Hop Grader | Multiple Positions

About the role

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is seeking twenty-seven (27) full-time non-permanent Agricultural Inspector 1 positions within the Plant Protection Division. These positions are located in Yakima, Washington and are not represented by a union. 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.

Responsibilities

• Hop Grading - Compositing and dividing samples, sorting leaf and stem, seed grading per USDA GIPSA requirements
• Compositing - Requires standing, pushing samples out of cores, sorting through hops, cutting down to size, logging weights
• Dividing - Requires standing, holding buckets at chest level to sift material into divider. Splits samples for seed and leaf/stem processing: Seed area work involves a 120-degree oven - moving product into and out of oven, crushing product into powder and using hands to crush material/sift through screen. Leaf and stem shaker - sorting hops using a machine by stacked pans with product on each other sitting on a shaker (requires pressure to lock pans into each other) and manipulation of equipment. Sort samples for seeds, leaf and stem.
• Complete required training, take required USDA tests, and follow state and agency rules for timekeeping
• Input precise hours worked into PISCES timekeeping system
• Take the USDA Acts and Regulations Test or Technician test

Qualifications

• Ability to pass USDA Acts & Regulations plus grader exam
• One (1) season of experience performing seed, leaf, stem grading of hops
• USDA Technician Test
• Color-blind test

Supplemental Information

Employee Benefits: A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking. WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information. 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals. All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov. Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months. Veterans' Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service. For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read About Our Benefits The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.