Cherry Inspector- Quincy

Overview 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. This position reports directly to an Agricultural Commodity Inspection Supervisor (Cherry Inspection Supervisor). It inspects and certifies fresh cherries at the shipping point for domestic and foreign markets, identifies symptoms of pests and diseases for phytosanitary inspections, and issues federal/state documents for the export of fresh cherries. Qualifications 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 on‑the‑job training, you will earn a Federal Commodity license (USDA‑AMS SC200). Must acquire and maintain a USDA‑AMS SC200 (previously FV200) license to inspect cherries. Salary The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary range for this position is: Step A $18.75 – Step L $24.23 per hour. Inspection of Fresh Cherries Perform inspections in designated area. Interpret and apply grade standards while performing inspection procedures for fresh cherries. Follow established sample procedures for the determined product grade when pulling and obtaining samples. Read, interpret, comprehend and follow instructions and methodology in policies, procedures, directives, notices, rules and regulations relating to the position and industry. Identify and document cherry defects such as off color, skin breaks, bruising, sutures, decay and rain cracks. Ensure packed cherries meet row size requirements, by using assigned size rings. Record detailed accurate inspections information such as sample data into F&V's FA2LT inspection system or appropriate paper documents. Interpret country work plan inspection requirements to determine if product meets requirements. Ensure shipping carton markings are accurate. Enforce state and federal fruit and vegetable laws and regulations. Reject inspection lots when product is out of grade tolerances. Issue off grade/condition reports for non‑compliance of commodities that do not meet Federal/State regulations and follow proper procedures to ensure the product has the proper dispositions. Communicate product grade to warehouse to allow for corrective action if necessary. Issue federal‑state certificates, shipping documents and other clearance documents for domestic and foreign destinations and FV294 documents. Functions to Ensure Regulatory Compliance Perform inspections in designated area. Obtain a sample from each cherry shipment brought to the packing facilities from the growing field for crushing. Crush cherries to expose pit and submerge cherries in sugar solutions. Identify and collect any larva in crushing sample, adhere to protocol if larva is found. Communicate findings with supervisor and warehouse foreman. Instruct warehouse to place fruit into quarantine as needed. Utilize refractometer to create brown sugar and water solution. Monitor soluble solids level in light sweet cherry varieties. Inform warehouse of pull rates in order to meet California shipping requirements. Oversee warehouse crushing stations and verify warehouse personnel are adhering to protocol, including sugar concentration. 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, and more. 12 paid holidays, vacation and leave accruals. All personal protective equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency. Commute Trip Reduction Program. Work Authorization Candidates must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future. Candidates must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of Form I‑9 on the first day of employment. WSDA does not use E‑Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM‑Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, visit Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law. Equity at WSDA The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro‑Equity Anti‑Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement. 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, visit the provided resources. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington Dept. of Agriculture