Hop Grader | Multiple Positions
About The Position
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is seeking twenty-seven (27) full-time non-permanent Agricultural Inspector 1 positions for the 2026 Hop Season, which typically runs from mid-August through mid-October. These positions are located in Yakima, Washington, and support the Plant Protection Division, specifically the Chemical and Hop Laboratory. The role involves grading samples of hops according to state and federal regulations to ensure orderly marketing. The agency plays a crucial role in serving Washington's agriculture industry, protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. The WSDA employs approximately 780 employees, growing to nearly 1,000 during peak seasonal work. The Plant Protection Division focuses on managing harmful pests, supporting pollinator and soil health, and ensuring proper weights and measures and pesticide use. The Chemical and Hop Laboratory analyzes various samples, including those related to pesticide misuse, feed, fertilizer, and monitors for pesticide residues in food and dairy products. This specific role is critical for the physical grading and chemical analysis of the hop crop.
Requirements
- Ability to pass USDA Acts & Regulations plus grader exam.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States.
- Must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer supplemental questions.
- Must be able to pass a background check including criminal record history.
Nice To Haves
- One (1) season of experience performing seed, leaf, stem grading of hops.
- Pass the USDA Technician Test.
- Pass the Color-blind test.
Responsibilities
- Compositing and dividing samples of hops.
- Sorting leaf and stem from hop samples.
- Performing seed grading per USDA GIPSA requirements.
- Standing, pushing samples out of cores, sorting through hops, cutting down to size, and logging weights.
- Sorting through buckets of material at a table to remove waste from samples.
- Standing and holding buckets at chest level to sift material into a divider.
- Splitting samples for seed and leaf/stem processing.
- Working with a 120-degree oven, moving product in and out, crushing product into powder, and using hands to crush material/sift through a screen.
- Operating a leaf and stem shaker machine, which involves sorting hops using stacked pans on a shaker and manipulating equipment.
- Completing required training and taking required USDA tests.
- Following state and agency rules for timekeeping.
- Inputting precise hours worked into the PISCES timekeeping system.
Benefits
- Flexible work schedules
- Teleworking options
- Dependent Care Assistance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Tuition Waiver
- Deferred Compensation
- Employee Recognition Leave
- 12 paid Holidays
- Vacation and Leave Accruals
- All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
