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. The Colorado Department of Agriculture (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, and Respect.

• Advancing Local Food Access
• Expanding Water‑Resilient Agriculture
• Supporting the Next Generation in Agriculture
• 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 and optional additional life insurance.
• 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 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.

This work unit provides 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 to travel to various fresh produce production handling areas statewide.
• Physically inspect fruits and vegetables by drawing samples in buckets, climbing ladders, reaching, lifting samples, and weighing them.
• Examine samples for quality, condition, and size by weighing, cutting, and visually inspecting produce specimens.
• Compare defective and off‑size product with appropriate scoring guidelines.
• Record data by hand onto inspection reports and calculate sums and percentages using basic math skills.
• Issue written official federal certificates describing and certifying quality, size, and condition of produce being inspected.
• Keep inspection manuals and handbooks up to date and in working order.
• Calibrate scales by adjusting to zero; sharpen knives as needed.
• Wear required safety gear, including ear plugs, bump caps, and safety glasses when mandated by customer safety standards.
• Maintain required USDA licensing and complete necessary renewals.
• Assist customers with inspection requests by explaining and interpreting applicable guidelines, bill for services based on contract or non‑contract rates, and resolve customer discrepancies professionally.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

None.

• Full‑time work experience in inspection, auditing, quality assurance work, food safety, or agricultural work closely related to the duties described.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to work well with others and communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Good visual comparison skills.
• Good math skills.

• Must have and maintain a Colorado driver's license to accommodate travel requirements.
• Complete MVR (Motor Vehicle Report) due to the new state driving policy effective March 31, 2025.
• Must be able to distinguish color variations.
• Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds on a regular basis.
• Must work indoors and outdoors in inclement weather, including hot, cold, wet, humid, and/or windy conditions.
• Inspectors are required to reside in the San Luis Valley area; positions are located there but employees may be assigned temporarily to other locations in the state during certain times of the year.
• Employees may need to work overtime, weekends, and holidays.