Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products
What is a Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products?
Graders and Sorters for agricultural products are essential workers in the agricultural sector responsible for inspecting, grading, and sorting a variety of crops and produce to ensure that they meet specific quality standards before they are sold or processed. Their primary role involves evaluating the size, shape, color, and overall quality of fruits, vegetables, grains, and other agricultural products to categorize them appropriately. This process helps maintain the quality and safety of food products, which is crucial for consumer satisfaction and compliance with industry regulations. These workers often utilize various tools and technology, including mechanical equipment and sorting machines, to enhance efficiency in sorting processes. They may also perform manual sorting when necessary, particularly for delicate or highly perishable items. Additionally, graders and sorters must keep detailed records of quality assessments and inventory to aid in tracking product movement and ensuring that standards are consistently met. Their work supports the agricultural supply chain by ensuring that only the best-quality products reach market, thereby impacting both farmers' profits and consumer health.
Tasks
- Place products in containers according to grade and mark grades on containers.
- Weigh products or estimate their weight, visually or by feel.
- Discard inferior or defective products or foreign matter, and place acceptable products in containers for further processing.
- Grade and sort products according to factors such as color, species, length, width, appearance, feel, smell, and quality to ensure correct processing and usage.
- Record grade or identification numbers on tags or on shipping, receiving, or sales sheets.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
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Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
Tools Used
- Grading machines for seed or grain or dried leguminous vegetables
- Sorting machines for seed or grain or dried leguminous vegetables
- Calipers
- Centrifugal separation equipment or parts or screens
- Electronic measuring probes
Knowledge
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Skills
Abilities
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Less than high school diploma
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Package agricultural products for shipment or further processing.
- Mark agricultural or forestry products for identification.
- Measure physical characteristics of forestry or agricultural products.
- Sort forestry or agricultural materials.
- Record agricultural or forestry inventory data.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$28400.0 - $42090.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.