Trains employees on sampling, weighing, mycotoxin testing, falling numbers, NIRT analysis, inspection procedures, ITW, and grading procedures for the grains and commodities marketed in their region;

Develops broad-based and individualized training curriculum that adheres to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) commodity inspection regulations; coordinates and reviews the work of new inspection staff;

Adjust assignments to ensure in-training employees receive the knowledge and skills needed to obtain USDA commodity inspection licenses and perform high-quality daily work;

Proctors sampling, technician, and weighing license exams;

Administers written and practical grain/commodity inspection pretest;

Makes recommendations to the Inspection Supervisors regarding the progression of in-training employees;

Works with Quality Assurance/Quality Control unit to identify inspection training issues and objectives and deficiencies; and creates action plans for inspection staff to meet in training requirements; 

Troubleshoots inspection issues with staff, assess issues with inspectors who are missing important inspection criteria, and responds to USDA FGIS requests for information on training and inspection practices;

Knowledge of: adult learning styles, training methods and best practices; 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: engage, coach and mentor employees in learning activities; 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 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.

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, a wheat license, and eight (8) other licenses for grains and/or commodities. 

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. 

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

AND

Two years of experience in a state grain inspection office or in grain industry production, processing, marketing and testing,

AND

Two years’ experience as a supervisor or manager over staff.

Note: Experience may be gained concurrently. Equivalent education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.