Description

"Serving consumers and agriculture by safeguarding the public, plants, animals and the environment through promotion, education and regulation."

GENERAL INFORMATION
ISDA Shipping Point Inspection requires results-driven work environments where all employees treat each other with respect, develop themselves personally and professionally, support team efforts, and are accountable for their actions. Many efforts including leadership coaching and training.

This position will work with the Section Manager, performing a variety of administrative duties that support management to function more effectively and efficiently. This position supports a variety of fast-paced areas and will perform a variety of administrative duties to include supervisory reviews, equipment inventories, training and mentoring of inspection staff. The incumbent will also function in all grading and sampling capacities as an expert level inspector and provide oversight training and mentorship for fellow inspectors.
Incumbents in these positions work in a high-volume production setting providing service and training in all functions of grading and sampling. They must be able to perform inspections efficiently and effectively and maintain an expert level knowledge and skill in all grading and sampling performed with the district. Incumbents must demonstrate the ability to effectively teach, train and motivate other inspection staff and show effective mentorship in their work interactions. Work involves varied work areas, both inside warehouse and processing settings as well as farm and storage locations. Work requires standing for prolonged periods. Incumbents must keep work area in safe condition and report any hazards to supervisor. Work may involve irregular work hours, (partial days and/or long hours) days and times and a rotation to multiple locations. Personal protective equipment may be required. Depending on the facility, incumbents may be required to purchase protective shoes and/or wear ear protection, hard hats, safety glasses, etc.

Incumbents provide training for all other inspector positions including technical assistance and oversight to fresh produce packing and processing facilities in the interpretation and application of Federal and State grading standards or marketing order requirements. Incumbents inspect and determine grade of commodities according to Federal and State standards and contract specifications; complete forms and worksheets for issuance of official certificates; and perform related work as required. Duties involve frequent lifting, moving and dumping of bags or other containers.

This position involves a high level of customer interaction. Incumbents in these positions must possess a high level of human relation skills to work cooperatively, jointly, and effectively with customers to ensure inspection procedures meet established program specifications. Incumbents must effectively communicate both verbally and in writing and interact with work crews, growers and other industry members while using tact and diplomacy. Communicate with growers and other members of the industry regarding work schedules or delays; answers questions and explain work progress, processes, procedures, standards, and requirements

Example of Duties

General duties may include the following:

1. Instruction and evaluation.
Typical responsibilities: assess training needs through surveys, and interviews; plan and/or participate in developing training course objectives; obtain training materials designed to meet needs and objectives, modifying as needs dictate; present training/instruction to both groups and individuals; evaluate training effectiveness based on feedback of participants and management; may oversee maintenance of training records.
2. Training coordination and skill development.
Typical responsibilities: coordinate scheduling of training courses, audiovisual equipment and other training aids; may coordinate training with other organizations receive training and participate in needs assessment, course objectives development, and evaluation; draft and review training plans with Section Manager prior to implementation; study and apply group process and training methods to instruct groups and individuals.
3. Requires in-depth knowledge of the organization in order to manage a single program or multiple projects. Interpret, apply, and implement policies and procedures to accomplish the mission of the organization including:

• 
  Act as a member of the management team and participate in management decisions; may supervise staff.
• May exercise decision-making latitude and serve in a leadership role.
• Recognized by others as having the authority and accountability delegated by direct supervisors when responding to inquiries, resolving complex problems or issues, or committing department resources.
• Respond to sensitive or controversial issues that require high level public relations and interpersonal skills.

4. Monitor, track, and perform necessary training actions and processes for benefitted employees and temporary hires including but not limited to:

• Coordinate logistics and training with new hires and plan mentoring visits.
• Assist in mileage reimbursement approvals. Ensure supply purchases are approved and performed according to policy.
• Customer Assisted Inspection Program oversight: Provide technical oversight, support, and assistance regarding Federal and State laws, rules and regulations governing produce inspection procedures; monitor applicant staff for compliance to program requirements and assist industry employees with interpretation and application of grading standards and marketing order requirements; verify inspections on packed product and the accuracy of inspection equipment; maintain written inspection instructions for policies and procedures; issue final product certification documents; evaluate and document performance of applicant staff assigned to inspection duties; inform applicants and inspection management staff of all major and critical non-conformities; perform related duties as required.
• Training: Provide instruction and on-the-job training to applicant staff on laws, regulations, and instructions governing inspection, grading methods, Federal and State grades, standards and tolerances, certificate requirements for foreign export, domestic shipment, and government purchases; identify policy and program issues and provide findings to district management; perform related duties as required.
• Supervision: Organize work crew and assign to a work detail; establish and prepare work schedules; monitor progress of work to ensure deadlines are met; reassign employees to meet changing workload requirements; ensure adequate supply of work materials and supplies; review and examine work for accuracy and adherence to proper procedures, standards, and requirements; coordinate on-the-job training and answer employee questions on work procedures; observe employee work activities and provide guidance, training and/or correction when necessary; resolve employee issues, however, must communicate with Section Manager when any personnel issue may result in disciplinary actions and when changes in workload trigger the need for staff reductions; complete performance evaluations. Perform related duties as required.
• Auditing: Drive to various, sometimes remote, locations; conduct an opening meeting with the auditee; review auditee’s food safety plan; use appropriate checklist to interview the auditee and the auditee’s employees to determine adherence to their plan, to the checklist/audit scheme requirements and their risk analysis, logs, test results, training records and/or other documentation; tour the fields, storage buildings, and/or packing facilities; document findings; note and explain non-conformances; write Corrective Action Reports (CAR); conduct a closing meeting, review findings, answer questions, and leave CARs; digitally enter and submit the audit to the Ag. Program Manager for review; perform related duties as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

5. An Inspector Specialist may:

• Conduct Inspector 1, Inspector 2, Inspector 3, Seed Inspector, Auditor, Grasshopper Scout, Insect Trapping Scout, Invasive Species Surveyor, Redfish Inspector, Roving Inspector, Hydrilla Inspector, Field Inspector, Field Inspection Team Lead, Field Inspection Supervisor, North Idaho Panhandle Technician, Japanese Beetle Trapper and/or Egg Inspection job duties throughout the year.
• Be required to meet the mandatory qualifications of an Inspector 1, Inspector 2 and/or Inspector 3.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: These qualifications are mandatory requirements. Any combination of ability, education, training or experience that demonstrates competence in each of the following:

• 
  With or without reasonable accommodation, physical ability to:
  • Stand for prolonged periods of time.
  • Work in varying weather conditions and warehouse production and farm location settings.
  • Collect, lift and carry samples weighing up to 60 pounds.
  • Intermittently bend, squat, twist and reach above shoulder level.
  • Have sufficient vision, touch and balance to perform the inspection and grading duties.
  • Pass a color test.
• Ability to:
  • Follow both verbal and written instructions and accurately complete time sheets and other required documentation.
  • Receive USDA supervisor status within 6 months of hire.
  • Travel to different work locations as required.
• Possess:
  • A valid driver’s license.
  • Computer Skills.
  • Strong Interpersonal Skills

Supplemental Information

DESIRABLE AREAS: These qualifications are not required; however, are desired in a candidate.

• 
  Experience:
  • Working as a shipping point or contract inspector.
  • Training others, new employees, CAIP employees.
  • Developing and making presentations before groups.
• ISDA-trained Auditor credentials.
• Some knowledge of:
  • Training methods.
  • USDA Training materials.
  • Microsoft Office Suite.
  • ISDA Policies.
• Experience:
  • Interpreting and applying regulations or policies and procedures.
  • Planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating training.
  • Management and/or supervisory experience.
  • Communicating effectively verbally, orally, and in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience through technical reports, correspondence and oral presentations

BEST RETIREMENT AVAILABLE IN THE NATION
We have one of the Nation's best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

• Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance-employee only coverage for PPO $65/month for medical and vision & $11.00/month for dental
• generous vacation and sick leave accrual beginning as soon as you start
• 11 paid holidays a year
• paid parental leave
• multiple savings plans, optional 401K, and optional 457
• basic life insurance for employee and family
  • employee covered at one times their annual salary
  • spouse covered at $10,000
  • child covered at $5,000
• wellness programs
• ongoing training opportunities
• an opportunity for student loan forgiveness
• and more!

Candidates who reach the final hiring stage will be required to participate in a criminal background check. Having a criminal record will not automatically eliminate applicants from consideration, but may be considered as part of the hiring process.