Seed Field Inspector

This job posting will be used to fill ten (10) positions in Eastern Washington.
This job posting will remain open until all positions are filled.

Onboarding will take place in Yakima, but the work is spread out across Eastern Washington.
AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's 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 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit ourEmployment Page.


The Opportunity

The WSDA Seed Program provides accurate, timely and high-quality seed analysis and certification services while continually striving for improvements in methods and technologies to assure success for the program and its seed industry stakeholders. WSDA Seed Program is a unit within the Commodity Inspection Division that conducts pre-harvest seed field inspections and laboratory seed testing of agricultural, vegetable, native plants, rangeland grasses and flower seeds grown under the certification and phytosanitary programs. The program is responsible for seed certification, seed testing, phytosanitary visual seed inspection, seed inspection and official seed sampling as well as the program is the state seed regulatory agent. Additionally, the program monitors two seed quarantines to assist producers to replicate disease and pest free commodities.

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 decision-making in the coordination of daily assigned field inspection routes. The re-inspection 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.
Duration

The Seed Field Inspector positions are split into two groups. Four of the positions will be expected to last from May - September and the other six positions will be expected to last from June - August.

Important Notes

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time non-permanent Agricultural Commodity Inspector 2 position within the Commodity Inspection Services Division. This position is located in Eastern 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 candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary for this position is:$19.64 - $25.45 hourly.

What to Expect

Conduct certified field inspections to inspect crops for off-type and variants.

• Read, interpret, and follow inspection instructions and methodology outlined in policy, procedure, directives, notices, rules, and regulations relating to the position and industry.
• Provide accurate, timely and unbiased inspections for field certification and maintain accurate records and field notes.
• Attend internal training classes and at company locations to learn field techniques and personal protection equipment (PPE) requirements for field activities.
• Work closely with other inspectors and program staff, supervisor and the seed program manager to deliver contracted inspections.

Perform experienced phytosanitary field inspections for diseased and/or pests as directed by the applicant.

• Read, interpret, comprehend and follow inspection instructions and methodology in policy, procedures, directives, notices, rules and regulations relating to the position and industry.
• 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 certificated, and state phytosanitary certificates declaring presence or absence of disease and/or pests.

Collect soil and/or plant material for phytosanitary field inspection in a timely manner and during the correct biological stage for laboratory analysis

• 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 pick-up of samples from other inspectors as needed.
• Assist with transporting the processed samples to local laboratory testing facilities.
• Ensure samples are kept at correct temperature, secure from cross contamination and that packaging is maintained for labeling and delivered timely from analysis.

Maintain working relationship with internal staff, external industry associates and fieldsmen to perform field activities

• Adhere to and help clarify internal ISO procedures and work instructions.

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• Six (6) months experience in a WSDA inspection program OR in an Agricultural setting.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Education may be substituted for experience.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• One year experience as an Agriculture Inspector 1- or one-year 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.
• A strong agronomic background including experience as a crop consultant interns or closely allied field.
• Two-year degree with a major study in agronomy or closely related field of study.

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.gov.

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:

· 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 toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or emailsupport@neogov.com.

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 atRecruitment@agr.wa.gov. 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.