POSITION TITLE:               Quality Control Inspector

DEPARTMENT:                   Inspection and Compliance

LOCATION:                         San Diego, CA

REPORTS TO:                     District Supervisor

FLSA STATUS:                     Full-time, Temporary, Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION:             $24.82/hr to $25.44/hr
 

The Cooperative Agricultural Support Services (CASS) is a Joint Powers Authority formed initially as a partnership between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Counties of Yolo and Trinity.

We have immediate openings for enthusiastic Quality Control Commodity Inspectors to join our Inspection & Compliance Department under the supervision of a CASS District Supervisor and with technical direction by the federal and state (USDA & CDFA), CASS employees grade agricultural products for growers, shippers, packers, and processors throughout California.

The Agricultural Assistant Commodity Inspectors participate in carrying out the less complex and more routine inspection activities while conforming to federal, state, county, and CASS policies in carrying out work activities.  The Agricultural Assistant will typically carry out the more routine commodity inspection activities and have a limited number of commodities that they are qualified to inspect.

The Quality Control Inspector will:  

• Select and Evaluate Samples of Various Commodities
• Grading, sorting, counting, and sampling work in connection with agricultural commodities.
• Prepare samples for titration (sugar/acid ratio) testing and pressure testing to determine the degree of ripeness.
• Examine the quality, size, and/or condition of selected samples using state, federal, or industry standards and language.   
• Ensure provided equipment is available, in working order, and permanently secured.
• Participate in safety and commodity inspection training as required.  
• Accurately and carefully maintain daily reports of work including, but not limited to:
  • Inspection Field Notes
  • Inspection Certificates
  • Inspector’s Daily Report

Language to understand includes, but is not limited to:  

• Defects
• Damage “Serious and Very Serious”
• Insect damage
• Scars
• Healed cuts
• Discoloration

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have previous experience with agriculture, agricultural commodities, packaging, or grading.
• Must have a bachelor's degree in agriculture or a similar field if no prior agricultural experience. Or at least have 3 years of work experience in the agricultural industry.
• Ability to pass testing in order to receive Federal license.
• Demonstrate the basic knowledge of the following:
  • Employee conduct/misconduct/bribery/procedures.
• Federal/State/Industry relations Licensee responsibilities/authority.
  • Proper use of inspection equipment.
  • Sampling procedures: Harvesting, packing, and/or processing methods.
  • Product grading for size, quality, and condition defects.
  • Application of tolerances in the applicable standard.
  • Note sheet and certificate preparation. and Certificate accountability and distribution.  
• Self-Starter and proactive
• Must have a driver's license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Excellent Oral and Written Communication skills
• Excellent Time Management and Organizational skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle conflict in a tactful and professional manner

COMPENSATION:

• Temporary, Non-Exempt
• Benefits package including medical benefits, matching retirement contributions, and annual and holiday leave.
• Travel and mileage reimbursement and advances are provided.