Inspector 2 American Falls - State of Idaho

"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 an Inspector 2 position for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program with the Agricultural Inspections division located out of the American Falls district.  This is a NIGHT shift position.

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.

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.

GENERAL INFORMATION 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 effectively communicate while exercising tact and diplomacy; and establish and maintain effective working relationships. 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. 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.
 
Under direction, inspect and determine grade of commodities according to Federal and State standards and contract specifications; complete forms and worksheets for issuance of official certificates. Constantly make rapid, informed judgments on the product's grade. Duties involve frequent lifting, moving and dumping of bags or other containers. Incumbent must follow written and verbal instructions and accurately complete time sheets and other required documentation.  Incumbents must possess a high level of human relation skills to work cooperatively, jointly, and effectively with customers to ensure inspection procedures meet established program specifications. Incumbents must effectively communicate both verbally and in writing and interact with work crews, growers and other industry members while using tact and diplomacy.

Example of Duties

General duties may include the following: 

• Shipping Point Inspection and Grading. Select appropriate number of representative samples according to size of shipment; 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; count or weigh portions of a sample which deviate from standards; determine product grade considering the cumulative quality and condition of all samples examined; perform related duties as required.
  • Work Sheet and Certificate Completion. Record number and weights of sample portions which deviate from standards; total and calculate percentage of grade defects and variances in the product size, count, quality and condition to determine if product is within grade tolerances; record type of carrier such as rail car, truck, or trailer; check refrigeration equipment and record type and operating condition; review shipping manifest and verify product variety, grade listed and type and size of shipping containers; sign and issue certificates of inspection certifying that the grade, quality, condition, size or count is in accordance with Federal and State standards; report violations of Federal and State laws or marketing orders such as misbranding or shipment of products which do not meet grade; perform related duties as required.
  • Public Relations. Explain decisions on rejection of product for shipment and possible causes of defects or damage; may assist management by recommending changes in handling procedures and grading techniques used by warehouse crew, answer questions and explain inspection process and grading procedures, standards, and requirements; encourage compliance with Federal and State laws, rules and regulations and explain the results of noncompliance; perform related duties as required.
• Auditing: Drive to various, sometimes remote, locations; conduct an opening meeting with the auditee; review auditee's food safety plan; using 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. 

An Inspector 2 may:

• Train as an Inspector 3
• Conduct Inspector 1, 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 Inspection job duties throughout the year
• Be required to meet the mandatory qualifications of an Inspector 1
• 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:

1. With or without reasonable accommodation, physical ability to:
   1. Stand for prolonged periods of time
   2. Work in extreme cold and heat, wet and humid environments around dirt, fumes, poorly ventilated areas, noise and odors
   3. Intermittently bend, squat, twist and reach above shoulder level
   4. Collect, lift and carry containers weighing up to 60 pounds
   5. Have sufficient vision, touch and balance to perform the inspection and grading duties
   6. Pass a color test
2. Ability to: 
   1. Read, understand and apply State and Federal laws, regulations and instructions related to inspection
   2. Explain technical grading standards and defects
   3. Identify various internal and external defects and degrees of imperfection
   4. Follow written and verbal instructions and accurately complete time sheets and other required documentation
   5. Keep accurate notes of grading results
   6. Perform the four basic math computations (add, subtract, multiply and divide)
   7. Write or print neatly and legibly
   8.  Must be able to read and write in English
3. Possess a valid driver's license and be able to provide proof of vehicle insurance
4. Within two months of hire obtain and retain a USDA FV-200 (acquired with on-the-job training and evaluation)

Supplemental Information

DESIRABLE AREAS: These qualifications are not required; however, are desired in a candidate.

1. Ability to collect, lift, carry heavy, and push/pull objects weighing up to 80
2. Knowledge of: 
3. 1. State and Federal laws, regulations, and instructions governing inspection
   2. Grading and sampling techniques and procedures
   3. The various Federal and State grades and their standards 

BEST RETIREMENT AVAILABLE IN THE NATION

We have one of the Nation's best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

· Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance-employee only coverage for PPO $65/month for medical and vision & $11.00/month for dental 

· generous vacation and sick leave accrual beginning as soon as you start 

· 11 paid holidays a year 

· paid parental leave

· multiple savings plans, optional 401K, and optional 457

· basic life insurance for employee and family 

1. employee covered at one times their annual salary

2. spouse covered at $10,000

3. child covered at $5,000

· wellness programs 

· ongoing training opportunities 

· an opportunity for student loan forgiveness

· and more!

 Benefits

https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/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) 332-8520The 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.

EEO/ADA/Veteran's Preference

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.