Poultry Grader #R0596

Virginia Information Technologies Agency

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a
Poultry Grader to service a poultry plant located in Temperanceville, VA.
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 and requires daily travel and may require holiday and/or weekend
work, which may be unplanned due to unforeseen situations.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of the poultry industry, poultry processing techniques, grading standards as specified by the USDA, and specifications governing the export of products.
• Knowledge of USDA Poultry Grading Standards and Regulations.
• Effective customer service, oral and written communication, organizational, and computer skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with plant management and agency supervisory personnel
• Must be dependable and pay attention to details
• To work with limited supervision
• To train and monitor plant personnel
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply USDA/State regulations.
• Prior work experience or background in poultry production, processing, or grading and in working with limited supervision.
• 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.
• 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.
• H.S. Diploma/GED required.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of manufacturing, quality control or agricultural practices is beneficial particularly if related to the poultry industry
• 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.
• Prior work experience or background in poultry production, processing, or grading preferred.

Responsibilities

• Applying appropriate USDA grade marks
• Monitoring government specifications to ensure plant compliance
• Signing off on all documentation that pertains to grading and inspection functions
• Daily travel
• Temporarily work in different plants in emergency situations

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees