Reference #154
                                 February 5, 1997

  TO:          FGIS.POLICY BULLETIN BOARD

  FROM:        David Orr, Acting Director
               Field Management Division

  SUBJECT:     Modifying the Proficiency Requirement for GS-9

  ORIGINATING OFFICE:  Standards and Procedures Branch


  This policy memorandum transmits a revision to the proficiency
  requirements for promotion to the GS-9 journeyman level.

  BACKGROUND

  According to FGIS Instruction 302-2, dated 1-16-78, all Agricultural
  Commodity Grader (ACG) employees are required to pass a proficiency
  examination on four or more grains/commodities prior to being
  promoted to the GS-9 journeyman level.  The instruction further states
  that of the four commodities, one MUST be wheat of all classes.

  When this instruction was prepared in 1978, wheat inspection was a
  predominate grain requiring inspection, and qualified wheat inspectors
  were limited in number.  The Agency determined it was necessary to
  increase the number of qualified wheat inspectors to meet the inspection
  demand.  This was especially true since inspectors were cross-utilized
  between various field offices for extended temporary duty assignments.

  Since implementing the requirements of this instruction, the number of
  employees needed for temporary duty assignments has diminished.
  Recent discussions with field office managers (FOMs) indicate a need to
  modify the instruction for the proficiency requirement for a GS-9.

  POLICY

  FGIS has decided to allow the FOM the authority to waive the wheat
  proficiency requirement in circuits where wheat is NOT NORMALLY
  graded.  To ensure that program needs are met, the FOM will decide
  which grains/commodities require proficiency before an ACG is
  promoted to the GS-9 journeyman level.

  Please contact the SPB at (202) 720-0252 if you have questions
  regarding this policy action.