Agricultural Commodity Inspector I

The Delaware Department of Agriculture is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to serve as an Agricultural Commodity Inspector.  Primary work location will be in the Perdue Poultry Processing Plant in Georgetown, DE, work will be on the night shift. This position is responsible for independently conducting inspections of agricultural commodities, specifically in the poultry industry, in accordance with federal and state standards. Duties include preparing detailed inspection reports, maintaining and issuing certificates and forms, and making final determinations on inspection outcomes. The role requires successful completion of 160 hours of training to obtain a poultry grading license.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here. 

• Conducts inspection of commodities such as poultry, eggs, or fruits and vegetables to determine compliance with a variety of contractor or USDA standards such as grade, weight, quantity and packaging, and makes final grade determination.
   
• Inspects, samples, tests, and grades commodities using standard inspection techniques; grades poultry including whole birds, drum, legs, wings, breast, and boneless skinless products to include marinated products, antibiotic free claims, and organic claims; considering factors such as fleshing, finish, freedom from defects, age, weight and other conditions.  Examines eggs for weight, color, soundness, texture of shell, absence of defects, clarity of yolk outline and clarity and firmness of albumen.
   
• Prepares and issues certification of products for both international and national distribution.
   
• Monitors food safety controls such as sanitation, processing and storage conditions; communicates issues immediately to supervisor and/or management.  
   
• Verifies store specifications on labeling which includes expiration dates, product codes, dates for compliance, and ensures appropriate labels are applied.
   
• Enforces federal and state laws, rules, and regulations and resolves issues within the range of normal plant activities involving grading/inspection determinations and operating problems.
   
• Interprets and applies technical standards, rules, and regulations; explains and defends all grade and inspection determinations and coordinates grading services with plant production activities.
   
• Cooperates with federal agencies, official state organizations and agencies, and other State representatives on matters related to agricultural inspection and grading.
   
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with plant personnel, retailers, farmers, and facility management.
   
• Utilizes computers to enter information and prepare a variety of reports and records such as plant production data, grading results, certificates issued and other administrative records.
   
• Provides technical information and assistance to representatives of the Attorney General's Office as well as the Inspector General's Office in preparing court cases and testifying.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Agricultural Commodity Inspector I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Knowledge of inspecting agricultural commodities such as poultry, eggs, or fruits and vegetables.
2. Knowledge of math such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, or decimals.
3. Knowledge of record keeping.
4. Knowledge of applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
5. Knowledge of using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.
6. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Poultry Grading License must be obtained after 160 hours (minimum) of training

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

Functional Capability Evaluation:  Upon a conditional offer, you must take a Functional Capability Evaluation to assess your strength and agility to meet the physical requirements of the position.

All applicants must read the detailed physical requirements for this position which is located at https://statejobs.delaware.gov/explore/fce.shtml and the file is named (Agricultural Commodity Inspector I-II - Agriculture - Food Products Inspection).

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  TDD users may request an auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.  You may also call (302) 739-5458 or email DHR_ADAConcerns@delaware.gov for additional applicant services support.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.