Description

"Serving consumers and agriculture by safeguarding the public, plants, animals and the environment through promotion, education and regulation."

Incumbents in these positions work in a high-volume production setting until all samples are processed. Work involves exposure to extreme cold and heat, wet and humid environments, dust, dirt, exhaust fumes, poorly ventilated areas, noise and odors. Work requires standing for prolonged periods. Incumbents must keep work area in safe condition and report any hazards to supervisor. May involve irregular work hours, (partial days and/or long hours) days and times and a rotation to multiple locations. Personal protective equipment may be required. Depending on the facility, incumbents may be required to purchase protective shoes and/or wear ear protection, hard hats, safety glasses, etc.

Incumbents provide technical assistance and oversight to fresh produce packing and processing facilities in the interpretation and application of Federal and State grading standards or marketing order requirements. Under direction, incumbents inspect and determine grade of commodities according to Federal and State standards and contract specifications; complete forms and worksheets for issuance of official certificates; and perform related work as required. Duties involve frequent lifting, moving and dumping of bags or other containers.

Incumbents in these positions must possess a high level of human relation skills to work cooperatively, jointly, and effectively with customers to ensure inspection procedures meet established program specifications. Incumbents must effectively communicate both verbally and in writing and interact with work crews, growers and other industry members while using tact and diplomacy. Communicate with growers and other members of the industry regarding work schedules or delays; answers questions and explain work progress, processes, procedures, standards, and requirements.

Example of Duties

General duties may include the following:

• Customer Assisted Inspection Program oversight: Provide technical oversight, support, and assistance regarding Federal and State laws, rules and regulations governing produce inspection procedures; monitor applicant staff for compliance to program requirements and assist industry employees with interpretation and application of grading standards and marketing order requirements; verify inspections on packed product and the accuracy of inspection equipment; maintain written inspection instructions for policies and procedures; issue final product certification documents; evaluate and document performance of applicant staff assigned to inspection duties; inform applicants and inspection management staff of all major and critical non-conformities; perform related duties as required.
  • Training: Provide instruction and on-the-job training to applicant staff on laws, regulations, and instructions governing inspection, grading methods, Federal and State grades, standards and tolerances, certificate requirements for foreign export, domestic shipment, and government purchases; identify policy and program issues and provide findings to district management; perform related duties as required.
  • Supervision: Organize work crew and assign to a work detail; establish and prepare work schedules; monitor progress of work to ensure deadlines are met; reassign employees to meet changing workload requirements; ensure adequate supply of work materials and supplies; review and examine work for accuracy and adherence to proper procedures, standards, and requirements; coordinate on-the-job training and answer employee questions on work procedures; observe employee work activities and provide guidance, training and/or correction when necessary; resolve employee issues, however, must communicate with Section Manager when any personnel issue may result in disciplinary actions and when changes in workload trigger the need for staff reductions; complete performance evaluations. Perform related duties as required.
• Auditing: Drive to various, sometimes remote, locations; conduct an opening meeting with the auditee; review auditee's food safety plan; use appropriate checklist to interview the auditee and the auditee's employees to determine adherence to their plan, to the checklist/audit scheme requirements and their risk analysis, logs, test results, training records and/or other documentation; tour the fields, storage buildings, and/or packing facilities; document findings; note and explain non-conformances; write Corrective Action Reports (CAR); conduct a closing meeting, review findings, answer questions, and leave CARs; digitally enter and submit the audit to the Ag. Program Manager for review; perform related duties as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

An Inspector 3 may:

• Conduct Inspector 1, Inspector 2, Seed Inspector, Grasshopper Scout, Insect Trapping Scout, Invasive Species Surveyor, Redfish Inspector, Roving Inspector, Hydrilla Inspector, Field Inspector, Field Inspection Team Lead, Field Inspection Supervisor, North Idaho Panhandle Technician, Japanese Beetle Trapper and/or Egg Inspection job duties throughout the year.
• Be required to meet the mandatory qualifications of an Inspector 1 and/or Inspector 2

Minimum Qualifications

These qualifications are mandatory requirements. Any combination of ability, education, training or experience that demonstrates competence in each of the following:

• With or without reasonable accommodation, physical ability to:
  • Stand for prolonged periods of time
  • Work in extreme cold and heat, wet and humid environments around dirt, fumes, poorly ventilated areas, noise and odors
  • Collect, lift and carry samples weighing up to 60 pounds
  • Intermittently bend, squat, twist and reach above shoulder level
  • Have sufficient vision, touch and balance to perform the inspection and grading duties
  • Pass a color test
• Ability to:
  • Follow both verbal and written instructions and accurately complete time sheets and other required documentation
  • Ensure adherence to grading or sampling standards, procedures and requirements
  • Write or print neatly and legibly
  • Observe, train and give direction to staff and/or applicant staff.
  • Must be able to read and write in English
• Possess a valid driver's license and be able to provide proof of vehicle insurance
• Within two months of hire obtain and retain a USDA FV-200 (acquired with on-the-job training and evaluation)

Supplemental Information

DESIRABLE AREAS: These qualifications are not required; however, are desired in a candidate.

• Ability to collect, lift, carry, and push/pull heavy objects weighing up to 80 pounds
• Knowledge of and ability to explain work processes, procedures, standards and requirements
• Experience applying State and Federal laws, regulations and instructions governing inspection and grading methods

Candidates who reach the final hiring stage will be required to participate in a criminal background check. Having a criminal record will not automatically eliminate applicants from consideration, but may be considered as part of the hiring process.