SeattleKR Job Analysis
Grain Inspector 1
Key Skills and Qualifications
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Qualifications
Physical Requirements
Sample Interview Questions and Answers
Question 1: Describe the process for collecting representative samples of grains and commodities while ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
Question 2: What safety protocols do you follow when working in hazardous environments such as grain elevators or railroad yards?
Question 3: Explain how you would operate and interpret results from a NIRT (Near-Infrared Reflectance) analyzer for protein testing in grain samples.
Original Job Description
Description
Apply early! First review of applications is scheduled for May 29th To be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before May 28th, 2026.
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.
The Opportunity:
The Commodity Inspection Division provides unbiased third-party inspections for a wide variety of Washington State Agricultural products and assists agricultural companies in the movement and exporting of their products. The division is made up of roughly 365 FTEs through four statewide programs: Fruit and Vegetable Inspection, Grain Inspection, Grain Warehouse Audit, and Seed Inspection and Certification.
The Grain Inspection Program provides sampling, weighing, quality testing, grade inspection, and phytosanitary services for grains and commodities to assist in the facilitation of grain movement. These services are available to the grain, commodity trade and other interested parties on request, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week at all our inspection offices in Seattle, Tacoma, Aberdeen, Longview, Kalama, Vancouver, Spokane, or Colfax.
This position reports directly to a Grain Inspection Supervisor. The incumbent in this position weighs and certifies grains and/or commodities; check ship holds, containers, and other conveyances for fitness to load grains and commodities; works in railroad yards, grain elevators and other hazardous areas to draw samples of grains and commodities by means of approved sampling devices. Performs mycotoxin testing and other analytical tests as required, including operating special grain inspection equipment to dete1mine protein (NIRT) and other testing.
Important Notes:
This is an in-training opportunity and may be hired as Grain Sampler/Weigher or Grain Inspector 1 depending on qualifications.
What is an in-training plan? The in-training is intended to provide an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan. Upon successful completion of an in-training program, the incumbent will move up to the next job classification that is listed on the in-training plan if applicable.
If hired at the Grain Sampler/Weigher level, the incumbent will be required to successfully complete the training plan to reach the goal class of Grain Inspector 1. 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.
Based on qualifications the monthly salary range:
If hired as a Grain Sampler/Weigher - In-Training:
Range 36, Step A $39,144 - Step L $50,592
If hired as a Grain Inspector 1:
Range 42, Step A $45,024 - Step L $58,584
- This position works in both an office and industrial setting such as a railroad yard or other hazardous area where grain is being loaded into various storage units such as trains, containers, bags and ships.
- While utilizing a state vehicle, this position may be required to travel on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis.
- Some locations require hard hat, safety vests, and steel toe boots provided by WSDA.
- Work Schedule:
- 7:00am-7:00pm or 7:00pm-7:00am. The days off also rotate from week to week.
Duties
What to Expect
Some of the various responsibilities within this role:
Inspects, grades and certifies wheat and eight other grains and/or commodities that are marketed in the inspection area
- Drive an agency vehicle to perform inspections.
- Inspect, grade and certify grain and agricultural commodities at mills, shipping points. Grain elevators and other locations.
- Operate testing equipment in a laboratory.
- Conduct inspections and testing of grain and/or other commodities using laboratory equipment and computers to determine grades or other quality descriptions and varieties of grain.
- Utilize results to determine grain handling procedures at elevators, freight terminals and shipping points.
- Complete relevant inspection logs.
- Submit required number of samples for quality assurance surveys
- Weighs and/or samples and examines grain and agricultural commodities at mills, shipping points, grain elevators and other locations and operates testing equipment in a laboratory.
- Work with hopper, platform, dial and electronic scales to determine weights and make necessary adjustments as needed; records gross and tare weights, computes net weights and issues Domestic Official Weight Certificates.
- Maintain records and documentation of scale conditions and all weighing activities.
- Obtain samples from railcars, trucks containers and other conveyances, moving streams of grain, and vessel holds using standardized sample collection equipment provided by employer.
- Record on sample ticket the container condition, identification, seal numbers notated and other required information.
- Work in railroad yards and other hazardous areas, opening and closing container doors, recording on sample ticket container condition, identification, seal numbers applied, and other required information.
- Sample, check weigh, and check load shipping containers for compliance with government contracts.
- Sample commodities and grain 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.
- Maintain careful and accurate documentation of all inspection and testing duties performed, which substantiate certificates issued.
- Drive an agency vehicle to collect and transport samples to the inspection office.
- Follow standardized instructions and procedures.
- 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.
- Drive an agency vehicle to 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.
Qualifications
Who should apply?
Professionals with:
Grain Sampler/Weigher
- 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.
Grain Inspector 1
- 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.
- Must have or obtain through the in-training plan, four (4) basic USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) commodity inspection licenses to include wheat, corn, soybeans, sorghum, and one (1) additional license based on assigned region.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Grain Inspector 1
- Experience interpreting and applying rules and regulations.
- One (1) year as a Sampler/Weigher
Supplemental Information
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.
How to apply
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:
· A resume detailing experience and education
· A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
· Three professional references
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.
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.
WSDA uses a I-9 form (Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader) to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual’s ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.
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.
For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.