The Fruit & Vegetable Inspection Program represents one half of the Commodity Inspection Division and provides inspection services to the fresh produce and processing industry. Commodities are inspected for quality, size, labeling, condition, contract specifications and may be certified as free of pests and diseases at shipping points for domestic and foreign markets. While we do have offices statewide, this full-time, permanent position works out of a field office near Oroville, Washington.
 
While this Agricultural Inspector 4 position does report to the F&V Inspection Supervisor, it is autonomous due to the geographical distance from our office in Brewster, WA. This position is considered a senior level F&V Inspector and is responsible for inspecting and certifying fresh fruits and vegetables, identifying symptoms of pest and diseases for Phytosanitary inspections and issues federal/state documents for the export of commodities. In addition to these inspection duties, you will be building and maintaining relationships with industry, supervisors, regional management, co-workers and administrative staff to create a positive and safe working environment.
 
 
Some of what you will be doing:

• Inspect and certify fresh fruits and vegetables at shipping point for domestic and foreign markets. Requires USDA_APHIS ACO and USDA_AMS licenses.
• Identify symptoms of pest and diseases for Phytosanitary inspections and issue federal/state documents for the export of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Network with industry, supervisors, regional management, co-workers and administrative staff to create a positive and safe working environment.
• Performs duties of the Program Assistant and Program Specialist 2, as well as performs supervisory duties on an as-needed basis in other locations.
• Authorized Certifying Official (ACO) for F&V, must be able to obtain and maintain USDA_AMS license to certify commodities through official inspection procedures.
• Interpret and apply grade standards, follow proper inspection procedures and enforce state and federal fruit and vegetable laws and regulations.
• Calculate and collect fees from customers without a credit account.
• Conduct sampling at the required sampling rate.
• Review other inspector’s paperwork for accuracy and completeness.
• Under guidance of area supervisor, may assist with training and field supervision when needed.
• Uses comprehensive knowledge of PExD (Phytosanitary Export Database) to assist supervisor with industry inquiries about exporting countries requirements.

 
What we are looking for:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Obtain and maintain USDA-AMS FV200 License to inspect all major commodities required for the region assigned. The specific licenses will be determined by the program and the successful applicant will have a designated time to obtain all required licenses.
• USDA-APHIS ACO license to issue Phytosanitary certificates.
• Experience in a state F&V inspection office or in F&V industry, processing, marketing and testing.
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret and comprehend federal directives, notices, rules and regulations as well as state policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to deal tactfully and effectively with customers and stakeholders.
• Valid driver’s license in order to operate a motor vehicle on agency business.

In addition to the above, a Bachelor’s degree in agronomy or closely allied field may make a candidate highly desirable. 

 
Working Conditions:

• Industrial environment, working in warehouses, loading dock, or out in the field. This includes weather extremes and noisy, dusty environments with variable temperatures.
• Continuous standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, and working overhead to access and/or inspect commodities.
• Frequent lifting and/or handling customary packages including, but not limited to 50lb boxes of fruits or vegetables.

 
How do I apply?
 
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position;
• A current resume detailing experience and education

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.
 
To take advantage of Veteran’s preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22.Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.
 
Applications with comments such as “see attachments” or “N/A” in the supplemental question responses will be considered incomplete.
 
General suggestions for creating a good application packet:

• Read the job posting very carefully. Find out as much as you can about the position.
• Make sure you are very diligent in following all the application instructions.
• Include all requested documentation.
• Make sure your application and supplemental question responses address how you meet each of the required and desired qualifications.
• Carefully read each of the supplemental questions and respond completely to each one.  Pay careful attention to each component of the question, providing examples, and thoroughly describing when and where you achieved the proficiency level, and detail the types of work you performed, the work products, etc., to demonstrate ‘how’.
• Specifically include all of your work experiences doing the same or similar work, especially if you reference work in these jobs in describing when/where you gained proficiency level skills.
• Make sure your application reflects your best writing.

If you are unable to apply on-line, please contact Lyndsey Beaupre, Recruiter, at (360) 902-2020 or jobs@agr.wa.gov. Please include your last name and the position title in the subject line of your email.
 
 
Supplemental Information:
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. This means employees are required to pay regular union dues or non-association fees within 30 calendar days of their start date.
 
The Human Resource Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
 
The State of Washington actively supports diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who need assistance in the application process or who need this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2020 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 800-833-6388