On-Call Grain Sampler/Weigher – (Seattle) Full Time

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 Grain Inspection Program provides sampling, weighing, quality testing, grade inspection, and phytosanitary services for grains and commodities following USDA and WSDA regulations. 

The Grain Sampler/Weigher certifies and weighs grains and/or commodities. These positions check ship holds, containers, and/or other conveyances for fitness to load grain/commodities. These positions work in railroad yards, grain elevators and other hazardous areas to draw samples of grain/commodities by means of approved sampling devices.

Position and Salary Information:

WSDA is recruiting multiple on-call non-permanent Grain Sampler/Weighers within the Commodity Inspection Division. These positions are located in Seattle, Washington. The schedule for these positions may include rotating or alternative shift schedules, extended shifts, early starts and overtime to meet business needs. These positions are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

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: $ 17.67 – $ 22.84 hourly. 

In addition to the salary above, incumbents assigned to our Seattle office location receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend.

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. 
• If a position is designated as requiring dual language skills, incumbents will also receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend. 

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.

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

Some of what you’ll do:

• Weighs, samples and examines grain and agricultural commodities at mills, shipping points, grain elevators and other locations.
• Obtains samples from railcars, trucks containers and other conveyances, moving streams of grain, and vessel holds using standardized sample collection equipment provided by employer.
• Works with hopper, platform, dial, and electronic scales to determine weights and make necessary adjustments as needed; records gross and tare weights, computes net weights and issues Domestic Official Weight Certificates.
• Operates testing equipment in a laboratory.
• Maintains records and documentation of scale conditions and all weighing activities.
• Samples commodities and grains for inspection and phytosanitary certification, samples grass seed for phytosanitary certification, samples products and/or weighs commodities under directions issued by USDA agencies, such as the Agricultural Marketing Service or Farm Service Agency.
• Samples, check weighs, and check loads shipping containers for compliance with government contracts.

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Must be able to acquire a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Must be able to pass background check for Customs and Border Protection to allow boarding of vessels prior to Customs and Border Protection personnel.
• Must have valid driver’s license to travel on agency business.

Preferred/Desired:

• Bachelor’s degree with major study in agronomy or closely allied field. 

How to apply:
 
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. To be considered for this position you must complete the application to it’s entirety.

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 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.