Potato Grader

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A career as a Potato Grader

Potato Graders work during the harvesting season picking potatoes and preparing them for retailers. They sort potatoes on a conveyer belt, picking out damaged potatoes and foreign materials.

Potato Graders will pack the potatoes by size and weight according to the client’s requirements ready for shipment. They may have to take on additional tasks such as transporting the potatoes in their containers to other areas of the shed using forklift trucks.

Also known as: Potato Harvester

Skills/Knowledge

You’ll need:

  • to work well with others and on your own

  • good communication skills

  • good attention to detail

  • physical skills such as mobility and co-ordination

  • patience and the ability to stay calm under pressure

  • to be flexible and open to change

  • to accurately calculate weights and measurements and keep accurate records

With long working days and the location of potato farms, you’ll need your own transport if not staying on the site. You might need to take short courses to learn how to operate equipment, such as forklifts.

Salary

NB These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and the skills and experience of the employee.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, Agricultural Wages Boards set the minimum wage. In England and the Republic of Ireland, agricultural workers must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage, and in Wales must be paid at least the Agricultural Minimum Wage, or the National Minimum Wage if that’s higher.

Some farm workers get free or low-rent accommodation.

£14,000
Typical salaries
range from
£23,000
Typical Hours

Around 48 hours a week, which may include evening/weekend work and irregular hours depending on the weather. This will include long days with early morning starts and late finishes. The work is usually fixed term and seasonal. There are also opportunities for part-time and casual work.

Day to Day
  • Weed potato fields during harvest either by hand or with a tool

  • Sort potatoes - stand beside a moving conveyer belt and picking out damaged potatoes and other materials such as clods, stones and stalks

  • Cut rotten potatoes to ensure they are not packed, and quality standards are met

  • Keep the line clean and clear of debris

  • Pack the potatoes by size and weight according to the client’s requirements ready for shipment

  • Record any identification numbers on the packing containers and give this to the Supervisor

Working Environment

You will work in a barn or factory along side other potato graders. Some tasks require protective clothing (PPE) which will be provided.

Training Available

Training is an essential part of any job, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to do your job safely and correctly. It also helps to strengthen your current skill set and prepares you for the next stage in your career.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships help you build the experience and skills that employers want to see. No matter what stage you’re at, they’ll help set you up for a bright future. There are lots of ways to get involved.

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