Grain Inspector 1 | Multiple Positions

This job posting will be used to fill five (5) positions in Cowlitz County, Washington.

This job posting will remain open until all positions are filled. First review of applications is scheduled the week of July 22, 2024.

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

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 approximately 780 employees 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 .

As part of the Commodity Inspection Division, the Grain Inspection Program supports domestic and international trade of grains, pulses, and commodities by providing sampling, weighing, testing, inspection, and certification services that substantiate the quality, quantity, condition, and pest free status.

As a Grain Inspector, you will weigh, inspect, and certify wheat and four other grains and/or commodities. You may check ship holds, containers, and other conveyances for fitness to load grains and commodities. This position works in railroad yards, grain elevators, and other hazardous areas to draw samples of grains and commodities by means of approved sampling devices. In addition, the Grain Inspector performs mycotoxin testing and other analytical tests as required, including operating special grain inspection equipment to determine protein (NIRT) and other testing.

• This position works in both an office and industrial setting such as a railroad yard or other hazardous area where grain is being loaded into various storage units such as trains, containers, bags, and ships.
• While utilizing a state vehicle, this position may be required to travel on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis.
• Some locations require hard hats, safety vests, and steel toe boots provided by WSDA.
• Work Schedule:
• Week 1: Sunday 7am-7pm, Wednesday 7am-5pm, Thursday 7am-7pm.
• Week 2: Monday 7am-7pm, Tuesday 7am-5pm, Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday 7am-7pm.

Some of the various responsibilities within this role include:

• Inspects, grades, and certifies grain and agricultural commodities at mills, shipping points, grain elevators, and other locations.
• Operates testing equipment in a laboratory.
• Conducts inspections and testing of grain and/or other commodities using laboratory equipment and computers to determine grades or other quality descriptions and varieties of grain.
• Completes relevant inspection logs.
• Submits required number of samples for quality assurance surveys.
• Weighs and/or samples and examines grain and agricultural commodities; works with hopper, platform, dial, and electronic scales to determine weights and make necessary adjustments as needed; records gross and tare weights, computes net weights, and issues Domestic Official Weight Certificates.
• Maintains records and documentation of scale conditions and all weighing activities.
• Obtains samples from rail cars, truck containers, and other conveyances, moving streams of grain, and vessel holds using standardized sample collection equipment provided by employer.
• Works in railroad yards and other hazardous areas, opening and closing container doors. Recording on sample ticket container condition, identification, seal numbers applied, and other required information.
• Samples, check weighs, and check loads shipping containers for compliance with government contracts.
• Samples commodities and grains for inspection and phytosanitary certification, samples grass seed for phytosanitary certification, samples products and/or weighs commodities under directions issued by USDA agencies, such as the Agricultural Marketing Service or Farm Service Agency.
• Collects and transports samples to the inspection office; follows standardized instructions and procedures.
• Conducts protein and mycotoxin testing on grains and commodities.
• Checks ship holds, containers and/or other conveyances to determine fitness for grain cargo and other commodities; issues ship sanitation certificates in compliance with state and federal regulations, performs observations of fumigation.

Professionals with:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Positions require a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), and 21 specific licenses required by the US Grain Standards Act, and the USDA Agricultural Marketing Act. In addition, positions require 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.
• Valid driver's license to travel on agency business.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certifications. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

In addition to the above requirements, this position requires the incumbent to have the ability to:

• Detect odors and other conditions that render grain unfit for human consumption. A high level of visual acuity is also required to accomplish the required level of grain grading analysis.
• Sit and stand for short to long periods of time, bend, twist, stoop, reach overhead, and lift between 5 to 25 pounds.
• Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing; must also be able to effectively use equipment such as telephone, two-way radios, and computers.
• Read, interpret, and consistently apply federal directives, notices, rules and regulations, and state policies and procedures.

Bachelor's degree with major study in agronomy, or closely allied field.

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; click here for more information.
• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.

How to apply:

You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

• A resume detailing experience and education
• A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
• Three professional references

By submitting these materials, 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.

Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.

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

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

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.

We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Contact Us:

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at .

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.

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, click here.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at .