Inspector 3 - Idaho Falls - State of Idaho

Description

"Serving consumers and agriculture by safeguarding the public, plants, animals and the environment through promotion, education and regulation."

Referred lists will be pulled periodically. Apply as soon as possible to ensure you will be considered for this position. This job announcement will be closed if the position is filled prior to the closing date. 

This non-classified position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Incumbents in these positions work in a high-volume production setting until all samples are processed. Under direction, organizes, supervises, and coordinates the work activities of a contract inspection or sampling operation; oversees and controls progress of work to meet work deadlines; performs related work as required. The class is used to provide overall supervision of a high-volume sampling or contract inspection activity. The number of employees supervised fluctuates with the harvest volume and resulting workload requirements. Assigns initial grade to potatoes according to Federal and State standards and contract specifications; performs related work. Work involves exposure to extreme cold and heat, wet and humid environments, dust, dirt, exhaust fumes, poorly ventilated areas, noise and odors. Work requires standing for prolonged periods. Incumbents must keep work area in safe condition and report any hazards to supervisor. May involve irregular work hours, (partial days and/or long hours) days and times and a rotation to multiple locations. Incumbents work during the harvest period in a high volume production setting characterized by long hours and extended shifts until all samples have been processed. Personal protective equipment may be required. Depending on the facility, incumbents may be required to purchase protective shoes and/or wear ear protection, hard hats, safety glasses, etc.

Incumbents provide technical assistance and oversight to fresh produce packing and processing facilities in the interpretation and application of Federal and State grading standards or marketing order requirements. Under direction, incumbents inspect and determine grade of commodities according to Federal and State standards and contract specifications; complete forms and worksheets for issuance of official certificates; and perform related work as required. Duties involve frequent lifting, moving and dumping of bags or other containers.

Incumbents in these positions must possess a high level of human relation skills to work cooperatively, jointly, and effectively with customers to ensure inspection procedures meet established program specifications. Incumbents must effectively communicate both verbally and in writing and interact with work crews, growers and other industry members while using tact and diplomacy. Communicate with growers and other members of the industry regarding work schedules or delays; answers questions and explain work progress, processes, procedures, standards, and requirements.

General duties may include the following:

• Examines product externally and internally according to standards pertaining to size, shape, varietal characteristics, appearance and degree of imperfection using visual inspection, paring knives, small scales and size rings; places potatoes in bins by grades and unusable portions; answers questions from new graders on grading procedures and grading decisions.

• Customer Assisted Inspection Program oversight: Provide technical oversight, support, and assistance regarding Federal and State laws, rules and regulations governing produce inspection procedures; monitor applicant staff for compliance to program requirements and assist industry employees with interpretation and application of grading standards and marketing order requirements; verify inspections on packed product and the accuracy of inspection equipment; maintain written inspection instructions for policies and procedures; issue final product certification documents; evaluate and document performance of applicant staff assigned to inspection duties; inform applicants and inspection management staff of all major and critical non-conformities; perform related duties as required.

• Training: Provide instruction and on-the-job training to applicant staff on laws, regulations, and instructions governing inspection, grading methods, Federal and State grades, standards and tolerances, certificate requirements for foreign export, domestic shipment, and government purchases; identify policy and program issues and provide findings to district management; perform related duties as required.

• Supervision: Organize work crew and assign to a work detail; establish and prepare work schedules; monitor progress of work to ensure deadlines are met; reassign employees to meet changing workload requirements; ensure adequate supply of work materials and supplies; review and examine work for accuracy and adherence to proper procedures, standards, and requirements; coordinate on-the-job training and answer employee questions on work procedures; observe employee work activities and provide guidance, training and/or correction when necessary; resolve employee issues, however, must communicate with Section Manager when any personnel issue may result in disciplinary actions and when changes in workload trigger the need for staff reductions; complete performance evaluations.May recruit and organize work crew and assign to a work detail; establishes and prepares work schedules; monitors progress of work to insure deadlines are met; reassigns employees to meet changing workload requirements; analyzes workload and employee work habits to determine and justify need for overtime or establishment of other shifts; ensures adequate supply of work materials and supplies; reviews and examines work for accuracy and adherence to proper procedures, standards, and requirements; resolves employee problems and conflicts; coordinates on-the-job training and answers questions of employees on work procedures. Perform related duties as required.

• Auditing: Drive to various, sometimes remote, locations; conduct an opening meeting with the auditee; review auditee’s food safety plan; use appropriate checklist to interview the auditee and the auditee’s employees to determine adherence to their plan, to the checklist/audit scheme requirements and their risk analysis, logs, test results, training records and/or other documentation; tour the fields, storage buildings, and/or packing facilities; document findings; note and explain non-conformances; write Corrective Action Reports (CAR); conduct a closing meeting, review findings, answer questions, and leave CARs; digitally enter and submit the audit to the Ag. Program Manager for review; perform related duties as required.

• Other duties as assigned.

An Inspector 3 may:

• Conduct Inspector 1, Inspector 2, Seed Inspector, Grasshopper Scout, Insect Trapping Scout, Invasive Species Surveyor, Redfish Inspector, Roving Inspector, Hydrilla Inspector, Field Inspector, Field Inspection Team Lead, Field Inspection Supervisor, North Idaho Panhandle Technician, Japanese Beetle Trapper and/or Egg Inspection job duties throughout the year.

• Be required to meet the mandatory qualifications of an Inspector 1 and/or Inspector 2

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: These qualifications are mandatory requirements. Any combination of ability, education, training or experience that demonstrates competence in each of the following:

- With or without reasonable accommodation, physical ability to:

• Stand for prolonged periods of time
• Work in extreme cold and heat, wet and humid environments around dirt, fumes, poorly ventilated areas, noise and odors
• Collect, lift and carry samples weighing up to 60 pounds
• Intermittently bend, squat, twist and reach above shoulder level
• Have sufficient vision, touch and balance to perform the inspection and grading duties
• Pass a color test

- Ability to:

• Follow both verbal and written instructions and accurately complete time sheets and other required documentation
  
• Ensure adherence to grading or sampling standards, procedures and requirements
  
• Write or print neatly and legibly
  
• Observe, train and give direction to staff and/or applicant staff.

- Must be able to read and write in English
- Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to provide proof of vehicle insurance
- Within two months of hire obtain and retain a USDA FV-200(acquired with on-the-job training and evaluation)
- (*Crew Leads only*) Licensure Requirement: Incumbents in these positions must obtain and retain a Supervisory Inspector license from the U.S.D.A.

SPECIALTY AREAS: These qualifications are mandatory requirements for some positions and the job posting will indicate when specialty areas are required.

- A cell phone with an Idaho area code, furnished by the employee, is required for this position and is eligible for reimbursement under the Cell Phone Reimbursement policy.

- Within 6 months of hire, obtain and retain a Supervisory Inspector license from the USDA.

DESIRABLE AREAS: These qualifications are not required, however, are desired in a candidate.

Ability to collect, lift, carry, and push/pull heavy objects weighing up to 80 pounds
Knowledge of and ability to explain work processes, procedures, standards and requirements
Experience applying State and Federal laws, regulations and instructions governing inspection and grading methods

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Agriculture!