Agricultural Commodity Technician (GS-1981) | Agricultural Marketing Service

Agricultural Commodity Technicians perform a variety of equipment check-testing with an emphasis on sample preparation, sample collection, data entry, shipping and receiving, record management, and other technical functions associated with grading, inspection, and program-specific functions. These duties may include:

Applying prescribed laboratory procedures to measure the quantifiable grading factors and preparing worksheets and summary reports of gradings and inspections.
Performing a variety of general office clerical support functions including receiving.
Composing routine correspondence including memos to inspectors and replies to inquiries from the general public.
Organizing and reviewing test data for accuracy and completeness.

This Position is Represented in the Following AMS Programs:

Work Environment

The work is performed in a controlled laboratory environment, which can include exposure to hazardous materials (grain dusts, fumigants, pesticide residue). The environment requires working in close proximity to others and/or alone; and operating a motor vehicle via a valid driver’s license. You may be required to work on weekends and overtime; travel for extended periods of time; and work multiple shifts.

Minimum Applicant Requirements

For GS-04 Level	For GS-05 Level and Above
Applicants must have either: Experience: Six months of general work experience equivalent to the GS-3 level that demonstrates: the ability to perform the work of the position. Experience that provides a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. AND Six months of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-3 level that demonstrates the ability to: Analyze various agricultural commodities (i.e., food, fruit, and vegetables) to ensure compliance with USDA standards. Assist with inspecting, testing, and weighing of agricultural commodities. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). OR Education: 2 years above high school with courses related to the occupation. OR Combination of Education and Experience: Possess a combination of the specialized experience and education.	Applicants must have either: Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level that demonstrates the ability to: Assist with inspections and mechanical measurements to define the kind and/or class and quality of agricultural commodities. Support agricultural commodity laboratory analytical and physical tests, which include sampling, testing, and solutions. Define if plant facilities, processing equipment, and personnel are following division sanitation requirements and Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. Utilize a computer for word processing, program-specific software and related functions, correspondence, and various reports. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). OR Education: Completed the requirements for a 4-year course of study from an accredited institution for the required specialized experience. OR Combination of Education and Experience: Possess a combination of specialized experience and successfully completed post-high school education to meet total experience requirements for the GS-5 level.

For GS-04 Level

For GS-05 Level and Above

Applicants must have either:

Experience: Six months of general work experience equivalent to the GS-3 level that demonstrates:

the ability to perform the work of the position. Experience that provides a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation.

AND

Six months of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-3 level that demonstrates the ability to:

Analyze various agricultural commodities (i.e., food, fruit, and vegetables) to ensure compliance with USDA standards.
Assist with inspecting, testing, and weighing of agricultural commodities.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).

Education: 2 years above high school with courses related to the occupation.

Combination of Education and Experience: Possess a combination of the specialized experience and education.

Applicants must have either:

Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level that demonstrates the ability to:

Assist with inspections and mechanical measurements to define the kind and/or class and quality of agricultural commodities.
Support agricultural commodity laboratory analytical and physical tests, which include sampling, testing, and solutions.
Define if plant facilities, processing equipment, and personnel are following division sanitation requirements and Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
Utilize a computer for word processing, program-specific software and related functions, correspondence, and various reports.

Education: Completed the requirements for a 4-year course of study from an accredited institution for the required specialized experience.

Combination of Education and Experience: Possess a combination of specialized experience and successfully completed post-high school education to meet total experience requirements for the GS-5 level.

Common Career Paths

Agricultural Marketing Specialist

Agricultural Commodity Grader

Equipment Technician