The incumbent serves as an Agricultural Commodity Technician (ACT) in a grain inspection field office or suboffice in support of the activities of the office. Expected to independently perform the full range of sampling, analytical and physical testing, and weighing in the office, serves as a troubleshooter in resolving technical issues related to these areas, and has the ability to communicate the results to industry personnel.

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: Ensures accurate weights and accurate determinations of events that support the official weight certification. Performs visual inspection and mechanical measurements to assist in establishing the kind and/or class and quality of grain/rice/pulses and related commodities to be processed. Prepares samples for inspection and file sample retention by dividing gross samples of grain/rice/pulses or related commodities to obtain official work and file sample portions. Performs the full range of laboratory analytical and physical tests found in assigned field office . Monitors grain collected by mechanical (diverter-type) samplers during export loading operations. Serves as a troubleshooter, resolving problems with all the tests common to a field location. Conducts stowage examinations in shipholds, barges, hopper cars, and other containers to ensure cleanliness and acceptability of storage handling facilities. Samples, checkweighs, checkloads, and inspects food and non-food products for AMS, FSA, DPSC, VA, and private contracts. Adheres to Civil Rights policies, goals, and objectives in performing the duties of this position.

Requirements

• 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.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• May be required to work Holidays, weekends, and overtime.
• Works frequently in Grain Dust environments.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.

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-04 LEVEL: Applicants must have six months of general experience AND six months of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level in the Federal Service. General experience is any type of work that demonstrates the ability to perform the work of the position or that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Specialized experience is that which is described below: Performs a variety of industrial methods (sampling, weighing, and analytical and physical testing), procurement, materials, machinery, or facilities used in a production, processing, or transportation-related operations. Inspecting, handling, storing, and transporting of applicable commodity (e.g. grain and grain products, or fruit and vegetable products) in accordance with established procedures, practices, and safety requirement. Determines accurate weighing, loading, and sampling of commodities and takes remedial actions to correct the situation. OR Successful completion of 2 academic years of study above high school with courses related to the occupation Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Provide various function in the facility such as quality control, inspection, production, storage, and transportation. Aiding in the inspection of the applicable commodity including establishing the class and quality of grain, preparing samples for inspection, and/or perform laboratory analytical and physical tests. Conduct quality control work, analyze food products lab, and/or supports regulatory analysis of food within the government or private sector. Provide grain weighing and handling procedures for Grain Commodity positions or food processing operations. OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation. Note: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-04/05 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Marketing Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]