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AGRICULTURAL INSPECTOR II - FOOD QUALITY ASSURANCE

Recruitment #20-002889-0005

Introduction

*** IMMEDIATE OPENINGS ***

This is contractual work, and employee is paid for actual hours worked only, including overtime if applicable.  The work week is anticipated to be approximately 35 hours per week, and may be more during peak periods.  Benefits include health insurance, limited paid leave, and travel reimbursement.  Must be able to work flexible work schedules, including night shift.

Note - This is an Emergency Essential position, and work may involve the following conditions:  exposure to deviations of temperature, odors, outdoor inspections in all types of weather, chemicals; working around heavy machinery and slippery floors; physical demands such as lifting 50+ pounds, repetitive motion, climbing ladders; use of protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, hard hat, safety shoes rubber gloves, biosecurity PPE and hairnet.

GRADE

ASTD10

LOCATION OF POSITION

This is a field position and employee will travel to worksites to/from home.  Mileage (current rate $ .575/mile) and travel time will be reimbursed or a State vehicle assigned within a specific area.

There are two vacancies.  On your application, please select each county in which you are willing to work.

1 opening - Central Maryland - covering Carroll, Baltimore and Frederick Counties

1 opening - Eastern Shore Maryland - covering Talbot, Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne's Counties

Main Purpose of Job

Conduct inspection and grading activities related to organic crop production, table eggs, poultry and grain to provide consumer/buyer assurance of compliance with standards/regulations, provide a level playing field for agricultural businesses and farmsand assist with the marketing of agricultural commodities.

POSITION DUTIES

Note:  US Citizenship is required to obtain a USDA grading license.

Conduct relief grading at shell egg and poultry plants by evaluating shell egg and poultry quality, interpreting and applying technical grading standards, regulations, and grading procedures for buyer specification and export requirements; evaluating plant pest control, sanitation, and safety hazards; documenting findings, retaining product or prohibiting processing based on inspection results.

With guidance from higher level Agricultural Inspectors, conduct routine inspections of certified organic crop producers to verify compliance with their submitted organic system plan and the USTDA National Organic Program regulations.

Officially sample and inspect containers of grain for export by interpreting and applying technical standards and following USDA requirements for sampling, weighing, sanitation, grain condition and completing required documentation.

Conduct routine egg inspections and investigations and assist higher level inspector in conducting comprehensive and complex egg inspections and investigations by evaluating invoices, labeling, egg safety and handling conditions; environmental sampling for pathogens; and take appropriate enforcement action.

Accurate completion and submission of required reports and documents; effective communication with plant management, MDA supervisor and industry/wholesale/retail personnel.

Must accurately evaluate safety hazards and wear required protective equipment.

Successfully complete training and mentoring inspections as required to obtain required licenses and meet program requirements. Prompt and dependable coverage of assigned shifts and other duties as assigned in accordance with 24/7 status and program biosecurity procedures. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:    Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Two years of experience in one of the following: production, processing, marketing, grading or inspection of agricultural products or chemicals; assisting veterinarians in care and management of animals; animal disease control; care or management of livestock or inspecting veterinary hospitals, riding stables or livestock dealers; installation, inspection, repair, or testing of weighting, volumetric measuring or counting devices; inspecting labeling and packaging; pesticide sales, use, regulation, or application; production, maintenance or inspection of a tree plantation or nursery stock; pest or weed control; wildlife population censuring; or the production, sales, inspection or testing of seed or turf products.

Notes:

1.  Applicants may substitute fifteen credit hours in agriculture; animal, biological, environmental, food or physical sciences; chemistry; mathematics; engineering, or law enforcement at an accredited college or university for each year of experience for up to two years of experience. 

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience non-commissioned officer in quality assurance, inspection and grading classification or quality assurance, inspection and grading specialty codes in the agricultural commodity grading field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.  

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

College credits in food science, biology, agricultural science, agronomy, animal science, environmental science or horticulture (you must submit college transcripts.)

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator license’s valid in the State of Maryland.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees in this classification may be assigned to any county or region of the State and may be required to establish residence within their assigned geographic area.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

BENEFITS

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application. Online applications are STRONGLY preferred; however, paper applications will be accepted from candidates who may not have internet access.  All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the closing date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.)

 If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or certifications, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application.  If you are unable to upload, you may mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831).  Mailing Address: Maryland Department of Agriculture, Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD  21401.

For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Mary Darling at 410-841-5847 or mary.darling@maryland.gov.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.




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