Salary: $19.09 – $20.45 Hourly
Location: Brewster
Job Type: Seasonal
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Job Number: 2023-04272
Closing: Continuous

Apply early! This recruitment will remain open until filled. First review of applications is scheduled the week of April 17th!  

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 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.

As a Cherry Inspector you will be expected to produce accurate and quality work in a fast-paced work environment. Your attention to detail and ability to learn quickly will be put to great use as you inspect and certify fresh cherries at shipping points for domestic and foreign 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). 

What: WSDA is recruiting for multiple on-call seasonal Cherry Inspector positions. These positions are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Where: Brewster. If interested in any of our other available locations, please apply to those announcements also (search “Cherry” on careers.wa.gov).

When: These positions are expected to begin work the first week of June and last approximately 8 -10 weeks depending on the cherry season. Production facilities operate 24/7 and the work schedule may be either the day or night shift, approximately 5-7 days a week with a great opportunity to earn overtime.  

Salary: 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: $ 19.09 – $ 20.00 hourly. 

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.

Duties
Performs Inspection of fresh cherries:

• 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.
• Identifies cherry defects and documents accurate and detailed information into F&V’s inspection system.
• Rejects inspection lots when product has exceeded grade tolerances.
• 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.

Performs cherry crushing procedures to ensure compliance with Washington State Quarantine for Western Cherry Fruit Fly:

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

Qualifications
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. 

Desired:

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

How to apply
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions to be considered for this position.

By submitting your application 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.
   
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application 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.

Contact Us
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.
 
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.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3893683/cherry-inspector-brewster