Agricultural Commodity Grader I

About the Department

The Maryland Department of Agriculture, established in 1972 under Maryland's Executive Branch, serves as a regulatory authority for animal health, consumer services including marketing and lab testing, plant and pest management, and resource conservation. Agriculture is the leading industry in Maryland, and the department's agricultural programs continue to expand.

Program Overview

The Food Quality Assurance Program consists of four divisions conducting inspections, audits, registrations, and certifications of agricultural commodities and facilities. Its mission is to guarantee consumers receive safe, high-quality agricultural food products while ensuring fair trade practices and boosting marketability. Funding for this program comes from fees paid by producers, processors, and wholesalers.

Role & Responsibilities

• This emergency-essential position operates on rotating shifts, requiring flexibility to work various day (approximately 7:00 am to 5:00 pm) or night shifts (approximately 4:30 pm to 3:30 am).
• The main location for duties is primarily the Eastern Shore of Maryland, with the position based in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, or Eastern Shore counties.
• Certified credentialing under USDA licensing is mandatory and requires U.S. citizenship.
• Responsibilities include selecting, grading, and documenting poultry samples based on established standards for grade, weight, labeling, and customer specifications ensuring uniform marketing and consumer satisfaction.
• Monitor and document safety hazards, enforce compliance, retain or prohibit processing of USDA-shielded products when needed, while maintaining control over retained products.
• Review and apply updated documents, regulations, and procedures from the Maryland Department of Agriculture, USDA, and other agencies; maintain files and ensure accurate completion of certificates, volume reports, timesheets, and related documentation.
• Maintain clear and effective communications with plant management, Maryland Department of Agriculture supervisors, federal personnel, industry managers, retailers, food service management, and consumers regarding regulations, grading standards, procedures, and violations.
• Offer training and educational sessions on poultry grading standards and quality factors for plant employees, Maryland Department of Agriculture staff, USDA personnel, students, and the public during seminars and fairs.
• Supervise and coordinate grading activities at poultry processing facilities ensuring that specifications are thoroughly met.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent certification from an accredited institution is required.
• At least one year of progressively responsible technical experience in sampling, testing, marketing, grading, or inspecting agricultural products is necessary.
• Education can be substituted with up to four years of additional relevant experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Military service as a non-commissioned officer in quality assurance, inspection, or grading in agricultural commodity grading may substitute experience similarly.

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience working on farms or ranches, including internships or volunteer work.
• Familiarity with interpreting and applying state or federal agricultural or food safety regulations such as the National Organic Program, Produce Safety Rule, and Good Agricultural Practices.

Requirements and Licenses

• Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship to qualify for required USDA licensing.
• A valid Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license is mandatory for roles involving vehicle operation.
• Commodity grader license issued by the USDA must be obtained within three months post-training after appointment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• This job may involve exposure to temperature extremes, odors, repetitive motions, and outdoor inspections under varying weather conditions.
• The position may require work in hazardous conditions with exposure to chemicals, heavy machinery, and slippery surfaces.
• Physical activities include lifting cases of poultry and eggs, extensive walking across agricultural fields, and climbing ladders for grain sampling.
• Personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, hard hats, safety shoes, rubber gloves, biosecurity protective gear, and hairnets are required.

Additional Terms and Conditions

• This is an emergency essential position with rotating shifts between day and night.
• Application must include complete information demonstrating fulfillment of qualifications by the closing date.
• Applicants with education completed outside the U.S. must provide validated equivalency documentation before hiring.

Benefits

Contractual employees working over 30 hours weekly may be eligible for subsidized health coverage with 75% of premiums paid by the State. Dental, accidental death, dismemberment, and life insurance are also available at full employee cost. Leave accrual is one hour per 30 hours worked with a maximum of 40 hours annually.

Application Process

Online applications are preferred. Paper applications and supplemental questionnaires should be submitted directly to the Maryland Department of Agriculture Human Resources office by the deadline. Faxed or emailed documents, resumes instead of applications, or late submissions will not be accepted. Up-to-date application information is required before consideration. Support is available via MD Department of Budget and Management for application issues.

Candidates with disabilities and bilingual skills are encouraged to apply. Veterans are also warmly invited to apply. Maryland is committed to equal employment opportunities and workforce diversity.