CDA-Fruit and Vegetable Inspector in Training; Temporary Aide

Who we are:

Agriculture is a part of all our lives. When you eat, put on clothes, or care for an animal--your life is touched by agriculture. Colorado's food and agriculture industry generated $47 billion of economic activity in 2019 and supports nearly 5% of the state's workforce. CDA is proud to be a part of such an important industry.

The CDA's mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado's agriculture; promote a safe and high-quality food supply; protect consumers; and foster responsible stewardship of the environment.

• Partnership
• Service
• Professionalism
• Proactivity
• Respect

• Goal 1:
  Advancing Local Food Access
• Goal 2:
  Expanding Water-Resilient Agriculture
• Goal 3:
  Supporting the Next Generation in Agriculture
• Goal 4:
  Advancing Animal Health and Welfare

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits, including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Medical and dental health plans.
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account ($60 per month).
• Paid life insurance, plus additional optional life insurance options.
• Paid Short Term Disability and optional Long Term Disability coverage.
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave accruals.
• Benefit Hub state employee discount program.
• Employee Wellness program State of Health.
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, remote work opportunities, free parking, professional development and more!

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non‑discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. We provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

This recruitment will be used to fill multiple vacancies. This is a Temporary Aide Position limited to a duration not to exceed 9 months. This is a great opportunity to learn the position in preparation for applying for future permanent vacancies that offer a full menu of benefits.

This work unit exists to provide inspection, upon request, for commercial shipments of fruits and vegetables, as mandated by state law; issuing federal inspection certificates documenting quality (grade).

Operate and maintain a personal motor vehicle for transportation to and from various fresh produce production handling areas statewide, to physically inspect fruits and vegetables by drawing samples in buckets. This requires climbing ladders, reaching and lifting samples and weighing them. Examine the sample for quality, condition, and size by weighing, cutting and visually looking at produce specimens. Compare defective and off‑size product with appropriate scoring guidelines.

Work under close supervision to become fully competent in inspection work. Record data by hand onto inspection report and calculate sums and percentages using basic math skills. Issue written official federal certificates to describe and certify quality, size and condition of produce being inspected. Keep inspection manuals and handbooks up to date and in working order. Calibrate scale by adjusting it to zero.

Sharpen knives as needed. When required by customer's safety standards, wear ear plugs, bump cap,…