State of Washington Classified Job Specification
AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY INSPECTOR 1
AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY INSPECTOR 1
Class Code: 568G
Category: Agricultural Operations
Class Series Concept
Positions in this series inspect, certify and grade of agricultural commodities including fresh fruits and vegetables, and seed plants. Inspections of the commodity may occur in the environment where commodities are grown and at shipping point such as packing facilities. Duties are performed under the provision of state and federal rules and regulations. Incumbents interact with local and international producers, local government officials, other state government inspectors and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials.
Definition
Under close supervision, performs paraprofessional level duties to inspect, grade and certify one (1) fruit commodity at shipping point for domestic and foreign market; OR conducts field inspections for up to three (3) seed plant commodities to identify seed plant and pest diseases in accordance with seed certification and phytosanitary requirements.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Positions use standard procedures and guidelines to perform tasks such as interpret and apply state and federal standards and other-country workplan requirements for the assigned commodity; determine if commodity meets grades standard and make recommendation to supervisor.
Typical Work
Selects and inspects samples of fresh fruit at shipping points;
Interprets and applies U.S. standards and country work plan requirements for the assigned commodity;
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. Identifies and distinguishes between quality and condition defects and the varying degree of the defect;
Rejects 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;
Inspects product for undersize and oversize tolerance;
Issues certification and shipping documentation for domestic and foreign destinations;
Verifies product labeling is in compliance with state and federal requirements including correct labeling and marking of state lot identification number. Ensures product adheres to protocol for food safety product traceability;
Identifies the presence of insects within official sample;
Performs crushing procedures for cherries to meet applicable state requirements;
Inspects for proper sizing of product, tightness, and/or fill of pack, and correct labeling as required by grade standards.
Interprets and applies U.S. standards and country work plan requirements for the assigned commodity;
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. Identifies and distinguishes between quality and condition defects and the varying degree of the defect;
Rejects 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;
Inspects product for undersize and oversize tolerance;
Issues certification and shipping documentation for domestic and foreign destinations;
Verifies product labeling is in compliance with state and federal requirements including correct labeling and marking of state lot identification number. Ensures product adheres to protocol for food safety product traceability;
Identifies the presence of insects within official sample;
Performs crushing procedures for cherries to meet applicable state requirements;
Inspects for proper sizing of product, tightness, and/or fill of pack, and correct labeling as required by grade standards.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: United States Department of Agriculture, state and agency directives, rules and regulations for assigned commodity.
Ability to: read, interpret and comprehend rules and regulations; effectively communicate verbally and in writing; 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.
Ability to: read, interpret and comprehend rules and regulations; effectively communicate verbally and in writing; 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 within the Department of Agriculture, Fruit and Vegetable Program require USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) licensure and USDA-AMS FV200 certification to inspect one (1) commodity.
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.
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.
Desirable Qualifications
High school graduation or GED.
Class Specification History
New class; adopted June 13, 2019, effective July 1, 2019.
