Website Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Grain Inspector/Grader Apprenticeship–Wage #W0174 – Chesapeake
(Agricultural Specialist III, Pay Band 3)
Earn while you learn! The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Commodity Services, is pleased to offer several Grain Inspector/Grader Apprenticeship opportunities in the Grain Services Program. The Grain Services team works to inspect, grade, & officially certify domestic and export grain products in accordance with USDA Standards of Grain. While the apprenticeship program is based in Chesapeake, the successful candidates will travel regularly to grain facilities throughout Coastal Virginia/Hampton Roads, with occasional work assignments across the Commonwealth, including Richmond, Petersburg, & the Eastern Shore. The Apprenticeship Program offers a step-by-step career development plan supported by established pay steps. Teamwork based on-the-job training & self-directed learning will provide the foundation for the successful candidates to learn & achieve the technical knowledge, skills, & abilities required for the position. Duties include sampling, weighing and performing stowage examinations. As the program progresses, successful candidates may conduct lab testing and work towards earning grain grading licenses.
Scheduling: Must be dependable, able to report to work as assigned, and work a flexible shift schedule, including overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. During peak workloads, the program operates 24/7. Successful candidate must have the ability & flexibility to work varied hours & be able to adapt to changing work schedules with limited advanced notice. “Designated” employees are those who are required to work during an official closing because the services they provide are essential to agency operations during emergencies; employees in Grain Services are considered essential to agency operations and must work during official closings.
QUALIFICATIONS: Must be reliable, trainable, and have the demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (oral and written) with a diverse clientele and must also be able to work harmoniously with others, perform basic math, and follow instructions. The demonstrated ability to read, interpret, apply and explain complex rules and regulations; work independently; and have strong analytical skills are also needed. Knowledge of agriculture, farming, or a related field is desirable but not required as training is provided. H.S. Diploma/GED required. Prefer: Training/coursework in a related field with knowledge or certification in the grain industry or in the grading of another commodity is preferred. An equivalent combination of training & experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience. Pay: $17.98 per hour. Positions are paid hourly; limited to working no more than 1500 hours per year beginning each May; and do not include benefits.
Physical Demands: Position is physically demanding and requires long periods of standing, walking, climbing/descending of up to 50 feet, reaching, and frequent bending/stooping. Work involves visual & olfactory (sense of smell) analysis, therefore requires a verifiable ability to distinguish colors and odors. Grain dust may impact allergic conditions.
Conditions of Employment: Must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check and must maintain a valid driver’s license and have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for safety. Must meet the required qualifications to fully acquire a USDA license for sampler, stowage examinations, weigher, and other licenses as needed to meet service demands.
This is a Registered Apprenticeship opportunity through the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI).
To be considered, you must apply online at https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/. The positions will remain OPEN UNTIL FILLED. For more information or assistance, you may contact the Human Resources Office, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219; Telephone: (804) 371-8066; TDD/TTY: VA Relay 711 or 800-828-1120; E-mail hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov. VDACS is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force.
To apply for this job please visit virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com.