Cherry Inspector- Chelan
Cherry Inspector Positions The Washington State Department of Agriculture is recruiting for three (3) non-permanent/on-call Cherry Inspector positions. These positions are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees Union (WFSE). They are located in Chelan, Washington. These positions are expected to begin work the first week of June and last approximately 8-10 weeks depending on the cherry season. Production facilities operate 24/7 and the work schedule may be either the day or night shift, approximately 5-7 days a week with a great opportunity to earn overtime. 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. The typical starting salary range for this position is: Range 36 Step A $18.75 - Step L $24.23 hourly. Duties Some of what you'll do: Perform inspections in designated area. Interpret and apply grade standards while performing inspection procedures for fresh cherries. Follow established sample procedures for the determined product grade when pulling and obtaining samples. Read, interpret, comprehend and follow instructions and methodology in policies, procedures, directives, notices rules and regulations relating to the position and industry. Identify and document cherry defects such as off color, skin breaks, bruising, sutures, decay and rain cracks. Ensure packed cherries meet row size requirements, by using assigned size rings. Record detailed accurate inspections information such as sample data into F&V's FA2LT inspection system or appropriate paper documents. Interpret country work plan inspection requirements to determine if product meets requirements. Ensure shipping carton markings are accurate. Enforce state and federal fruit and vegetable laws and regulations. Reject inspections lots when product is out of grade tolerances. Issue off grade/condition reports for noncompliance of commodities that do not meet Federal/State regulations and follows proper procedures to ensure the product has the proper dispositions. Communicate product grade to warehouse to allow for corrective action if necessary. Issue federal-state certificates, shipping documents and other clearance documents for domestic and foreign destinations and FV294 documents. Perform inspections in designated area. Obtain a sample from each cherry shipment brought to the packing facilities from the growing field for crushing. Crush cherries to expose pit and submerging cherries in sugar solutions. Identify and collects any larva in crushing sample, adheres to protocol if larva is found. Communicate findings with supervisor and warehouse foreman. Instructs warehouse to place fruit into quarantine as needed. Utilize refractometer to create brown sugar and water solution. Monitor soluble solids level in light sweet cherry varieties. Inform warehouse of pull rates in order to meet California shipping requirements. Oversee warehouse crushing stations and verify warehouse personnel are adhering to protocol, including sugar concentration. Qualifications Required: Must acquire and maintain a USDA-AMS SC200 (previously FV200 which will also be accepted) license to inspect cherries. 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. Commute Trip Reduction Program.