AGRICULTURAL INSPECTOR II - FOOD QUALITY ASSURANCE

This is contractual work, and employee is paid for actual hours worked only, including overtime.  Benefits include health insurance, limited paid leave, and travel reimbursement.

Employee will travel to worksites to/from home, primarily on Maryland's Eastern shore, in Cecil, Dorchester, Talbot and Wicomico Counties.  Mileage (current rate $ .58/mile) and travel time will be reimbursed or a State vehicle assigned within a certain area.

Conduct Food Quality Assurance 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 farms and assist with the marketing of agricultural commodities.

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 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.

Prompt and dependable coverage of assigned shifts and other duties as assigned in accordance with 24/7 status and program biosecurity procedures.

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. 

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 (please submit college transcripts).

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. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

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.