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State of Washington Classified Job Specification

AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY INSPECTOR 2

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AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY INSPECTOR 2
Class Code: 568I
Category: Agricultural Operations


Class Series Concept

See AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY INSPECTOR 1.

Definition

This is the entry professional level with an automatic in-training to the journey level. Under close supervision, performs entry professional-level inspections of seed plants and fields; or inspection, grading and certification of two (2) fresh fruit or vegetable commodities.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Under close supervision, positions perform tasks such as identifying symptoms of pest and diseases for phytosanitary inspections; inspecting, grading and certifying commodities such as apples, potatoes and pears; issuing state and federal documents for the export of fresh commodities.

Typical Work

Receives training in proper procedures and methods for conducting seed field inspections of grass, alfalfa, clover, beans, corn, and vegetables to determine compliance with state seed certification and/or phytosanitary regulations. This includes training in plant identification, disease identification, production practices, and field contamination and seed certification rules;

Receives training in enforcement of state and federal seed laws, which includes supervised visits to seed dealers where examination of container labeling and check sampling is performed; procedure for handling violations and contact with the public is included in this training;

Obtains nematode samples in seed fields;

While performing seed field inspections, verifies distinguishing characteristics of commodities, varietal type and varietal purity;

Certifies that fields meet certification standards and issues certification report;

Selects and inspects samples of fresh fruits and/or vegetables at shipping points; inspects for a wide variety of quality factors such as color, blemishes, shape, mechanical damage, and evidence of insect and/or disease; inspects for condition of product as to factors of maturity/firmness/freshness and presence and degree of latent condition defects occurring subsequent to grading and packing; inspects for proper sizing of product, tightness, and/or fill of pack, and correct labeling as required by grade standards;

For assigned commodities, issues federal-state certificates, shipping documents, and other clearance documents for domestic and foreign destinations and detailed inspection note sheets of samples inspected; issues notice on non-complying product(s) and takes regulatory actions as necessary;

Makes recommendation to supervisor regarding rejection of inspection lots when product is out of grade tolerance. Issues off grade and/or condition reports for noncompliance of commodities that do not meet federal/state regulations and follow proper procedures to ensure the product has the proper disposition;

Follows official representative sampling methods to obtain sample; applies sample ratio requirements by carton size and weight count;

Communicates quality control and product grade information to company personnel.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: working knowledge of state and federal certification regulations, and seed law enforcement standards.

Ability to: interpret and apply federal directives, notices, rules and regulations and state policies and procedures; distinguish a healthy crop from a diseased or pest infected crop; professionally and effectively interact with customers and stakeholders; climb and work safely and with agility at high levels, around moving equipment under extra hazardous conditions, and often in very high temperatures; work in environments that include exposure to chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

Legal Requirement(s)

Positions require USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) licensure and USDA-AMS FV200 certification to inspect two (2) assigned commodities.

 

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

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Desirable Qualifications

Graduation from high school or GED,

 

AND

 

Six months of experience in a state fruit and vegetable office inspecting, grading and certifying seed plants and fields or fresh fruits and/or vegetables;

 

OR

 

Two years of experience identifying symptoms of pest and diseases for phytosanitary inspections within an agriculture related field.

Class Specification History

New class effective: January 1, 2006; Agricultural Inspector 1 (replaces 44150 Egg Inspector 1, 45100 Seed Inspector Trainee, 45600 Horticulture Inspector Trainee).

Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2017, effective 7/1/2017; 28 increased to 30.

Salary adjustment; revised title, class series concept, definition, legal requirements, desirable qualifications; added distinguishing characteristics, knowledge and abilities; adopted June 13, 2019, effective July 1, 2019.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.