Cherry Inspector- Yakima Jobs

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.

Position and Salary Information

Applicants must be 18 years old. No previous experience is required, but we do require some flexibility with your schedule and reliable means of transportation. These positions require regular, reliable work attendance, as well as the ability to work in industrial and agricultural settings. Through our on-the-job training, you will earn a Federal Commodity license (USDA-AMS SC200).

In addition to the salary listed above, incumbents assigned to our Seattle office location receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend. If a position is designated as requiring dual language skills, incumbents will also receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.

Employee Benefits

• 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.
• Commute Trip Reduction Program.
• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.

• Identifies cherry defects and documents accurate and detailed information into F&V's inspection system.
• Under close supervision, interprets and applies grading standards while performing inspection procedures for fresh cherries.
• Follows established sample procedures by determined product grade when pulling and/or obtaining samples.
• Interprets country work plan inspection requirements to determine if product meets requirements.
• Issues federal-state certificates, shipping documents and other clearance documents for domestic and foreign destinations as well as FV 294 documents.
• Rejects inspection lots when product has exceeded grade tolerances.

• Identifies and collects any larva in crushing sample, adhering to protocol if larva is found. Communicates findings with supervisor and warehouse foreman.
• Utilizes a refractrometer to create brown sugar and water solution and monitor soluable solids level in light sweet cherry varieties.
• Obtains a sample from each cherry shipment for crushing.

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must acquire and maintain a USDA-AMS SC200 (previously FV200 which will also be accepted) license to inspect cherries.

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

The Washington State Department of Agriculture requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes and should be requested a minimum of (7) seven days prior to the first day of employment. Accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.

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.