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NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES

POSITION CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION


Position Classification Title: Ag Commodity Grader,Trainer
Position Classification Code: U4029
Job Family: NMDA
Pay Level: 05
Exempt Status: Exempt
This description is intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed. It is not intended to be a complete list of specific duties of any particular position. Duties, responsibilities and bargaining unit eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.
Purpose of Classification:
Serves as an Ag Commodity Grader, grading, inspecting, and auditing an extensive list of agricultural commodities at various terminal market sites, such as, warehouses, railroad sidings, package plants, and similar facilities. The position is responsible for the examination and evaluation of fruits, vegetables, and nuts to determine their official U.S. grade and acceptability in terms of quality and condition in accordance with official standards and related regulations. This position is also responsible for conducting audits to verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, handled, packed, and stored in the safest manner possible. As part of the performance of commodity grading and inspection duties, this position, develops and delivers uniform training and education to Ag Commodity Graders, Commodity Grader Aids, and supporting personnel in grading, inspection, and auditing procedures for FV- 200 licensees, SC-201 licensees in accordance with official standards and related regulations. 
Standard Duties:
Selects representative samples from product lots in accordance with prescribed sampling procedures and plans; Inspects the products to !determine quality, condition, and/or compliance to stated contract specifications; Prepares inspection reports based on results of examination of product. This is done through application of official grade standards or contract specifications to determine product's grade and/or condition. Directly issues the certificate. Prepares and conducts audit opening meetings; Conducts GAP/GHP, Harmonized GAP, and Harmonized GAP Plus+ audits; Conducts audit closing !meetings; Prepares audit report based on audit results. This is done through the application of the applicable official audit standards and checklists. When necessary, explains determinations to appropriate industry employees. Provides education and training to Fruits and Vegetable Inspection personnel regarding the proper inspection, grading, auditing protocols, procedures, techniques, defect identification, defect scoring, and documentation of inspection results. Completes and maintains proper training records. Collects land analyzes information from Agricultural Commodity Graders, official governing agencies, and affiliate industry associations and stakeholders to identify areas to be addressed to ensure uniform and !accurate training, and the effective delivery of services. Develops program SOP's to maintain an effective and efficient program that operates within official rules, regulations and agreements and achieves its statutory mandate. Works to ensure consistent and uniform interpretation and application of grade standards and inspection procedures. Performs other miscellaneous duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the quality characteristics and grading standards for products in an agricultural commodity group. 
Skilled in communication, organization, analyzing, and advanced research to evaluate, develop and provide effective trainings. Skill in applying audit principles and procedures to identify any non- conformities and/or adherence to related regulations and industry- recognized food safety practices. Skill in applying grading principles, procedures, and regulations to identify, describe, and evaluate relevant quality characteristics such as color, taste, smell, physical shape, or type and origin of defect, and to compare the product characteristics with the standard. Graders also apply various manual skills in handling, testing, or evaluating products. 
Develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative; organize and direct activities. 
Minimum Qualifications:
   Education- High School diploma or GED certificate 
   Experience- Nine (9) years of experience directly related to the standard duties as outlined. 
   Equivalency- Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by Human Resource Services.
   Certifications/License- Unrestricted Market Licensee, Process Auditor, Supervisory approval on Market SC-201 license, USDA Terminal Market Training, USDA GHP/GAP Training, Harmonized & Harmonized Gap+ Training, and ISO9000 Training 
   Departmental Requirements-
   Special Requirements-