The AMS 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 Inspector-in-Charge of a large volume and/or complex inspection point, processing facility or area office lab, which may involve coordinating the work of other inspection personnel.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Selects representative samples from the product lots in accordance with prescribed sampling guidelines and plans. Inspects products to determine the quality, condition and/or compliance with U.S. Grade Standards or stated contract specifications. Prepares inspection reports based on examination of product. Plans and coordinates the day-to-day work at a(n) processing plant/inspection point/area office lab Draws and examines representative samples of the finished products and conclusively determines grade, condition and/or wholesomeness Makes observations to determine if plant facilities, operating methods, processing equipment and personnel are in compliance with SCI Division sanitation requirements and FDA regulations. Observes the raw product material to establish the suitability for processing and advises plant management of the results, and takes corrective action if necessary. Instructs inspectors, technicians and aids in proper grading and inspection techniques. Performs a number of administrative duties related to inspection and grading work.

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 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.
• The work requires periods of physical exertion to lift and move boxes, cartons and heavy packages of product (often weighing over 50 pounds);
• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, stooping, bending, and climbing; physical coordination and finger dexterity in at least one hand to perform digital examinations of commodities.
• The work environment includes 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.
• Requires working in close proximity to others and/or alone; working on weekends and overtime; traveling for extended periods of time; working multiple shifts and changing/rotating shifts (i.e., first, second and third).

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level (GS 9) in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-10 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Independently grades and/or inspects fresh and processed fruits, vegetables and related products, including difficult assignments. Independently inspects products for compliance with all types of contract specifications and recognizes nearly all rare product defects or diseases. Independently makes, explains, or defends nearly all grade and/or inspection determinations. Independently inspects or evaluates complicated processing equipment and procedures, and conditions of storage or transportation, such as is typical of most processed products production, and advises industry employees on product quality control procedures. Plans and coordinates work by setting priorities. Communicates logically and concisely in both oral and written form. Interacts in a tactful and diplomatic manner to maintain good working relations with co-workers and industry. Note: There is no education substitution for this 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

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

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]