Butter Grader

IdahoPTV; Burley (ID); On-site; USD 45,460 - 64,747; Part time

Job summary

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is hiring a part-time Butter Grader in the Animal division at the Magic Valley location. Responsibilities include official sensory evaluations and determining USDA grades for butter, with on-site inspections of processing facilities and regulatory duties.

Qualifications emphasize passing the USDA butter grading exam, plus familiarity with sanitation and safe food handling. A basic taste test is part of the interview; travel to facilities is expected.

Qualifications

• Must pass the USDA butter grading exam to be eligible for the job.
• A basic taste test will be included as part of the interview.
• Experience with sanitation and safe food handling; ServSafe training encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Perform official sensory evaluations (taste, smell, sight, texture) of butter and related dairy samples.
• Determine and assign official USDA grades for butter using grade standards.
• Measure and document flavor defects, salt content, color, and body defects.
• Provide cursory inspections of dairy plants to verify sanitation and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor packaging and labeling for accurate USDA shield placement and labeling rules.
• Issue official USDA certificates of quality and maintain grading records.
• Communicate results to plant management and program supervisors.
• Travel to assigned processing facilities for on-site inspections and sampling.

Skills

Sanitation & food handling

MS Office basics

Computer operations

Word processing

Tools

Microsoft 365

Outlook

Excel

Job description

40.00 - 40.00 USD per hour

Posted 3 days ago | Apply before August 22, 2026

Description

“Dedicated to Advancing, Protecting and Promoting Idaho Agriculture with a Balanced Approach to Industry and Consumers”.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for a part time Butter Grader in the Animal division. The duty station will be located in the Magic Valley.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform official sensory evaluations (taste, smell, sight, and texture) of butter and related dairy product samples.
• Determine and assign official U.S. Quality Grades for butter using USDA grade standards.
• Measure and document factors including flavor defects, salt content, color uniformity, body defects (e.g., leakiness), and other quality attributes.
• Provide cursory inspections for the dairy processing plants to verify sanitation and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor packaging and labeling to ensure accurate USDA grade shield placement and compliance with labeling requirements.
• Issue official USDA certificates of quality for graded lots and maintain detailed, legally binding inspection and grading records.
• Communicate grading results and inspection findings directly to plant management and program supervisors.
• Travel frequently to assigned processing facility; perform on‑site inspections and sampling.

Minimum Qualifications

• The selected candidate MUST pass the USDA butter grading exam in order to be eligible to complete the job. A basic taste test will be included as part of the job interview process.

Specialty Qualifications

Thesequalifications are mandatory requirements.

Some knowledge of:

• Computer operations and word processing software. Typically gained by at least one year of professional work experience using programs such as those in Microsoft 365, Outlook, Excel or equivalent programs.
• Sanitation and safe food handling practices. This is typically gained by experience in sanitation and safe food handling through at least one year’s experience with hands‑on work in food service, agriculture, or manufacturing, as well as by completing relevant training and certification programs such as ServSafe.

Good Knowledge of:

• Agricultural practices and their impact on human health and food safety. Typically gained by two years' experience in an agricultural field OR completed coursework for a bachelor’s degree in an agricultural related field such as Agricultural Science, Biology, Ecology or a related scientific field OR a combination of education and experience equivalent to two years.
• Experience working with industry representatives. Typically gained by at least 2 years of related experience.
• Researching and evaluating agriculturally related natural resource and environmental issues and developing related policy for a governmental entity. This experience is typically gained through two years’ experience involving the analysis of agricultural and environmental data, and the development of related policies for government agencies.
• Writing technical reports or letters. Typically gained by at least one year of related experience, including college coursework.
• Valid driver's license

Temporary appointments from this announcement, serving at least one thousand forty (1,040) hours of continuous service, may be hired as an entrance probationary employee without further examination for the same classification and location as announced.

EEO/ADA/Veteran's Preference

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities; auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact [phone] (TTY/TTD: 711), or [e-mail] .

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Agriculture!