Overview

A sorter is responsible for grading, sorting and organizing items, food and other agricultural products by size, weight, color or condition. They will operate production line equipment and sort items on a conveyor belt, load items onto trollies and ensure the factory is kept organized and clean.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Place products in containers according to grade and mark grades on containers
• Weigh products or estimate their weight, visually or by feel
• Discard inferior or defective products or foreign matter and place acceptable products for further processing
• Grade and sort products according to factors such as color, species, length, width and appearance
• Record grade identification numbers on tags on shipping, receiving or sales sheets
• Ensure that material flow is kept, and any issues are brought to the Supervisor’s attention
• Keep workstations clean of all debris
• Maintain orderly workstations
• Follow all health and safety regulations
• Monitor machines and equipment and adjust if necessary

What education and training is required?

A high school diploma is required for a career as a sorter.

To pursue a career as a Sorter:

The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, agricultural mechanics, mathematics and English.

Where can I work?

Sorters work in food and agricultural processing facilities which process fresh produce and finished food products.

Future Job Market / Outlook

Fair

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• Food Processing Suppliers Association
• International Warehouse Logistics Association
• State warehouse and logistics organizations