F&V Inspector Yakima

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.

We have approximately 780 employees and grow close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

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.

This position reports directly to an Agricultural Commodity Inspection Supervisor (ACIS). The incumbent inspects and certifies fresh commodities—such as apples, potatoes, and pears—at shipping points for domestic and foreign markets. The incumbent identifies symptoms of pest and diseases for phytosanitary inspections and issues federal/state documents for the export of fresh commodities. The position networks with industry, supervisor, district management, co‑workers and office staff to create a positive and safe working environment.

This is an in‑training opportunity and may be hired as Agriculture Commodity Inspector 2 or Agriculture Commodity Inspector 3 depending on qualifications.

In‑training plan:
The in‑training provides an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in‑training” plan. Upon successful completion of an in‑training program, the incumbent will move up to the next job classification that is listed on the in‑training plan if applicable.

If hired at the Agriculture Commodity Inspector 2 level, the incumbent will be required to successfully complete the training plan to reach the goal class of Agriculture Commodity Inspector 3. 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.

If hired as an Agriculture Commodity Inspector 2 – In‑Training:

• Range 38, Step A $41,004 – Step L $53,136 annually

If hired as an Agriculture Commodity Inspector 3:

• Range 42, Step A $45,024 – Step L $58,584 annually

WSDA is recruiting for multiple full‑time permanent Agricultural Commodity Inspector 3 positions within the Commodity Inspection Services Division. This position is located in Yakima, Washington and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

• Inspect commodities to meet State and Federal/State shipping point requirements. US apple Export Act, importing countries specific work plans and phytosanitary requirements.
• Interpret and apply grade standards while performing inspection procedures for fresh commodities such as potatoes, pears, onions, apples and cherries.
• Follow established sampling procedures when marking/pulling and/or obtaining samples.
• Identify and document various quality and conditions factors.
• Accurately report product maturity, container fill, uniformity, color and size.
• Record detailed accurate inspection information such as sample data into F&V’s FA2LT inspection system or appropriate paper documents.
• Ensure country workplan inspection requirements are met.
• Ensure shipping carton markings are complete and accurate.
• Enforce state and federal fruit and vegetable laws and regulations.
• Reject inspection lots when product is out of tolerance. Issues off‑grade/conditions reports for non‑compliant commodities that do not meet Federal/State regulations and follow proper procedures to ensure the product…