Cherry Inspector- Brewster

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 thirteen (13) non-permanent on-call positions in Brewster, Washington.

The salary listed above does not include the 3% general wage increase that will go into effect on July 1, 2024. As of July 1, the new hourly range for this position is $20.45-$21.90.

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.

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 thirteen (13) non-permanent/on-call Cherry Inspector positions. These positions are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees Union (WFSE).

Where: Brewster. 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.

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.

• Records detailed accurate inspections information such as sample data into F&V's FA2LT inspection system or appropriate paper documents.

• Interprets country work plan inspection requirements to determine if product meets requirements.

• Issues federal-state certificates, shipping documents and other clearance documents for domestic and foreign destinations and FV294 documents.

• Obtains a sample from each cherry shipment for crushing.

• Utilizes a refractrometer to create brown sugar and water solution and monitor soluable solids level in light sweet cherry varieties.

• Identifies and collects any larva in crushing sample, adhering to protocol if larva is found. Communicates findings with supervisor and warehouse foreman.            

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

• Must acquire and maintain a USDA-AMS SC200 (previously FV200 which will also be accepted) license to inspect cherries.

• Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid driver's license to travel on agency business.

Desired:

• Two (2) years of college level course work with a major emphasis in horticulture, agronomy, or closely related field.

Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include 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 here for more information.

• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.

• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.

How to apply:

You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions to be considered for this position.

By submitting your application 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.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application 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 at Recruitment@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.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.