Hop Sampler | Multiple Positions

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

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. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

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.

WSDA is recruiting for multiple Hop Sampler positions in the Chemical & Hop Laboratory within the Plant Protection Division. These positions will work full-time, but throughout the season hours may be adjusted based on business need. These positions are located in Yakima, Washington and are not represented by a union.

• Driving to farms and warehouses as assigned.
• Picking up samples individually or with a group and return samples to the lab.  
• Sampling hops following USDA GIPSA requirements.  
• Maneuvering bales of hops, push out of cores, box core samples.  
• Labeling samples, completing worksheets, maintaining tallies of samples taken and lot numbers. 
• Inputting data accurately using a state issued tablet and specialized software.
• Inputting hours worked into PISCES timekeeping system.
• Creating TEMS records for mileage reimbursements.

• Must be able to work in a fast paced and labor-intensive environment in variable temperatures (from outdoors heat to indoor refrigerated coolers).
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds, able to leverage/maneuver 200-pound bales of hops and apply enough force with a coring tool to obtain a core sample. Must have the physical endurance to do this repeatedly throughout the day.
• Must be able to stand several hours a day.

Required Qualifications
Ability to read, write, perform basic math, use computer or tablet, smartphone. 

Special Requirements
Must be able to successfully pass the USDA Acts and Regulation Test. 

Please note: This position will be required to use a personally owned vehicle (POV) to conduct agency business. Authorized drivers of POVs used for official state business are required to have adequate automobile insurance that complies with the state's mandatory liability insurance requirements in accordance with charters 46.29 and 46.30 RCW. Mileage associate with official state business will be reimbursed at the official POV rate set by the Office of Financial Management (OFM). 

• Demonstrated ability to be detail oriented with ability to use a tablet to input data accurately.
• Ability to work in an organized manner - clearly label hop samples and correctly fill out worksheets and keep tallies of samples collected.
• Must be able to maintain reliable attendance for the short appointment period of six to eight weeks and maintain a set work schedule while assigned to drive within Yakima area farms and warehouses to pick up samples.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly develop positive relationships with customers and co-workers.

• Prior hop grading or sampling experience.
• USDA Hop technician or Hop Sampler license.

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.
• Commute Trip Reduction Program. 

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.

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.
  
Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.
  

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.

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.

Salary : $20