Grain Inspector (Ag Inspector) - Marshall, MO

State of Missouri; Marshall (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Missouri in Marshall, MO is seeking a Grain Inspector to perform field inspections at grain elevators and support lab duties. You will work in variable hours, including nights and weekends, with travel within central Missouri to serve nearby customers.

The role emphasizes unbiased inspection, safety, and accurate sample processing, with growth opportunities and a strong state benefits package.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s license.
• High school diploma or GED/equivalent.
• Able to adapt to variable schedules including nights, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands‑on field work in grain elevators.
• Inspect grain condition and samples; assist in lab processes.
• Act as an unbiased third party between buyers and sellers.
• Maintain equipment and work environments; communicate reliably.
• Travel within Marshall, MO area and central Missouri as needed.

Skills

Communication

Reliability

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Location: Central Region of Missouri, based in Marshall, MO. Employees residing in the following Missouri counties are preferred for proximity to frequent customers, but residence outside of these counties is NOT disqualifying: Saline, Lafayette, Carroll, Chariton, Howard, Cooper, and Pettis counties. See travel section for more information.

Why You’ll Love This Position

No two days are the same! Grain inspectors primarily perform hands‑on work in the field (typically at grain elevators) with some in‑office duties. Some work is independent, and some with a team. Some work is outdoors, and some is indoors. There is always something to learn!
Acting as an unbiased third party between buyers and sellers, Grain Inspectors play a critical role to Missouri agriculture – supporting local farmers, and helping to feed, fuel, and clothe the world!

Compensation

• Starting base salary: $42,000

Pay incentives

• +$4.00 per hour for nights & weekends
• +$5.00 per hour when working on shuttle trains
• Full state benefit package (see benefits section)

Years‑of‑Service Retention Pay PlanThe salary indicated represents the current regular pay rate for this position. If the individual selected is eligible for a pay differential (e.g., Years of Service), it will be added to total compensation on their paycheck. A pay differential does not raise base pay.

Schedule

• Variable hours: there is not a set schedule
• Work does occur on nights, weekends, and some holidays
• Early starts (5a - 8a) are common
• Long days (10-14+ hours) are common

Compensatory Time

• When working 40+ hours in a week, comp time is gained (1.5x) – which can be used similarly to vacation time or when customer service needs are lighter.
• New as of Fall 2026! Employees also have the option to pay out comp time periodically.

Growth Opportunities

After the initial required inspection licenses and overall successful job performance:

• Salary increases: Additional inspection licenses; Years‑of‑Service Retention Pay Plan
• Promotional opportunities: Senior Agricultural Inspector, Specialist, Assistant Manager, and Manager
• Receive on‑the‑job training (no experience required)
• Inspect condition of carriers (such as railcars, barges, and containers)
• Obtain samples of grain throughout the loading process
• Process the samples for moisture, test weight, dockage, foreign material, insects, mycotoxins; inspect the grain for damage and other subjective factors
• Maintain vehicles, sampling and lab equipment, and work environments properly
• Maintain effective, professional working relationships with other employees, customers, and the general public
• Obtain USDA/FGIS licenses within established timeframes
• Perform other related work as assigned

Travel

• Inspection office: Marshall, MO
• Territory: Central Missouri territory, with occasional work in other areas of Missouri such as Canton, MO and Adrian, MO, as needs arise
• Travel Expectations: Employees are expected to commute to the closest inspection office from their home each workday, pick up a state vehicle, and are dispatched to work site(s).

• Travel between inspection office(s) and work site(s) is on the clock.
• Employees typically return to their home office within the same day. Therefore, this position is listed at 0-10% travel.
• While longer and overnight shifts do occur, overnight hotel stays are very rare.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 18 years old
• Possess a valid Driver’s license
• Possess a high school diploma or GED/equivalent
• Work experience may be substituted for deficiency in the required education
• Adapt to variable work schedules that include nights, weekends and holidays, and that are subject to change with minimal notice
• Consistent & reliable communication & transportation

Physical Considerations

• Regularly work in a grain elevator environment that may include factors such as loud noise, grain dust, all forms of weather, extreme heights and moving belts or mechanisms
• Occasionally work in enclosed spaces (shipping containers) for short periods to inspect the carrier for damage
• Distinguish subtle differences in color & odor
• Occasionally work from heights, including the ability to frequently climb stairs and ladders
• Frequently lift a minimum of 15 pounds, and occasionally lift 50 pounds to a height of five feet with reasonable accommodations
• Sit or stand for extended periods (several hours)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Agriculture-related experience such as crop production, feed mills, general farm labor, grain elevators, grain/oil seed processing, livestock production, or other closely related area; OR
• Skilled trades or similar, such as assembly, carpentry, construction, electric, heavy equipment operation, HVAC, manufacturing, technician, quality control, welding; OR
• Similar field or relevant experience

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Conflict Of Interest

Prior to hire, candidates must disclose whether they, their spouse, their minor children, or any relative residing in their household hold any employment or other connection to commercial grain businesses in Missouri.The salary indicated represents the current regular pay rate for this position. If the individual selected is eligible for a pay differential (e.g., Years of Service), it will be added to total compensation on their paycheck. A pay differential does not raise base pay.The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

• 3 weeks paid vacation AND 3 weeks paid sick leave
• 13 paid holidays per year
• Insurance: health (medical, dental, vision) and free life insurance
• Retirement: including a match on savings plan
• Up to 6 weeks paid parental leave for birth or adoption
• And several additional resources including the SELF program (formerly EAP), discount websites, and healthy living incentives!

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Notice to Applicants

The Missouri Department Agriculture is unable to sponsor applicants in their application for work visas through INS. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources.