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Grain Inspector Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Grain Sampler/Weigher

Vancouver, WA ยท On-site

$18.75 - $24.23/hr

The Grain Inspection Program provides sampling, weighing, quality testing, grade inspection, and ... phytosanitary services for grains and commodities to assist in the facilitation of grain movement.

Grain Inspector information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11.7K

$48.9K

$71.1K

How much do grain inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for grain inspector in Portland, OR is $48,933.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,200.00 and $62,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are grain inspectors and what do they do?

Grain inspectors are professionals who examine and grade grains such as wheat, corn, soybeans, and rice to ensure they meet quality and safety standards set by government agencies or industry guidelines. They sample grain shipments, check for moisture content, foreign materials, and signs of pests or disease, and issue official inspection certificates. Their work helps maintain the integrity of the grain supply chain and ensures fair trading practices between buyers and sellers.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day typically include specialized roles such as high-level consultants, surgeons, or executive positions in certain industries. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, or significant experience, and may involve long hours or high responsibility. Freelance or contract work in fields like software development or project management can also reach this earning level for experienced professionals.

How much does a grain inspector make?

A grain inspector typically earns between $35,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. The role often requires knowledge of grading standards and may involve working in warehouses or grain elevators with regular hours.

How to become a grain inspector?

To become a grain inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue post-secondary education in agriculture, food science, or a related field. Certification from industry organizations and experience with grain grading, sampling, and testing procedures are often required or preferred by employers.

What Are the Duties of a Grain Inspector?

The duties of a grain inspector include inspecting containers, trucks, and railcars to ensure they meet requirements for carrying grain, ensuring they do not have leaks, infestations, or other issues. You are in charge of quality control and take samples of each grain load and test it using federal grain inspection procedures outlined by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and Agricultural Marketing Act (AMA). Other responsibilities include preparing for grading by running a number of tests and awarding each load with a corresponding grade based on moisture content, weight, and foreign material presence. Other tests may be required such as for measuring mycotoxins, proteins and oil, and more. You document all tests that you run and keep a record of all results and grades.

What are some common challenges faced by Grain Inspectors during the harvest season, and how can they be effectively managed?

During the harvest season, Grain Inspectors often face increased workloads and tighter deadlines due to the high volume of grain that needs to be evaluated quickly and accurately. Adapting to varying environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures or dust, is another challenge. Effective time management, teamwork, and clear communication with farmers and facility staff are essential for maintaining accuracy and efficiency. Employers typically provide additional training and support during peak periods to help inspectors manage these demands.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Grain Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grain Inspector, you need a solid understanding of agricultural practices, grain quality standards, and sampling procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Experience with grading equipment, moisture meters, and government or industry-specific inspection software is typically required. Attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring accurate assessments and interacting with farmers and buyers. These skills and qualifications are vital to maintaining product quality, regulatory compliance, and fair trade within the grain industry.

What is the difference between Grain Inspector vs Grain Sampler?

AspectGrain InspectorGrain Sampler
CertificationsOften requires USDA or state certificationsMay require similar certifications, but less comprehensive
Work EnvironmentInspecting grain at storage facilities, mills, or portsCollecting samples at storage sites, during transport, or at processing plants
Industry UsageUsed in grain grading, quality control, and regulatory compliancePrimarily involved in sampling for testing and analysis

While both roles involve working with grain, a Grain Inspector focuses on evaluating grain quality and grading, often requiring certifications and regulatory knowledge. A Grain Sampler primarily collects samples for testing, which may be part of the inspection process but involves less certification. Both roles are essential in the grain industry and often work together to ensure quality and compliance.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

Among inspection roles, specialized inspectors such as quality control managers or senior agricultural inspectors tend to earn higher salaries. Grain inspectors with advanced certifications or experience in large-scale operations may also earn more, especially if they oversee multiple facilities or have supervisory responsibilities.
What job categories do people searching Grain Inspector jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Grain Inspector jobs in Portland, OR are:
Grain Sampler/Weigher

Grain Sampler/Weigher

GovernmentJobs.com

Vancouver, WA โ€ข On-site

$18.75 - $24.23/hr

Other

PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Title

Grain Sampler/Weigher

Job Description

Apply Now! This recruitment will stay open until filled. 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. 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 Commodity Inspection Division provides unbiased third-party inspections for a wide variety of Washington State agricultural products and assists agricultural companies in the movement and exporting of their products. The division is made up of roughly 365 FTEs through four statewide programs: Fruit and Vegetable Inspection, Grain Inspection, Grain Warehouse Audit, and Seed Inspection and Certification. The Grain Inspection Program provides sampling, weighing, quality testing, grade inspection, and phytosanitary services for grains and commodities to assist in the facilitation of grain movement. These services are available to the grain, commodity trade and other interested parties on request, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week at all our inspection offices located in Seattle, Tacoma, Aberdeen, Longview, Kalama, Vancouver, Spokane, or Colfax. This position reports directly to a Grain Inspection Supervisor. The incumbent in this position weighs and certifies grains and/or commodities; check ship holds, containers, and other conveyances for fitness to load grains and commodities; works in railroad yards, grain elevators and other hazardous areas to draw samples of grains and commodities by means of approved sampling devices. Performs mycotoxin testing and other analytical tests as required, including operating special grain inspection equipment to determine protein (NIRT) and other testing. Important Notes: WSDA is recruiting for two (2) part-time non-permanent Grain Sampler/Weigher positions within the Commodity Inspection Division. This position is located in Tacoma, Washington. They are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) 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. The typical starting salary for this position is: Range 36, Step A $18.75 - Step L $24.23 hourly.

Duties

Some of the various responsibilities within these roles: Sample and weigh grain and other commodities using official scales provided by the applicants. Weigh, samples, and examine grain and agricultural commodities at mills, shipping points, grain elevators and other locations. Operate testing equipment in a laboratory. Work with hopper, platform, dial, and electronic scales to determine weights and make necessary adjustments as needed; record gross and tare weights, compute net weights and issues Domestic Official Weight Certificates. Maintain records and documentation of scale conditions and all weighing activities. Obtain samples from railcars, trucks containers and other conveyances, moving streams of grain, and vessel holds using standardized sample collection equipment provided by employer. Work in railroad yards and other hazardous areas, opening and closing container doors, recording on sample ticket container condition, identification, seal numbers applied, and other required information. Sample, check weighs, and check loads shipping containers for compliance with government contracts. Sample commodities and grains for inspection and phytosanitary certification, sample grass seed for phytosanitary certification, sample products and/or weighs commodities under directions issued by USDA agencies, such as the Agricultural Marketing Service or Farm Service Agency. Drive agency vehicle to perform exams/inspections. Conduct protein and mycotoxin testing on grains and commodities. Perform stowage examinations on containers, vessels, and other conveyances for fitness to load grains and commodities.

Qualifications

Required: Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid driver's license to travel on agency business. Must be able to acquire a valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC). Must be able to pass background check for Customs and Border Protection to allow boarding of vessels prior to Customs and Border Protection personnel. Preferred/Desired: Experience interpreting and applying rules and regulations.

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. How to apply You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. 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. 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 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. WSDA uses a I-9 form to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual's ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. 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. Contact Us Should 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. 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. For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.