On-Call Grain Sampler/Weigher - (Seattle) - GovernmentJobs.com : Job Details

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.

The Opportunity: The Grain Inspection Program provides sampling, weighing, quality testing, grade inspection, and phytosanitary services for grains and commodities following USDA and WSDA regulations. The Grain Sampler/Weigher certifies and weighs grains and/or commodities. These positions check ship holds, containers, and/or other conveyances for fitness to load grain/commodities. These positions work in railroad yards, grain elevators and other hazardous areas to draw samples of grain/commodities by means of approved sampling devices. WSDA is recruiting multiple on-call non-permanent Grain Sampler/Weighers within the Commodity Inspection Division. This position is located in Seattle, WA. The work schedule for these positions will include rotating or alternative shift schedules, extended shifts, early starts, overtime, nightshifts and weekends to meet business needs.

Important Notes: WSDA is recruiting for on-call part time Grain Sampler/Weigher positions within the Commodity Inspection Services Division. This position is located in Seattle, Washington and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary for this position is: $18.75 - $24.23 hourly. In addition to the salary posted above, this position is eligible for receiving an additional 5% premium pay for King County.

Some of the various responsibilities within these roles:

• Weigh, sample, and examine grain and agricultural commodities at mills, shipping points, grain elevators and other locations.
• Operate testing equipment in a laboratory.
• Sample, check weighs, and check loads shipping containers for compliance with government contracts.
• Sample commodities and grains for inspection and phytosanitary certification, sample grass seed for phytosanitary certification, sample products and/or weighs commodities under directions issued by USDA agencies, such as the Agricultural Marketing Service or Farm Service Agency.
• Conduct protein and mycotoxin testing on grains and commodities.
• Operate specialized grain inspection equipment to determine protein, mycotoxins, falling numbers, dockage, moisture, test weight per bushel, or other mechanical determinations as required using specially approved testing equipment, computers, and procedures.
• Perform stowage examinations on containers, vessels, and other conveyances for fitness to load grains and commodities.
• Check ship holds, containers and/or other conveyances to determine fitness for grain cargo and other commodities; issue ship sanitation certificates in compliance with state and federal regulations, performs observations of fumigation.

Required:

• Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid driver's license to travel on agency business.
• Must be able to acquire a valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
• Must be able to pass background check for Customs and Border Protection to allow boarding of vessels prior to Customs and Border Protection personnel.

Preferred/Desired:

• Experience interpreting and applying rules and regulations.

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Insurance Benefits: Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.

Social Security: All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays: Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Sick Leave: Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Vacation (Annual Leave): Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165 (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165 (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis.

Military Leave: Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave: Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave: Leave Sharing, Parental Leave, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Leave Without Pay.