Food Inspector Jobs in Salem, OR (NOW HIRING)

Initial Posting Date:
05/18/2026
Application Deadline:
08/30/2026
Agency:
Department of Agriculture
Salary Range:
$3,515 - $4,738
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Agriculture Services Inspector 1 (Shipping Point)
Job Description:
This recruitment has been extended
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is currently recruiting for an Agriculture Services Inspector 1 position within the Agriculture Services Division. This position is located in Milton-Freewater and will work in the Hermiston Shipping Point Inspection district to provide agricultural inspections, sample collection, and field inspections, amongst other duties to support the local agricultural community. This position supports the department's mission to safeguard Oregon's agriculture, natural resources, working lands, economies, and communities through assistance, compliance, and market support.
Oregon Department of Agriculture - Who we are:
At the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), employees work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with ensuring healthy natural resources, environment, and economy for Oregonians now and in the future through inspection and certification, regulation, and promotion of agriculture and food. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in the Department of Agriculture core values.
Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learn more about what we do here
What you'll be doing:
As an Agriculture Services Inspector 1, you will be part of the Agriculture Services Division, a group of programs that work together statewide to assist Oregon's agriculture producers to successfully sell and ship products worldwide. The Shipping Point Inspection (SPI) Program provides a variety of services for the inspection, verification, and certification of Oregon commodities prior to their shipment into US and world commerce channels. These include impartial third-party inspection of product to determine grades of fruits, nuts, and vegetables and implementation of alternative inspection programs where ODA staff collaborate with customers to provide inspections. SPI program staff provide inspections and issue phytosanitary certificates to support export of Oregon agriculture commodities.
In this position, you will provide shipping point inspections, phytosanitary inspections, official sampling and witnessing, and other services to assist customers in moving agricultural products. As needed, this position may also conduct other Agriculture Services Division or agency activities, including field inspections, sample processing, surveys for exotic insects or pathogens, and other duties as assigned. This position is located in the Hermiston Shipping Point District based out of Milton-Freewater, OR.
The Agriculture Services Inspector 1 is a seasonal part-time position, located in Milton-Freewater, Oregon.
Click here to view a full description of this position.
What we're looking for
To Qualify for the Position, You Need:
One season of experience as a shipping point inspector aide. OR
One year of experience in a commercial fruit or vegetable growing, grading, or marketing enterprise.
A valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record. To live within 30 miles of Milton-Freewater, OR. Ability to regularly lift objects 50 - 60 lbs.
Requested Skills:
General knowledge of Oregon agriculture and inspection processes.
Basic knowledge of arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
Ability to keep accurate written records of inspection activities and fee collections.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with a variety of people to obtain or provide information.
Projected Recruitment Timeline
Recruitment Closes: August 30, 2026
1st Round of Interviews: Week of September 8, 2026
2nd Round of Interviews: TBD
Anticipated Start Date: September 17, 2026
*These dates are approximate and may change. *
** We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may not meet every one of our listed preferred qualifications. Lived experience may count towards the requested skills. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply. If you are unsure as to whether you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, please contact our human resources department to discuss your application.
How to apply:
Resume Required. Show us how you meet the qualifications and requested skills in your application. If you do not currently live in the Milton-Freewater, OR area, please indicate your willingness to relocate or your application will not be considered. Applications without the requested document attached will not move forward in the recruitment process.
Upon submitting your application, please be sure to check your account for pending questions and tasks such as declaring Veterans' Points and attaching supporting.
Current state employees - please apply through your employee Workday account.
What's in it for you
The State of Oregon offers a competitive and affordable health and benefits package, including excellent medical, vision and dental coverage, paid holidays off, and personal business leave, as well as paid and accrued vacation leave and sick leave. In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses. More information is available from the Public Employees Benefit Board.
Additional Information:
Current state employees, please apply through your employee Workday account.
Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials. On average, candidates new to state service will most likely be offered compensation in the lower to mid-level of the salary range.
Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process following pay equity. Prior to making a job offer, an internal pay equity assessment will be completed. The successful candidate's professional experience and education will be compared to the state employee workforce performing work of a comparable character to determine appropriate placement in the salary range. Candidates new to state service typically receive a salary within the first half of the salary range.
NOTE: Please ensure you've provided a thorough and updated application as it pertains to the position for which you are applying. Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage.
United States Employment Eligibility: The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Employment Department is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate, you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3) for employment verification.
Questions/Need Help?
If you have questions about the recruitment or need an accommodation for the recruitment process, please email to: oda.recruitment@oda.oregon.gov or call 503-986-4584.