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State of Washington Classified Job Specification

GRAIN INSPECTOR A

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GRAIN INSPECTOR A
Class Code: 568Q
Category: Agricultural Operations
Salary Range: 36
Abolished Effective: 02-15-2013


Definition

Inspects, grades and certificates grain and other agricultural commodities; at the B and C levels may supervise and/or train other employees.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The three levels of this class are distinguished by the successful completion of a United States Department of Agriculture examination for competency in grading one or more grains including wheat. The following levels require the following licenses for the grain office to which assigned: A level - wheat license; B level - wheat and four other licenses for grains and/or commodities; C level - wheat and eight or more grains and/or commodities.  

Grains and/or commodities are wheat, barley, mixed grains, corn, oats, rye, sorghum, flaxseed, soybeans, peas, lentils, beans or triticale.

Typical Work

Inspects grain and agricultural commodities by testing, grading and certifying lots according to the United States Grain Standards and Agricultural Marketing Acts; issues and signs grade certificates;  

Works directly with elevator superintendent and others in coordinating loading activities;  

Performs reinspections upon request of interested parties;  

Samples, weighs and/or supervises weighing and sampling of grains and commodities; assigns, instructs and checks work of grain samplers, sampler-weighers, and inspectors; assists in the training of the fundamentals of grain and commodity inspection and instructs employees in the proper identification of varieties and classes of grain and the application of the United States Grain Standards; provides continuous information as to the grade and quality of grain during loading;  

Checks ships' holds to determine fitness for grain cargo and other commodities; recommends needed corrective measures to ships' officer or agents; issues ship sanitation certificates in compliance with State and Federal regulations;  

Operates infrared reflectance analyzer and falling numbers machine to determine quality of grain;  

Performs other related work as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

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; detect conditions that would adversely affect grain grades; deal tactfully and effectively with interested parties; train, assign, direct and check grain inspection sampling and weighing; utilize acute color and odor perception; keep accurate records; prepare accurate and legible reports.

Legal Requirement(s)

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.   

For all levels A-B-C applicants must meet license requirement of USDA/FGIS for the functions of these positions and for the grain office to which assigned.  

Of note, grains and/or commodities are wheat, barley, mixed grains, corn, oats, rye, sorghum, flaxseed, soybeans, peas, lentils, beans, or Triticale (Triticale is a crop species resulting from a plant breeder's cross between wheat [Triticum] and rye [Secale]).

Desirable Qualifications

Grain Inspector A - One year of experience as a Grain Sampler and a U.S. Department of Agriculture license to inspect wheat.

Class Specification History

New class: 3-14-90
Revised definition: 1-13-89
New class code, formerly 4528A general government, effective July 1, 2007.