The incumbent serves as an Agricultural Commodity Grader responsible for conducting grading of dairy products and inspections of dairy processing plants by evaluating premises, equipment, operations and products to determine compliance with official specifications and eligibility for plant approval status.

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: Conducts a methodical check and evaluation of facilities, processing equipment, processing and packaging methods Prepares detailed inspection reports covering a large number of carefully examined items in each inspection to determine plant compliance with the specifications and overall program requirements. Meets with plant management to explain plant evaluation findings and makes recommendations for correction of conditions that are not in compliance with specifications. Conducts follow-up visits, as required, to monitor and assess problem areas at specific plant locations and to assure ongoing eligibility of plants to produce approved product. Selects representative samples of product for test weighing and for container and product quality examination, and prepares samples for transmittal to designated laboratory for chemical and bacteriological analysis. Applies and interprets official standards, contract specifications, and instructions in the inspection or grading of butter, cheese, dry milk and other dairy or related products.

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/
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Prior to an official offer, selectee will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) acknowledging/accepting that geographic mobility is a condition of employment. Failure to sign the MOU will result in withdrawal of the job offer.
• All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.
• Occasional holiday, weekend and night shifts.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level) that demonstrates: Knowledge of processing and packaging methods and procedures, plant facilities, equipment, and sanitary procedures. Recognizing, identifying, and describing common product characteristics relevant to the products graded, such as taste, smell, color, shape, or texture. Experience preparing detailed inspection reports. OR Applicants must have successfully completed a 4-year course of study, from an accredited college or university, leading to a bachelor's degree. FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level) that demonstrates: Knowledge of processing and packaging methods and procedures, plant facilities, equipment, and sanitary procedures. Recognizing, identifying, and describing common product characteristics relevant to the products graded, such as taste, smell, color, shape, or texture, and skill in comparing the characteristics to standards or contract specifications to make consistent determinations Experience preparing complex inspection reports that cover a large number of carefully examined items Make, explain or defend nearly all grade or inspection determinations, only rarely requiring technical assistance in borderline cases. OR 1 full year of graduate level education OR Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND 1) have a class standing in the upper third of the graduating class, 2) membership in a national scholastic honor society (excluding Freshman honor societies), or 3) must meet certain GPA requirements. GPA requirements: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on official transcripts or as computed based on 4 years of education, or courses completed during the final 2 year of the curriculum; OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required course completed in the major field or courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum (GPA will be rounded to one decimal place, e.g., 2.95 rounds to 3.0 and 2.94 rounds to 2.9). COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 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

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Marketing Service USDA, AMS, Dairy Program 1400 Independence Ave, SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]