See AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY INSPECTOR 1.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.