Agricultural Marketing Service's Specialty Crops Inspection Division is responsible for developing U.S. grade standards and providing inspection, grading, certification, and audit-based services nation-wide on a user-fee basis for fresh and processed fruits and vegetables and related products. The incumbent serves as an assistant engaged in inspection work on fresh and/or processed fruits and vegetables and related products at processing plants, field offices and/or inspection points.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Makes observations to determine if plant facilities, processing equipment, and personnel are in compliance with Division sanitation requirements and FDA regulations. Applies prescribed laboratory procedures to measure the quantifiable grading factors, and preparing worksheets and summary reports of gradings and inspections. Reviews rough draft of various types of inspection certificates to verify completeness of information. Performs a variety of general office clerical support functions including receiving and reviewing Time and Attendance reports to determine if entries are appropriate and complete, and inputs data into data base system. Composes routine correspondence including memos to inspectors and replies to inquiries from the general public. Utilizes a computer for word processing, program-specific software and related functions, correspondence, and written reports.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Selectee will be subject to a pre-employment medical statement and/or exam.
• Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Prior to an official offer, selectee will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) acknowledging/accepting that geographic mobility is a condition of employment. Failure to sign the MOU will result in withdrawal of the job offer.
• Commodity grading work requires periods of physical exertion to lift and move boxes and cartons of product often weighing at least 50 pounds; Prolonged periods of standing, walking, stooping, bending, and climbing.
• Requires physical coordination and finger dexterity in at least one hand to perform digital examinations of commodities;
• Ability to detect abnormalities in the commodity through normal or corrected vision in at least one eye for distance, depth perception and color.
• Ability to assure safety in a highly-mechanized and/or noisy environment through adequate or correctable hearing; and the ability to determine product quality through smell and/or taste.
• The work environment may include exposure to freezing and/or hot temperatures, fumes, dust and odors from coolants, slippery surfaces, moving materials, handling equipment.
• High noise level and similar risks typical of fruit and vegetable and related processing plants, storage areas and terminal markets.
• The work environment further requires working in close proximity to others and/or alone.
• May require working on weekends and overtime; traveling for extended periods of time; and working multiple shifts.
• MIXED TOUR WORK SCHEDULE: Combination of Full-Time, Part-Time, and Intermittent (as needed) work schedules. No minimum amount of hours is guaranteed. Position will have a fluctuating work schedule.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-4 LEVEL: Applicants must have six months of general work experience and six months of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-3 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: General Experience: Any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position. or Experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Specialized Experience: Assisting with the selection of representative samples, inspecting, testing, and weighing of fruit and vegetable commodities. Preparing paperwork and reviewing rough drafts of correspondence for completeness and accuracy. Utilizing a computer and program-specific software, compiling data for reports, and maintaining an office filing system. OR Education: 2 years above high school with courses related to the occupation. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. FOR THE GS-5 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-4 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Analyzing various agricultural commodities (fruit, and vegetables) to ensure compliance with USDA standards. Assisting with inspections and mechanical measurements to define the kind and/or class and quality of fruit and/or vegetable related commodities. Supporting fruit and/or vegetable laboratory analytical and physical tests, which include sampling, testing, and solutions. Making observations to determine if plant facilities, processing equipment, and personnel follow sanitation requirements and FDA regulations. Reviewing various types of official paperwork to verify completeness and accuracy and establishing and maintaining an office filing system. OR Education: 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-04/05 GRADE LEVELS: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Agricultural Marketing Service USDA APHIS MRPBS 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: MRP Human Resources
• Phone: 612-336-3227
• Email: [email protected]