Apple Grader

Job Summary:   The Apple Grader’s primary responsibility is to visually inspect incoming raw product for any foreign materials that may be attached or have been transferred from the farming area.  The Apple Grader will also be required to remove and appropriately discard inadequate, damaged, or spoiled product, as well as debris, from the production process.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Maintain the flow of raw product through the pool and conveyors by matching the processing rate to ensure smooth and efficient production.
• Remove any debris from incoming materials that should not be processed with edible products according to quality standards, customer specifications and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).  This includes, but is not limited to: Leaves, cross cores, rocks, wood, etc.
• Remove any damaged or inadequate raw materials (i.e. spoiled or rotten apples) that cannot and should not be processed with edible products according to quality standards, customer specifications and SOP’s.
• Remove and dispose of debris as needed according to SOP’s.
• Adjust line speeds to maintain a steady and appropriate flow of apples through the grading area, to include the peeling area, as well as the canner pool.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area around the apple pool and grading area.
• Regular and reliable attendance required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic reading, writing & literacy required
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times in the Production Area, including gloves when needed to protect the product and the employee.

• Must be able to communicate with all levels of management and maintenance
• Safe use of sharp instruments.

Working Environment:  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The Apple Grader is required to work on the production floor. While performing the duties of this job, the associate frequently will be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and extreme heat and/or cold.   The associate continuously works near moving mechanical parts.  The associate will be exposed to loud noises from production equipment and thus will be required to wear PPE.   The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but may be high at times due to production and mechanical equipment noise. 

The associate will regularly need to lift up to 10 pounds, and occasionally push or pull up to 20 pounds.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be performed by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms; see, talk and /or hear. The associate will be required to lift, climb, bend, stoop and crouch.  The associate is required to stand for up to a 10 hour period (with breaks).  

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of associates under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.