Grain Inspector

The Opportunity

The Commodity Inspection Division provides unbiased third‑party inspections for a wide variety of Washington State agricultural products and assists agricultural companies in moving and exporting their products. With roughly 365 full‑time employees across four statewide programs—including Fruit and Vegetable Inspection, Grain Inspection, Grain Warehouse Audit, and Seed Inspection and Certification—this role focuses on the Grain Inspection Program, which offers sampling, weighting, quality testing, grade inspection, and phytosanitary services 24/7 at multiple inspection offices throughout Washington.

• Inspects, grades and certifies wheat and eight other grains and/or commodities that are marketed in the inspection area.
• Operate testing equipment in a laboratory and use computer systems to determine grades, quality descriptions, and varieties of grain.
• Complete relevant inspection logs and submit required samples for quality‑assurance surveys.

• Sample and weigh grains and commodities at mills, shipping points, grain elevators, and other locations.
• Use hopper, platform, dial and electronic scales to record gross, tare and net weights, and issue Domestic Official Weight Certificates.
• Obtain samples from railcars, trucks, containers and vessel holds using standardized sample‑collection equipment.
• Record container condition, identification, seal numbers and other required information on sample tickets.
• Maintain detailed records of scale conditions and all weighing activities.

• Conduct protein and mycotoxin testing on grains and commodities.
• Operate specialized grain‑inspection equipment to determine protein, mycotoxins, falling numbers, dockage, moisture, test weight per bushel and other mechanical determinations.

• Drive an agency vehicle to perform stowage examinations on containers, vessels and other conveyances to assess fitness for loading grains and commodities.
• Check ship holds, containers and other conveyances for compatibility and issue ship sanitation certificates in compliance with state and federal regulations.

This is an in‑training opportunity and may be hired as a Grain Sampler/Weigher or, based on qualifications, as a Grain Inspector 1. Upon successful completion of the training plan, the incumbent may advance to the next job classification listed on the plan.

Salary ranges (annual, adjusted for internal equity):

• Grain Sampler/Weigher – Step A $39,144 to Step L $50,592.
• Grain Inspector 1 – Step A $45,024 to Step L $58,584.

• 7:00 am–7:00 pm or 7:00 pm–7:00 am with rotating days off.

• Must have a valid driver’s license for agency business.
• Must hold a valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
• Must pass a background check for Customs and Border Protection to board vessels.

• Must have a valid driver’s license for agency business.
• Must hold a valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
• Must pass a background check for Customs and Border Protection.
• Must obtain, through the in‑training plan, four basic USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) commodity inspection licenses (wheat, corn, soybeans, sorghum) and one additional license for the assigned region.

• Experience interpreting and applying rules and regulations.
• One year as a Sampler/Weigher.

• Flexible work schedules and teleworking options.
• Comprehensive benefits package including dependent‑care assistance, flexible spending accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, tuition waiver, deferred compensation and employee recognition leave.
• 12 paid holidays, vacation and leave accruals.
• All required personal protective equipment supplied by the agency.

The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while collaborating in authentic ways. We hire amazing people who share the commitment to our Pro‑Equity Anti‑Racist strategic plan, the Healthy Environment for All Act implementation plan, and our unique needs for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We provide equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.