Summary

This job involves inspecting fruits and vegetables like apples, potatoes, and pears at shipping points to check their quality, size, condition, and freedom from pests or diseases, ensuring they meet standards for sale in the US and abroad.

The role supports farmers and the produce industry by issuing official certificates and working closely with teams to maintain safe operations.

It's a great fit for someone detail-oriented with a background in agriculture or inspection who enjoys hands-on fieldwork in a seasonal, outdoor environment.

Key Requirements

Experience in inspecting agricultural commodities for quality, size, labeling, and condition
Knowledge of identifying pests, diseases, and phytosanitary issues in fruits and vegetables
Ability to issue federal and state certification documents for domestic and export markets
Strong communication and networking skills to collaborate with industry, supervisors, and coworkers
Willingness to work in an in-training program, starting at Inspector 2 level if needed, and complete training to reach Inspector 3
Physical ability to perform fieldwork at shipping points in Yakima, Washington
Commitment to creating a positive and safe working environment

Full Job Description

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

The Opportunity:

The Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program is one half of the Commodity Inspection Division and provides accurate and unbiased inspection services to the fresh produce and processing industry to ensure orderly marketing of fruits and vegetables. Commodities are inspected for quality, size, labeling, condition, and contract specifications, and may be certified as free from disease and insects as required by domestic and international markets.

This position reports directly to an Agricultural Commodity Inspection Supervisor (ACIS). The incumbent in this position inspects and certifies fresh commodities-such as apples, potatoes and pears at shipping point for domestic and foreign markets. This position identifies symptoms of pest and diseases for phytosanitary inspections and issues federal/state documents for the export of fresh commodities. This position networks with industry, supervisor, district management, co-workers and office staff to create a positive and safe working environment.

Important Notes:

This is an in-training opportunity and may be hired as Agriculture Commodity Inspector 2 or Agriculture Commodity Inspector 3 depending on qualifications.

What is an in-training plan? The in-training is intended to provide an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan. Upon successful completion of an in-training program, the incumbent will move up to the next job classification that is listed on the in-training plan if applicable.

If hired at the Agriculture Commodity Inspector 2 level, the incumbent will be required to successfully complete the training plan to reach the goal class of Agriculture Commodity Inspector 3. The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Based on qualifications the monthly salary range:
If hired as an Agriculture Commodity Inspector 2 - In-Training:
Range 38, Step A $41,004 - Step L $53,136 annually

If hired as an Agriculture Commodity Inspector 3:
Range 42, Step A $45,024 - Step L $58,584

WSDA is recruiting for multiple full-time permanent Agricultural Commodity Inspector 3 position within the Commodity Inspection Services Division. This position is located in Yakima, Washington and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Requirements

What to Expect
Some of the various responsibilities within these roles:

Inspect commodities to meet State and Federal/State shipping point requirements. US apple Export Act, Importing countries specific work plans and phytosanitary requirements.
Interpret and apply grade standards while performing inspection procedures for fresh commodities such as potatoes, pears, onions, apples and cherries.
Follow established sampling procedures when marking/pulling and/or obtaining samples.
Identify and document various quality and conditions factors.
Accurately report product maturity, container fill, uniformity, color and size.
Record detailed accurate inspection information such as sample data into F&V’s FA2LT inspection system or appropriate paper documents.
Ensure country workplan inspection requirements are met.
Ensure shipping carton markings are complete and accurate.
Enforce state and federal fruit and vegetable laws and regulations.
Reject inspection lots when product is out of tolerance. Issues off grade/conditions reports for non-compliant commodities that do not meet
Federal/State regulations and follow proper procedures to ensure the product has the proper disposition.
Communicate product grade to warehouse to allow for corrective action if necessary.
Issue federal-state certificates, shipping documents and other clearance documents for domestic and foreign destination.
Assist with training lower-level staff providing guidance to lower-level staff when asked.
Conduct on-line quality control for industry participating in the Certificate of Compliance Program. RCW 15-17-143.

Qualifications

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

Agricultural Commodity Inspector 2

Six (6) months experience in a WSDA inspection program or agricultural setting. Education may count towards experience.
Must obtain and maintain a USDA-AMS FV200 license to inspect two commodities.
Must be able to distinguish between certain colors and pass a colorblind test.
Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid driver’s license to travel on agency business.

Agricultural Commodity Inspector 3

One (1) year of experience in a state fruit and vegetable office inspecting, grading and certifying fresh fruits and/or vegetables.

Two (2) years of experience in the agricultural industry working with fresh fruit and/or vegetable production and storage.

Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid driver’s license to travel on agency business.
Must maintain a Federal Commodity Inspection License (FV200) for all commodities within the assigned area
Must be able to distinguish between certain colors and pass a colorblind test.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

Agricultural Commodity Inspector 2:

High school diploma or GED.

AND

Six (6) months experience in a WSDA inspection program or 6 months inspecting, grading, and certifying seed, plants, or fields. Education may be substituted for experience.
Valid Driver’s license.

Agricultural Commodity Inspector 3

Two (2) years of college level course work with major emphasis in horticulture, agronomy or closely related field.

Additional Information

Employee Benefits

A healthy work/life balance.
WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.
12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.

How to apply:

You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

· A resume detailing experience and education

· A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position

· Three professional references

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information.

Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required.

Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.

WSDA uses a I-9 form(Download PDF reader) to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual’s ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Equity at WSDA

The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways.

We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion.

We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.

We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.

Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.

Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service.

Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.

✓ Fresh Listing

F&V Inspector - (Yakima)

SES Pay Grade

Job Description

Summary

Key Requirements

Full Job Description

Requirements

Qualifications

Additional Information

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