Job Information
Washington State Department of Agriculture Cherry Inspector - Pasco in Pasco, Washington
Apply early! The first review of applications is scheduled for April 30th, 2024. The hiring manager will review applications on an ongoing basis until all positions have been filled. We are hiring nine (9) non-permanent on-call positions in Pasco, Washington.
*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 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 our Employment Page.{rel="nofollow" tabindex="0"}
The Opportunity:
The Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program is one half of the Commodity Inspection Division and provides accurate and unbiased inspection services to the fresh produce and processing industry to ensure orderly marketing of fruits and vegetables. Commodities are inspected for quality, size, labeling, condition, and contract specifications and may be certified as free from disease and insects as required by domestic and international markets.
As a Cherry Inspector* *you will be expected to produce accurate and quality work in a fast-paced work environment. Your attention to detail and ability to learn quickly will be put to great use as you inspect and certify fresh cherries at shipping points for domestic and foreign markets.
Applicants must be 18 years old. No previous experience is required, but we do require some flexibility with your schedule and reliable means of transportation. These positions require regular, reliable work attendance, as well as the ability to work in industrial and agricultural settings. Through our on-the-job training, you will earn a Federal Commodity license (USDA-AMS SC200).
What: WSDA is recruiting for nine (9)) non-permanent/on-call Cherry Inspector positions. These positions are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees Union (WFSE).
*Where: *Pasco. If interested in any of our other available locations, please apply to those announcements also (search "Cherry Inspector" on careers.wa.gov).
*When: *These positions are expected to begin work the first week of June and last approximately 8 -10 weeks depending on the cherry season. Production facilities operate 24/7 and the work schedule may be either the day or night shift, approximately 5-7 days a week with a great opportunity to earn overtime.
*Salary: *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 range for this position is: $ 19.85 - $ 20.80 hourly.
Duties
Some of what you'll do:
Interprets and applies grade standards while performing inspection procedures for fresh cherries.
Follows established sample procedures by determined product grade when pulling and/or obtaining samples.
Identifies and documents cherry decects such as off color, skin breaks, bruising, sutures, decay and rain cracks.
Uses assigned size rings to size cherries to ensure packed cherries meet row size requirements.
Re