NSXNational Skills ExchangeSign in
Back to Framework

Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products

SOC 45-2041.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparation

Grade, sort, or classify unprocessed food and other agricultural products by size, weight, color, or condition.

Context coveredPacking sheds, cooperative packers, processing plants; produce, eggs, meat, and grain grading; USDA voluntary and mandatory grade standards.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Standard grade charts and color cards — reference accurately under a senior grader's review on a packing line.
  2. Routine product inspection (size, defect, color) — call grades per the operation's standards.
  3. Standard sampling at the line — pull, identify, and record on a defined frequency.
  4. Personal protective equipment and food-safety practice — apply consistently in cold and damp environments.
  5. Line speed and pace expectations — meet on assigned stations after onboarding.
  6. Routine reject and rework codes — apply correctly to flagged product.
  7. Hand tools and grading aids (knives, gauges, color meters) — use safely per training.
  8. Communication with line leads — relay grade trends and equipment issues during shift.
  9. Daily grader logs — maintain accurately for the supervisor's review.
  10. Personal-hygiene rules (handwashing, hair restraint, jewelry) — apply consistently.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Independent grading on routine product streams — call grades accurately with the operation's tolerances.
  2. USDA voluntary grade standards (apples, eggs, beef) — apply consistently to inspected lots.
  3. Lot-level grade summaries — compile and submit to QC and packing-shed leads.
  4. Trend recognition (size drift, color shift, defect spikes) — flag to operations with documented evidence.
  5. Junior graders and seasonal hires — train on grade calls, pace, and safety.
  6. Sampling and audit support — provide for buyer or USDA visits.
  7. Equipment troubleshooting (graders, sorters, color cameras) — escalate appropriately with diagnostic detail.
  8. Reject and rework pile management — coordinate with packing leads to keep yields tight.
  9. Cross-shift hand-offs — conduct with documentation on grade trends and equipment status.
  10. Continuous-grading certifications (USDA Federal-State Inspection) — maintain through annual updates.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Full-shift grading and QC leadership — own with documented yields and grade accuracy.
  2. USDA Federal-State Inspector certification — maintain and apply on mandatory and voluntary grade work.
  3. Buyer audits and packer-grade disputes — handle with documented samples and standards.
  4. Junior graders and grade-room operators — supervise across a packing shed or line.
  5. Sortation-equipment calibration and tuning — own in coordination with vendors and engineering.
  6. Continuous-improvement projects (defect tracking, yield improvement, line speed) — lead with measurable outcomes.
  7. Standards training for production staff — deliver to maintain consistent grade calls.
  8. Cross-commodity grading (transferring across product lines or seasons) — adapt with documented standards.
  9. Quality reports for management and buyers — author with confidence and credibility.
  10. Standard certifications and refreshers — own across the grading team.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Quality-and-grade strategy for a packing shed, cooperative, or processor — set across product, season, and buyer relationships.
  2. Major buyer relationships (retailers, food service) — own at the standards and dispute-resolution level.
  3. Capital decisions (sorting technology, color cameras, X-ray) — author and defend.
  4. USDA and industry committee leadership — contribute through standards bodies.
  5. Continuous-improvement programs across multiple sites — lead with measurable yield and quality gains.
  6. Workforce development and grader certifications — own with measurable retention.
  7. Buyer audit and complaint resolution — lead at executive level.
  8. Industry conferences and standards proceedings — represent the operation.
  9. Cross-functional engagement with growers, harvest crews, and packers — lead on quality programs.
  10. Legacy mentorship and field-shaping standards — institutionalize through training and certification.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted grading reference — consults AI-generated visual guides and quality standard summaries to cross-check color, size, and defect criteria against established grade classifications WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Sensor-output interpretation — reads AI-flagged alerts from automated sorting line monitors and applies those signals to redirect product flow or call for manual re-inspection Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Grade documentation support — uses AI tools to auto-populate container labels and batch records from spoken or entered grade decisions, reducing transcription errors.
Proficient
  1. Monitoring workflow integration — operates AI-assisted vision sorting systems alongside manual inspection, adjusting machine sensitivity thresholds based on observed false-positive and false-negative rates Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Defect-pattern recognition — interprets AI-generated defect frequency reports to identify recurring quality issues in an incoming lot and escalates findings to supervisors with documented evidence.
  3. Quality standard validation — compares AI system grade outputs against personal tactile and olfactory assessments to catch edge cases the automated classifier misses, maintaining final accept/reject authority Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Sorting-system calibration oversight — directs technicians to retrain or recalibrate AI vision classifiers when systematic misgrading is observed across multiple product runs, drawing on accumulated knowledge of grade boundary conditions Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Cross-line performance benchmarking — evaluates AI sorter accuracy across different product varieties and environmental conditions, producing structured feedback that informs procurement decisions for upgraded classification hardware WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. AI output audit protocol — designs and enforces a manual sampling routine that statistically validates AI grading decisions each shift, ensuring compliance with USDA or buyer grade specifications without full reliance on automated outputs Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  4. Training and knowledge transfer — coaches emerging workers on how to interpret AI system alerts and when to override automated decisions, translating occupational grading expertise into team-wide AI-assisted quality standards WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Monitoring
Score: 57.9 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Technology Use, Monitoring and Control
technology_use_monitoring_control
Sources:WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication8 statements
Emerging
  1. Grade labeling — marks container grades legibly using standard notation during routine sorting shifts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Team communication — relays basic sorting instructions received from supervisors to adjacent line workers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Defect reporting — describes product defects and rejection reasons verbally to quality supervisors using correct agricultural terminology Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Shift handoff — communicates grading standards and batch status to incoming workers at shift change Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Specification reading — interprets written grading charts, processing instructions, and commodity standards to guide sorting decisions independently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Discrepancy documentation — writes clear, concise notes on container tags and inspection logs when product quality deviates from expected standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Standards communication — explains grading criteria and sorting procedures to new hires using clear, occupation-specific language adapted to trainee experience level Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-department liaison — conveys grading outcome data and defect trends to processing supervisors and quality assurance teams in structured verbal and written reports Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership8 statements
Emerging
  1. Self-direction — begins sorting tasks without prompting when product arrives on the line during standard processing cycles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer awareness — notices when a coworker misidentifies a grade category and alerts them before the container is sealed Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Line pacing — adjusts personal sorting speed to maintain throughput balance across the grading line when upstream supply fluctuates Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Defect escalation — takes initiative to flag systemic quality problems to supervisors rather than continuing to sort substandard product Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Informal mentorship — guides newly assigned sorters through grading standards for specific commodities using hands-on demonstration at the sorting table Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountability modeling — takes ownership of mislabeled containers by correcting the error, tracing the cause, and adjusting personal technique accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Process leadership — leads the sorting crew through high-volume harvest surges by coordinating task assignments and maintaining grade accuracy under pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Quality culture building — champions consistent grading standards across the team by recognizing accurate performance and coaching recurring errors constructively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Sensory self-assessment — recognizes when personal fatigue is affecting the accuracy of color or texture judgments during extended sorting shifts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Error awareness — identifies own misclassification after supervisor correction and reflects on the specific sensory cue that was misjudged Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Learning strategy — deliberately practices distinguishing borderline-grade produce by requesting additional examples from supervisors during slower production periods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Calibration monitoring — compares personal grading decisions against quality-check results at the end of each batch to evaluate classification accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Attention regulation — monitors internal focus levels during repetitive sorting cycles and applies deliberate reset strategies to maintain grade discrimination accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill gap identification — recognizes unfamiliarity with a newly introduced commodity variety and seeks targeted instruction before handling unsupervised Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Performance reflection — analyzes patterns in personal rejection rates across different product types to identify and address persistent sensory classification weaknesses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Teaching metacognition — coaches sorters to monitor their own classification accuracy by building self-check habits at container-packing intervals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking8 statements
Emerging
  1. Grade distinction — applies written grading criteria to differentiate between acceptable and defective product during supervised sorting tasks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Defect identification — recognizes obvious quality defects such as bruising, discoloration, or foreign matter and removes them from the acceptable product stream Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Borderline judgment — evaluates produce displaying marginal defects against grade specifications to determine correct classification without supervisory input Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Weight estimation — cross-checks visual and tactile weight estimates against scale readings to assess consistency of personal estimation accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-factor grading — simultaneously evaluates color, size, texture, aroma, and surface condition to assign accurate grade classifications across mixed-quality batches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Trend analysis — detects recurring quality issues within a single batch and determines whether the cause is harvest-related, handling-related, or storage-related before reporting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Standards interpretation — evaluates ambiguous commodity specifications and makes defensible grading decisions when official grade criteria do not explicitly cover encountered product conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Process critique — identifies systemic sorting line inefficiencies or grade inconsistencies across workers and proposes evidence-based corrective adjustments to supervisors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration8 statements
Emerging
  1. Line cooperation — passes sorted product to the next station at the correct pace to prevent downstream bottlenecks on the grading line Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Shared standards — follows the same grading criteria as coworkers on the same line to maintain batch consistency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Workload sharing — redistributes sorting volume informally among line workers when one station falls behind due to a high-defect product batch Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-task coordination — synchronizes container labeling and stacking activities with coworkers to avoid processing gaps during high-throughput periods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Calibration sessions — participates in group grading calibration exercises where the team reviews borderline samples to align classification decisions across all sorters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict-free correction — raises grade disagreements with coworkers constructively during sorting without disrupting line flow or creating interpersonal tension Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Team coordination leadership — organizes informal line huddles before processing new commodity varieties to ensure all sorters understand updated grading criteria simultaneously Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdepartmental collaboration — works with receiving and processing crews to align grading outcomes with downstream production requirements during peak harvest runs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character8 statements
Emerging
  1. Honest reporting — accurately records the number of rejected items per container without underreporting to meet throughput expectations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Rule adherence — follows food safety and grading protocols consistently even when supervisors are not directly observing the sorting station Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Integrity under pressure — maintains established grade thresholds during high-volume periods rather than passing marginal product to meet throughput targets Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountability — acknowledges and reports own grading errors promptly so mislabeled containers can be corrected before leaving the facility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical discarding — removes and properly disposes of foreign matter and inferior product without concealment, regardless of its impact on batch yield metrics Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professionalism — maintains reliable attendance, punctuality, and task readiness during physically demanding seasonal harvest shifts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Integrity modeling — demonstrates consistent adherence to grading ethics in visible ways that establish behavioral norms for newer workers on the sorting line Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Whistleblower responsibility — reports observed grade manipulation or food safety violations to appropriate supervisors through proper channels without hesitation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Adaptive sorting — devises a personal physical organization system at the sorting station to reduce reach time and improve classification speed Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Problem noticing — identifies an unconventional defect pattern on incoming product and brings it to a supervisor's attention before processing continues Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Workflow improvisation — reorganizes container placement at the sorting table to accommodate an unusually large batch size without reducing grade accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Sensory technique development — creates personal mnemonic or tactile reference anchors to distinguish between similar grade categories on difficult-to-classify commodities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Process improvement suggestion — proposes a modified container staging layout to reduce cross-grade contamination based on observations made during repeated sorting cycles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Novel defect recognition — identifies a new type of product defect not covered in existing grading charts and develops a preliminary classification rationale to present to quality supervisors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Sorting innovation — designs informal training aids such as visual defect reference cards to help new sorters learn grade distinctions faster and more accurately Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-commodity adaptation — applies grading logic learned from one agricultural commodity to develop a workable provisional framework when sorting an unfamiliar product type for the first time Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — accepts correction on misclassified product from supervisors without defensiveness and adjusts sorting technique immediately Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill curiosity — asks supervisors clarifying questions about grading standards for unfamiliar commodity varieties before beginning independent sorting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Error-driven learning — reviews rejected container reports at end of shift to identify classification patterns that need technique refinement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Challenge acceptance — volunteers to sort difficult or unfamiliar commodity types as an opportunity to expand grading competency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Seasonal adaptation — actively learns updated grading standards each season as commodity specifications, varieties, or regulatory criteria change Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Persistence through difficulty — continues applying precise grading standards through physically fatiguing multi-hour sorting shifts without allowing accuracy to degrade Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mastery orientation — pursues self-improvement in sensory discrimination skills by seeking exposure to the full range of grade categories across multiple commodity types throughout the season Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning culture contribution — shares grading insights and classification tips gained from experience with teammates, elevating the skill level of the entire sorting crew Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Attention anchoring — maintains focus on the product passing through the sorting station by minimizing distraction during repetitive classification tasks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Sensory presence — applies deliberate visual and tactile attention when handling each item rather than operating on autopilot during routine sorting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Fatigue awareness — recognizes early signs of sensory fatigue during extended sorting shifts and requests brief breaks to restore classification accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Pace regulation — monitors personal sorting rhythm to avoid rushing that leads to grade errors during high-throughput production periods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Emotional regulation — maintains composure and sustained accuracy when confronted with high-rejection batches that slow throughput and increase line pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Intentional transition — resets focus intentionally when switching between commodity types to avoid applying previous grading criteria to a new product Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Sustained presence modeling — demonstrates consistent sensory attentiveness across full-shift sorting cycles and coaches coworkers to recognize when their attention has drifted from grade standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress buffering — maintains measured, deliberate grading behavior during peak harvest chaos, preventing stress-driven classification errors that compromise batch integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude8 statements
Emerging
  1. Physical persistence — continues sorting tasks through physically demanding standing shifts without abandoning assigned grading responsibilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty tolerance — proceeds with sorting under evolving grade specifications rather than stopping work when instructions are temporarily unclear Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. High-volume endurance — sustains grade accuracy during unexpected surge periods when batch volume significantly exceeds normal sorting capacity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Adverse condition resilience — maintains sorting performance in cold storage, high-humidity, or outdoor environments typical of agricultural processing facilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Repetition endurance — maintains precise sensory discrimination and consistent classification standards across multi-hour repetitive sorting cycles without accuracy decline Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Setback recovery — resumes full sorting performance promptly after receiving negative feedback on batch quality or grading errors without extended disruption Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Crisis steadiness — leads the sorting crew through unexpected equipment failures or large-scale product quality crises by maintaining calm, methodical grading under pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Seasonal resilience — sustains high-accuracy performance across full harvest seasons involving extended hours, physical strain, and rapidly changing commodity conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Show O*NET source anchors32 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

Suggest an O*NET correction

Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Agricultural Establishment Grader Inspector · Agricultural Produce Sorter · Agriculture Laborer · Apple Sorter · Apple Turner · Asparagus Buncher · Banana Expert · Banana Grader · Bean Sorter · Bulb Grader · Butter Grader · Camelid Fiber Sorter
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
MonitoringActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingCoordinationReading ComprehensionWritingJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge domains
Production and ProcessingEnglish Language
Abilities
Near VisionManual DexterityCategory FlexibilityOral ComprehensionFinger Dexterity
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessIntegrityStress TolerancePerseverance
Technology
Data base user interface and query softwareWeb platform development softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation softwareWord processing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Place products in containers according to grade and mark grades on containers.
  2. Weigh products or estimate their weight, visually or by feel.
  3. Discard inferior or defective products or foreign matter, and place acceptable products in containers for further processing.
  4. Grade and sort products according to factors such as color, species, length, width, appearance, feel, smell, and quality to ensure correct processing and usage.
CIP education codes
01.010101.010401.019901.030101.030201.0303

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.