Grain Inspector 1

Overview 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. Opportunity The Commodity Inspection Division provides unbiased third‑party inspections for a wide variety of Washington State agricultural products and assists agricultural companies in the movement and export of their products. The division is made up of roughly 365 full‑time employees through four statewide programs: Fruit and Vegetable Inspection, Grain Inspection, Grain Warehouse Audit, and Seed Inspection and Certification. The Grain Inspection Program provides sampling, weighing, quality testing, grade inspection, and phytosanitary services for grains and commodities to assist in the facilitation of grain movement. These services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at all our inspection offices in Seattle, Tacoma, Aberdeen, Longview, Kalama, Vancouver, Spokane, or Colfax. This position reports directly to a Grain Inspection Supervisor. The incumbent will weigh and certify grains and/or commodities; check ship holds, containers, and other conveyances for fitness to load; work in railroad yards, grain elevators and other hazardous areas to draw samples of grains and commodities by means of approved sampling devices; perform mycotoxin testing and other analytical testing as required; and operate special grain inspection equipment to determine protein (NIRT) and other testing. In‑Training This is an in‑training opportunity and may be hired as Grain Sampler/Weigher or Grain Inspector 1 depending on qualifications. Upon successful completion of the in‑training program, the incumbent may move up to the next job classification listed on the in‑training plan, if applicable. Responsibilities Inspect, grade, and certify wheat and eight other grains and/or commodities marketed in the inspection area. Drive an agency vehicle to perform inspections at mills, shipping points, grain elevators, and other locations. Operate laboratory testing equipment and conduct grain and commodity quality testing using computers to determine grades, quality descriptors, and varieties. Utilize test results to determine grain handling procedures at elevators, freight terminals, and shipping points. Complete inspection logs and submit required samples for quality assurance surveys. Sample and/weigh grain and commodities at mills, shipping points, grain elevators, and other locations using hopper, platform, dial, and electronic scales to record gross and tare weights, compute net weights, and issue Domestic Official Weight Certificates. Maintain records and documentation of scale conditions and all weighing activities. Obtain samples from railcars, trucks, containers, and other conveyances, moving streams of grain, and vessel holds using standardized sample collection equipment. Record on sample tickets the container condition, identification, seal numbers applied, and other required information. Check ship holds, containers, and other conveyances for compliance with government contracts and issue ship sanitation certificates in compliance with state and federal regulations. Conduct protein and mycotoxin testing on grains and commodities using specialized grain inspection equipment to determine protein, mycotoxins, falling numbers, dockage, moisture, test weight per bushel, or other mechanical determinations. Perform stowage examinations on containers, vessels, and other conveyances for fitness to load grains and commodities. Qualifications Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid driver’s license to travel on agency business. Must be able to acquire a valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC). Must be able to pass background check for Customs and Border Protection to allow boarding of vessels prior to Customs and Border Protection personnel. For Grain Inspector 1: Must have or obtain through the in‑training plan four (4) basic USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) commodity inspection licenses to include wheat, corn, soybeans, sorghum, and one (1) additional license based on assigned region. Preferred for Grain Inspector 1: Experience interpreting and applying rules and regulations; one (1) year as a Sampler/Weigher. Employee Benefits A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules and teleworking. WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits including Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and 12 paid holidays, vacation, and leave accruals. All personal protective equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion The Department of Agriculture embraces and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds. We hire and support a workplace that celebrates diversity and upholds a commitment to equal opportunity employment, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability status, or other protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Veteran's Preference Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference must attach a copy of their DD‑214 or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington Dept. of Agriculture