Produce Inspector II

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION & FORESTRY PRODUCE INSPECTOR II

Opening Date: February 13, 2026

Closing Date: End of day February 27, 2026

Location: Fryeburg

Position Number:

Class Code: 9172

Grade: 18 (Professional/Technical Unit)

Salary: $19.02 - $26.48 Per Hour

This is investigative and protective services work in inspecting a variety of agricultural commodities for a variety of grades at multiple shipping points and performing certification and harmonization audits. Work includes auditing farmers/growers and inspecting a variety of agricultural products.

• Reviewing individual food safety/operation plans and administrative records
• Interviewing employees
• Completing and issuing inspection certificates
• Inspecting common carrier equipment
• Providing technical assistance
• Gathering and submitting information.

Positions in this classification are expected to provide routine training and guidance to new and less experienced Inspectors. Work is performed under general supervision.

For questions specific to the position, please contact Timothy Lynds at  or timothy.lynds

High School Diploma or Equivalent and two (2) years’ experience in the field of agriculture and/or experience grading, marketing, food processing, laboratory testing, quality assurance, process control application, or inspecting agricultural commodities.

(These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class):
Federal (USDA)/State Inspector/Auditor License for products being inspected or audited.

have demonstrated agricultural experience in produce processing.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance
  – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using
  13 paid holidays
  ,
  12 days of sick leave
  , and3+ weeks of vacation leave
  annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and confidential employees receive three (3) personal leave days.
• Health Insurance Coverage
  – The State of Maine pays
  85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit
  – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance
  – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan
  – The State of Maine contributes
  14.11% of pay
  to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (Maine
  
  PERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement
  – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
  – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program
  – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave
  is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive
  forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave
  . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation
  – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in aMaine Saves
  457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about
  additional wellness benefits
  for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful,…