diverse clientele.
• Ability to work harmoniously with others and independently.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and follow instructions.
• Ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain complex rules and regulations.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to work varied hours and adapt to changing schedules with limited advance notice.
• Ability to distinguish colors and odors for visual and olfactory analysis.
• Ability to meet the required qualifications to acquire USDA licenses for sampling, stowage examinations, weighing, and other duties as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and a driving record reflecting responsibility for safety.
• Successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including extended standing and walking, climbing and descending up to 50 feet, reaching, and frequent bending and stooping.

Nice To Haves

• Related education, training, or experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Knowledge of or certification in agriculture, the grain industry, or grading another commodity.
• Knowledge of agriculture, farming, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Sample grain products.
• Weigh grain.
• Perform stowage examinations.
• Conduct laboratory testing as needed to meet service demands.
• Inspect, grade, and officially certify domestic and export grain products in accordance with USDA Standards of Grain.
• Travel regularly to grain facilities throughout Coastal Virginia and Hampton Roads, with occasional assignments elsewhere in the Commonwealth.
• Work assigned schedules, which may include overtime, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency agency closings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED