See GRAIN SAMPLER/WEIGHER.

This is the senior, specialist level of the series. Positions are responsible to observe uniformity of grains and commodities; determine lot quality criteria, inspection plan tolerances and grading factors; and verify functionality of analytical testing equipment.

Under general supervision, positions provide guidance to lower level staff, oversee the work of shift employees and approve staff commodity ratings. Positions must maintain nine (9) US agricultural marketing commodity inspection licenses, to include complex grains and commodities such as lentils, peas, canola and barley.

Observes the uniformity of grain as to the kind, quality and condition; 

Determines lot quality criteria, inspection plan tolerances, and grading factors; 

Verifies functionality of analytical testing equipment; 

Assigns, instructs and checks work of Grain Sampler/Weighers and inspectors; 

Provides guidance to lower level staff on the fundamentals of grain and commodity inspection, the proper identification of varieties and classes of grain and the application of the United States Grain Standards; 

Provides guidance to lower level staff on laboratory methods to extract mycotoxin from grain, qualitative testing methods to determine toxins such as Aflatoxin, Vomitoxin, Fumonisin, Zearalenone and Ochratoxin to ensure conformance with Food Drug Administration (FDA) standards; 

Provides guidance to lower level staff in use of special grain inspection equipment such as Protein Near-Infrared Transmittance (NIRT) technology and Perten Falling Number Analyzer; 

Positions interact with Agriculture program managers, the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) field office manager and assistant manager, local facility managers, and grain and commodity trade representatives; 

Serves as lead in the absence of formal supervisor; 

Performs other related work as required.

Knowledge of: function of all laboratory equipment used in the determination of grades or other quality descriptions; varieties of grain; grain handling procedures at elevators, freight terminals and shipping points; United States Grain Standards Act governing sampling and certifying weights and grades of grain; Department standards and procedures for grain inspections; government contracts issued to processors; calculating machines and records procedures. 

Ability to: climb and work safely and with agility at high levels and around moving equipment under extra-hazardous conditions, and often in very high temperatures; work in environments that include exposure to chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides; detect conditions that would adversely affect grain grades; deal tactfully and effectively with stakeholders; train, assign, direct and check grain inspection sampling and weighing; utilize acute color and odor perception; keep accurate records; prepare accurate and legible reports.

Positions require a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and 21 specific licenses required by the US Grain Standards Act and the USDA Agricultural Marketing Act. In addition, positions require five (5) basic USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) commodity inspection licenses to include wheat, corn, soybeans, sorghum, and four (4) other licenses for grains and/or commodities such as lentils, peas, canola, and barley. 

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Bachelor’s degree with major study in agronomy or closely allied field, 

AND 

One year of experience as a Grain Inspector 1. 

Equivalent education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

New class; adopted June 13, 2019, effective July 1, 2019.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.