Receiving Grader

Cardinal-Foods; Burgaw (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardinal-Foods is seeking a Receiving Grader to inspect and grade incoming sweet potatoes, ensuring they meet quality specifications before processing. You will evaluate product quality, identify defects, record results, and communicate issues to receiving, production, and management.

The role requires meticulous attention to detail, ability to collect samples, and accurate documentation using paper, computer systems, or QC software.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in agricultural inspection, produce grading, food processing, quality control, or receiving is preferred.
• Knowledge of sweet potato quality and common defects is a plus.
• Ability to accurately identify and evaluate product defects.
• Basic math skills, including percentages and measurements.
• Ability to read and complete production and quality-control records.
• Basic computer skills preferred.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions within established quality standards.
• Good communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Inspect incoming loads of sweet potatoes for quality, condition, size, and overall suitability for processing.
• Collect representative samples from incoming loads according to company procedures.
• Grade sweet potatoes based on established quality standards and specifications.
• Determine and document the percentage of defects and overall quality of each load.
• Verify product meets customer, USDA, company, and processing specifications, as applicable.
• Record grading results accurately using paperwork, computer systems, or electronic quality-control systems.
• Communicate rejected or questionable loads to the Receiving Supervisor and Quality Control personnel.
• Maintain accurate records of suppliers, loads, lot numbers, grades, defects, and quality results.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Math skills

Reading & record-keeping

Independent decision making

Tools

Scales

Sampling tools

Grading equipment

Job description

Job Summary

The Receiving Grader is responsible for inspecting and grading incoming sweet potatoes to ensure they meet company quality specifications before entering the processing operation. This position evaluates product quality, identifies defects, records inspection results, and communicates quality issues to receiving, production, and management personnel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspect incoming loads of sweet potatoes for quality, condition, size, and overall suitability for processing.
• Collect representative samples from incoming loads according to company procedures.
• Grade sweet potatoes based on established quality standards and specifications.
• Identify defects such as:
• Rot or decay
• Cuts, bruises, cracks, and mechanical damage
• Insect damage
• Disease or mold
• Freeze or heat damage
• Internal defects
• Excessive dirt, foreign material, or other contamination
• Improper size, shape, or maturity
• Determine and document the percentage of defects and overall quality of each load.
• Verify product meets customer, USDA, company, and processing specifications, as applicable.
• Record grading results accurately using paperwork, computer systems, or electronic quality-control systems.
• Communicate rejected or questionable loads to the Receiving Supervisor and Quality Control personnel.
• Assist with decisions regarding acceptance, rejection, regrading, or disposition of incoming product.
• Monitor unloading operations and report damaged product or unsafe conditions.
• Maintain accurate records of suppliers, loads, lot numbers, grades, defects, and quality results.
• Maintain clean and organized sampling and grading areas.
• Follow all food safety, GMP, HACCP, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.
• Properly use and maintain grading equipment, knives, scales, sampling tools, and other equipment.
• Assist Quality Control and Production with investigations involving raw-material quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in agricultural inspection, produce grading, food processing, quality control, or receiving is preferred.
• Knowledge of sweet potato quality and common defects is a plus.
• Ability to accurately identify and evaluate product defects.
• Basic math skills, including percentages and measurements.
• Ability to read and complete production and quality-control records.
• Basic computer skills preferred.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions within established quality standards.
• Good communication and organizational skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry samples or materials weighing approximately 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and work around receiving and processing equipment.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, including cold, hot, wet, or dusty environments.
• Ability to safely work around forklifts, conveyors, trucks, and other processing equipment.

Work Environment

This position works primarily in a sweet potato receiving and processing environment and may involve exposure to noise, dust, dirt, moisture, varying temperatures, moving equipment, and agricultural products. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required.

Key Performance Expectations

• Accurate and consistent grading
• Timely completion of receiving inspections
• Accurate quality records
• Compliance with food safety and company procedures
• Prompt communication of quality problems
• Consistent application of established grading standards