Hop Grader | Multiple Positions - State of Washington : Job Details

Hop Grader | Multiple Positions

State of Washington

Job Location : Yakima,WA, USA

Posted on : 2025-08-05T12:20:44Z

Job Description :
AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's EconomyThe 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.The Chemical and Hop Laboratory supports several agency programs by analyzing samples taken in investigations of alleged pesticide misuse and analyzing feed and fertilizer samples. The program monitors for pesticide residues in food and dairy products. The laboratory also carries out physical grading and chemical analysis of the hop crop to ensure orderly international and domestic marketing.The 2025 Hop Season starts mid August and typically continues through the middle of October depending on crop.Position and Salary InformationThe Hops Grader supports the laboratory by grading samples of hops in accordance with state and federal rules and regulations.WSDA is recruiting for multiple Hop Grader positions in the Chemical & Hop Laboratory within the Plant Protection Division. These positions 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.As a Hop Grader, you will be:* Composting samples* Push samples out of cores.* Sort through hops.* Cut down hops to size.* Log weight.* Sort though buckets of material and remove waste material.* Dividing samples* Hold buckets chest level to sift material into divider.* Split samples for seed and leaf/stem processing.* Seed area work involves a 120 degree oven - moving product into and out of oven, crushing product into powder and using hands to crush material.* Take the required USDA Acts and Regulation Test and Technician test.* Input hours worked into Pisces timekeeping system.Physical Requirements* Must have visual acuity (ability to see well and close up) to visually sort hops and be able to pass a color blindness test.* Must be able to work in a fast paced, loud, and labor intensive environment; work is indoors in an air conditioned label setting that can sometimes be very dusty and dirty.* Must be able to lift large plastic bins at a minimum 20 pounds at chest height to sort hops repeatedly.* Must have manual dexterity and the ability to use hands for fine manipulation of tweezers to sort hops as well as to work sorting equipment; must have the strength to apply pressure to lock sorting pans into place.* Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.Required QualificationsAbility 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.* Must be able to successfully pass a color-blind test.In addition to the required qualifications, individuals must possess the following core competencies:* Demonstrated ability to follow directions and quickly develop positive relationships with customers and co-workers; must be able to work individually or in a group.* Basic math skills, sufficient to understand and determine percentages.* Must be able to maintain reliable attendance for the short appointment period of six to eight weeks.Desired Qualifications* 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) ###-#### or email [email protected] 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 WSDAThe 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 UsShould you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at [email protected] 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) ###-####. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
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