Agricultural Commodity Inspector 3 – (Multiple Positions/Yakima) Full Time

 
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 Agricultural Commodity Inspector 3 position inspects and certifies fresh commodities such as potatoes, pears, onions, apples, and cherries 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 reports directly to an Agricultural Commodities Inspector Supervisor (ACIS). This position will perform inspections in Yakima County. 
 

Position and Salary Information

WSDA is recruiting for six full-time permanent Agricultural Commodity Inspector 3 positions within the Commodity Inspection Division. These positions are located in Yakima, Washington. These positions are represented by Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) Union. 

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. The typical starting salary range for this position is: $ 42,444.00 – $ 55,224.00 annually.

Employees who voluntarily provide proof of up-to-date COVID-19 booster vaccination, which must include any recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at the time proof is provided to the employer, between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, will receive a one-time lump sum payment of $1,000 to be paid no earlier than July 25, 2023.

Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
• 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.
• Commute Trip Reduction Program. 

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

Include, but not limited to:

• Inspects commodities to meet State and Federal/State shipping point requirements. US apple Export Act, Importing countries specific work plans and phytosanitary requirements.
• Interprets and applies grade standards while performing inspection procedures for fresh commodities such as potatoes, pears, onions, apples, and cherries.
• Follows established sampling procedures when marking/pulling and/or obtaining samples.
• Identifies and documents various quality and condition defects such as off color, skin breaks, bruising, sutures, decay, and rain cracks.
• Records detailed accurate inspection information such as sample data into F&V’s FA2LT inspection system or appropriate paper documents.
• Determines if product meets country work plan requirements.
• Ensures shipping carton markings are complete and accurate.
• Enforces state and federal fruit and vegetable laws and regulations. 
• Rejects inspection lots when product is out of tolerance. Issues off grade/condition reports for noncompliant commodities that do not meet Federal/State regulations and follow proper procedures to ensure the product has the proper disposition.
• Issues federal-state certificates, shipping documents and other clearance documents for domestic and foreign destinations.
• Identifies post-harvest decay and perform additional inspection protocol.
• Conducts on-line quality control for industry participating in the Certificate of Compliance Program.
• Performs general administrative activities such as time records, mileage reimbursements, etc.
• Collector of pests for identification. Knowledge of pest collection protocol, chain of custody procedures including how to inspect and collect the specimen.

Who should apply?
Professionals with: 

• High school diploma or GED.
• 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 color-blind test.

In addition to the above qualifications, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will make a candidate highly desirable:

• Two years of college level course work with major emphasis in horticulture, agronomy, or closely related field.
• Ability to read, interpret and comprehend federal directives, rules, and regulations, and state and agency policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with customers, stakeholders, and team members.
• Must demonstrate good time management skills.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
• Regular and reliable work attendance.
• Ability to read, interpret, comprehend, and follow inspections and methodology in policies, procedures, directives, notices, rules, and regulations relating to the position and the industry.
• Ability to operate standard inspection equipment- i.e., sizing rings, knives, scales, tablet computer, pressure tester, refractometer, and thermometer.
• Effectively train or retrain inspection staff under the direction and supervision of the ACIS or Regional Manager.

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 [email protected].

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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, status as a protected veteran, genetics, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.

 
Contact Us

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at [email protected].
 
Prior to a new appointment in 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.