Cherry Season Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Apply early. The hiring manager will review applications on an ongoing basis until all positions have been filled. We are hiring five (5) non-permanent on-call positions in Pasco, Washington.

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.

The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page. The Opportunity: 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 (Cherry Inspection Supervisor). This position inspects and certifies fresh cherries at shipping point for domestic and foreign markets.

This position identifies symptoms of pest and diseases for phytosanitary inspections and issues federal/state documents for the export of fresh cherries. Applicants must be 18 years old. No previous experience is required, but we do require some flexibility with your schedule and reliable means of transportation.

These positions require regular, reliable work attendance, as well as the ability to work in industrial and agricultural settings. Through our on-the-job training, you will earn a Federal Commodity license (USDA-AMS SC200). What: WSDA is recruiting for five (5) non-permanent/on-call Cherry Inspector positions.

These positions are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees Union (WFSE). Where: Pasco. If interested in any of our other available locations, please apply to those announcements also (search "Cherry Inspector" on careers.wa.gov)

When: 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. Salary: 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: Inspection of fresh cherries 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.

Functions to ensure regulatory compliance 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. 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. Commute Trip Reduction Program. For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us atwww.agr.wa.gov

How to apply: You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position. Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.

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. Work Authorization Candidates who are offered a job with WSDA must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future; WSDA complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9.

The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment. WSDA does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law. Equity at WSDA The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways

We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement. We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Veteran's 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.

Contact Us Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.