Job Opportunities in United States

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

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for a benefited Inspector 1 position to work in the American Falls District Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Office within the Division of Agricultural Inspections.
Referred lists will be pulled periodically. Apply as soon as possible to ensure you will be considered for this position. This job announcement will be closed if the position is filled prior to the closing date.
SPECIAL NOTIFICATION: This non-classified position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Night shift positions are eligible for additional SHIFT pay during eligible work shifts.

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 communicate effectively while exercising tact and diplomacy and work independently with minimal supervision. 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. Incumbents will receive on-the-job training in proper sampling and safety procedures. 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.

Example of Duties:

General duties may include the following:

• Forklift operating: Operate forklift to stage sample containers for inspection. With forklift, unload incoming samples from trucks; move containers to inspection station and place in production states by date and lot number; maintain awareness of flow of samples through inspection station, and select next appropriate sample according to date and lot number; remove and relocate empty containers; perform minor maintenance on forklifts; assist inspectors by physically lifting heavy items. May require maneuvering a forklift to loading docks across heavy traffic, around cramped, crowded plants, and over drainage gratings and slick floors inside the inspection station; perform related duties as required.
• Grading/Raw Lab Technician: Simultaneously work with a crew of graders to examine product externally and internally according to standards pertaining to size, shape, varietal characteristics, appearance and degree of imperfection using visual inspection, paring knives, small scales and size rings; place commodities in bins by grades and unusable portions; answer questions from new graders on grading procedures and grading decisions; be responsible for accurately determining the grade of commodities for all lots or loads specified for inspection; assign initial grade to commodities according to Federal and State standards and contract specifications; sample commodity to determine the raw product's attributes; complete equipment maintenance and sanitation duties; enter testing data into proprietary database. Incumbent may be rotated on an as needed basis between internal and external grading assignments; perform related duties as required.
• Sampling: Use sample tray or automatic sampling apparatus to take appropriate number of samples according to size of bulk load; follow specific sampling procedures to minimize product damage and to ensure accuracy of sample; place appropriate number of samples in composite sample container; label container by date and contract number and attach identification tags; seal container to ensure sample integrity; may assist in contract or dockside inspection by lifting and weighing samples; record sample weights on note sheets; some positions may be required to place sub-samples in sacks which may weigh up to 100 pounds then carry sacks to pallets.
• 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.

Benefited Inspector 1 positions may:

• Train as an Inspector 2 or Inspector 3
• Perform duties as a 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 Inspector throughout the year
• Temporarily supervise during certain times of the year

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 35 pounds
  • Intermittently bend, squat, twist and reach above shoulder level
  • Pass a color test
• Have sufficient vision, touch and balance to perform the inspection and grading duties
• Manual dexterity including the ability to toss, pull, push, lift, carry, and cut commodities
• Ability to:
  • Follow written and verbal instructions and accurately complete time sheets and other required documentation
  • Write or print neatly and legibly
  • Verify and copy information
  • Perform basic math computations (add and subtract) and count accurately
• Must be able to read and write in English
• May obtain an Inspector Aide license from USDA
• May obtain a USDA FV-200(acquired with on-the-job training and evaluation)
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to provide proof of vehicle insurance
• Within two weeks of hire, pass a vocational training course, be certified as a Forklift Operator, maintain the Forklift Operator certification and be able to operate a forklift
• Basic computer skills

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
• Ability to explain grading procedures to others
• Demonstrated ability to identify various internal and external defects
• Experience with the practices and procedures involved in handling and rotating large containers while operating a forklift
• Good knowledge of:
  • Federal and State grading procedures and standards
  • Various grades and their requirements

BEST RETIREMENT AVAILABLE IN THE NATION
We have one of the Nation's best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit.

Benefits: The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/State Employees/Benefits.html.*

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Agriculture!

If you have questions,
please contact us at:
jobs@isda.idaho.gov or at (208) 332-8520
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.