Seed Field Inspector
Seed Field Inspector
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Job Description
Description
- This job posting will be used to fill eleven 11 positions in Eastern Washington.
This job posting will remain open until all positions are filled.AGRICULTURE A Cornerstone of Washingtons EconomyThe 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 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings please visit ourEmployment Page.
The Opportunity
WSDA Seed Program is a unit within the Commodity Inspection Division and conducts preharvest field inspections and laboratory testing of agricultural vegetable native range and flower seeds grown under the seed certification and phytosanitary programs. The program is responsible for seed certification seed testing phytosanitary inspection regulatory seed inspection and official seed sampling. The program provides accurate timely and highquality seed analysis and certification services while continually striving for improvements in methods and technologies to assure success for the program and its stakeholders.This position performs a wide scope of duties and responsibilities in the program as it relates to field inspection activities. This position exercises independent judgement and decisionmaking in the coordination of daily assigned field inspection routes. The reinspection and additional inspection interval are independently decided based upon crop maturity. Position reports to the Supervisor on activities related to field certification and phytosanitary inspections for a wide variety of field crops to inspect and/or obtain field samples for laboratory analysis. Additionally this position assists program management with developing and implementing training plans for the various field activities and may include leading similar positions in field training.
Important NotesWSDA is recruiting for a fulltime nonpermanent Agricultural Commodity Inspector 2 position within the Commodity Inspection Services Division. This position is located in Yakima Washington and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.
The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidates jobrelated knowledge skills and experience. The typical starting salary for this position is:$18.20 $23.52 hourly. Duties
What to Expect
Some of the various responsibilities within this role:
- Provide accurate timely and unbiased inspections for field certification and maintain accurate records and field notes.
- Work closely with other inspectors and program staff supervisor and the seed program manager to deliver contracted inspections.
- Provide accurate timely and unbiased inspections for field phytosanitary inspection.
- Inspect various seed crop fields for numerous diseases and/or pests infections that may be present.
- Identify crop and possible contaminations crop disease presence according to federal phytosanitary certificates and state phytosanitary certificates declaring presence or absence of disease and/or pests.
- Collect samples from the field location using proper protocol sampling intensity and sanitary techniques.
- Bag and store products for analysis in a manner to maintain the biological integrity.
- Deliver samples to the seed program for processing and coordinate pickup of samples from other inspectors as needed.
- Ensure samples are kept at the correct temperature secure from cross contamination and that packaging is maintained for labeling and delivered timely from analysis
Qualifications
Who should apply
Professionals with:- High School Diploma or GED
- Six 6 months experience in a WSDA inspection program OR in an Agricultural setting.
- Valid Drivers License.
Education may be substituted for experience.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:- One year experience as an Agriculture Inspector 1 or oneyear experience in agriculture related field.
- Familiarity with seed crop diseases.
- Capacity to distinguish crop possible contamination and/or pest presence according to state and federal. Phytosanitary certificate standards.
- Twoyear degree with a major study in agronomy or closely related field of study.
- A strong agronomic background including experience as a crop consultant interns or closely allied field.
- 6 months experience in inspecting grading and certifying seed plants or fields.
Supplemental Information
Employee Benefits
- A healthy work/life balance which mayinclude 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 herefor more information.
- 12 paidHolidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
- All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
- Commute Trip Reduction Program.
For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture visit us atwww.agr.wa.
How to apply:
You must complete your careers.wa 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:
Current 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 tollfree ator 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 email will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the states online 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 ProEquity AntiRacist (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 applicants 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.
Veterans Preference:Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans 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 Veterans Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligibleclick here.
Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format may callor toll free. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
Employment Type
Full-Time
