Processed Foods Inspector #R0113

Title: Processed Foods Inspector #R0113

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $44,192 - $54,106

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: SEED-METROLOGY-PROC FOOD

Agency Website: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Commodity Services has an exciting career opportunity for a Processed Foods Inspector. We are seeking a qualified, customer service-oriented team player who, under the direction of the Fruit and Vegetable Services Program Manager, is responsible for supporting domestic and exporting needs of Virginia agricultural products through official grading, inspection and certification of more than 150 types of processed fruits and vegetables. While the successful candidate will work in a Processed Foods Laboratory, which samples and grades product requiring official UDSA certification to comply with Federal/State and private contract specifications, the individual will also be required to conduct field work around the Commonwealth. The successful candidate will perform lot sampling, condition of container inspections, checkloading, case stamping, in-plant sampling and will conduct plant sanitation inspections. This position requires routine interaction with Virginia’s processed product industries, as well as with federal/state officials to communicate program services and regulatory requirements. Throughout the year, the position will provide support to the officer-in-charge of the Laboratory with daily routine office activities. This is a restricted position with funding availability for this position based on industry need.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of agricultural commodities or food science and technology, ideally in the fruit and vegetable industry. Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain rules and regulations and to collect and analyze data; to prepare reports; to organize, plan, and work with limited supervision; to work in a fast-paced environment; to resolve problems; and to provide exceptional customer service; and to work within a team environment. Effective oral and written communication skills are needed along with the ability to maintain professional working relationships with co-workers, management, and industry. Computer proficiency. H.S. Diploma/GED required.
Physical Demands/Conditions of Employment: Position requires significant travel, both day and overnight, with occasional short-term duty assignments. Position requires a flexible work schedule with irregular work hours during the week as well as on weekends and holidays. Selected individual must be able to meet the physical demands which include working in and around a noisy environment that includes dust and machinery and in extreme heat and/or cold. Position requires prolonged periods of driving, standing, walking, lifting 75 pounds or more, reaching, and bending/stooping. The selected person must also be able to distinguish colors and smells and must have (or be eligible to obtain) and maintain a valid driver’s license & a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. The selected individual must reside or be willing to relocate within a reasonable distance of the assigned territory. A state-owned vehicle will be provided for business use only; however, the state vehicle must remain parked within the territory even if the successful applicant resides outside of the assigned cities/counties. The home office must have reliable access to a network for mobile communications. A REAL ID is required to access federal facilities. Finally, the successful individual must be able to qualify for and maintain a USDA License of inspection and certification of processed products within one year of employment.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of agriculture, food science, chemistry, biology or related field; of USDA Commodity Standards; and/or experience relating to the grading/certification of processed food products or quality assurance programs.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to ch