Grain Inspector

Overview

Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is hiring three positions in Vancouver, Washington for the Commodity Inspection Division. The division provides unbiased third‑party inspections for a wide variety of Washington State agricultural products and assists companies in the movement and export of their goods.

The positions available are Grain Sampler/Weigher and Grain Inspector 1. The role begins as an in‑training Grain Sampler/Weigher and, upon completion of the in‑training plan, may be promoted to Grain Inspector 1.

Salary Ranges –
Grain Sampler/Weigher (In‑Training):
Step A $39,144 – Step L $50,592
Grain Inspector 1:
Step A $45,024 – Step L $58,584

• Weigh and sample grains and commodities at mills, shipping points, grain elevators, and other locations.
• Operate official scales (hopper, platform, dial, electronic) to record gross, tare, and net weights and issue Domestic Official Weight Certificates.
• Carry out sampling, grading, and certification of wheat and eight other grains and commodities in the inspection area.
• Use laboratory equipment to conduct protein and mycotoxin testing and other analytical tests as required.
• Perform stowage examinations of containers, vessels, and other conveyances to ensure fitness for load and comply with sanitation requirements.
• Maintain accurate inspection logs and submit required samples for quality assurance surveys.
• Travel to inspection sites by agency vehicle; respond to routine, irregular, or as‑needed travel demands.
• Work in railroad yards, hazardous areas, and other industrial settings where grain is loaded into trains, containers, bags, and ships.

• Valid driver’s license (for agency business).
• Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
• Passing background check for Customs and Border Protection to allow boarding of vessels.
• For Grain Inspector 1: completion of four USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) commodity inspection licenses (including wheat, corn, soybeans, sorghum, and an additional regional license), and at least one year of experience as a Sampler/Weigher (if in‑training).

• Experience interpreting and applying rules and regulations.
• Experience as a Sampler/Weigher.
• Familiarity with grain inspection equipment and testing procedures.

Washington State Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.