LTE - Produce Inspector

State of Wisconsin; Stevens Point (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

DATCP in Wisconsin is seeking a Produce Inspector LTE to sample, inspect and grade fruits and vegetables at shipping points and processing facilities, with headquarters in Stevens Point. The role involves drawing samples, inspecting for defects, and issuing official inspection certificates under USDA/Federal standards.

The position requires lifting 20–50 pounds, standing for long periods, and traveling up to 90% across Central Wisconsin, including potato processing facilities.

Qualifications

• Minimally qualified candidates will have training and/or experience related to agriculture or food processing.
• Experience performing inspections, evaluations, sampling and/or quality control functions.

Responsibilities

• Sample, inspect, and grade fruits and vegetables at shipping points and processing facilities.
• Draw representative samples and examine units for defects per federal standards.
• Prepare and issue official inspection certificates and maintain relevant licenses.
• Inspect and evaluate potatoes for processing, determine condition and grade.
• Travel up to 90% and work in Central Wisconsin locations.
• Lift 20-50 pounds, stand for long periods, and be comfortable in damp/low-temperature environments.

Job description

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection ( DATCP )works hard to protect and promote Wisconsin’s agricultural industries and consumers. As an agency, we strive to serve the people of Wisconsin assuring: safe, wholesome food; consumer protection and fair business practices; animal and plant health; a clean environment; and strong agriculture and commerce. To successfully attain these goals, we recognize our success hinges on the high quality, dedicated staff we employ.

DATCP is currently recruiting for a Produce Inspector to fill a Limited Term Employment opportunity with the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection’s Fruit and Vegetable Inspection unit. This inspector position is expected to work 40 hours per week, subject to demand for inspection services.Work may exceed 40 hours per week during peak inspection season.

This position will be working at various growing, processing, and packing facilities in the Wisconsin Rapids area as well as sampling, inspecting and grading potatoes at McCain Foods facility. The headquarter location for this position will be DATCP’s Stevens Point Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Office.

This posting may be used to fill future similar vacancies.

Position Summary

This position samples, inspects, and grades fruits and vegetables at shipping point entering commercial channels of sales. Incumbent is required to draw representative samples and examine each unit in the sample both externally and internally for defects in accordance with federal grade standards. Incumbent certifies the grade by writing an official inspection certificate. Incumbent must maintain USDA-AMS Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Authorization License pursuant to 7 CFR, Part 51 and 107, of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Act.

This position also has responsibilities to determine the official quality, grade and condition of a multi-million-dollar potato crop entering the processing channels. Individual is required to perform grading and inspection procedures for external and internal defects in accordance with U.S. grade standards and contract specifications for grades of potatoes for processing.

20% - Collection of representative samples.

• Draw representative samples of fruits and vegetables being prepared for shipment. Randomly select for physical inspection, a sufficient number of packages, volume and percentage of produce under inspection which will accurately represent the quality and condition of the produce according to state-federal procedures, standards, guidelines and regulations.
• Randomly collect samples of the produce as they are being loaded according to official state-federal standards

30% - Analysis of samples and determination of grade from the samples collected.

10% - Preparation and issuance of official inspection certificate.

40% - Inspect and evaluate potatoes to determine condition and grade at processing plant.

Pay will be $21.85 per hour or the pay range minimum, at the time of hire.

For current and eligible former State employees, compensation will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan effective at the time of hire.

At DATCP, we strive to deliver efficient and effective programs and services to Wisconsin agriculture, consumers, and businesses.The Department has numerous on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities, unique to each Bureau.

These OJT opportunities include direct experience and practice through collaboration with co-workers/supervisor, peer mentoring, and job-specific training modules.

Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license or have the ability to provide one’s own transportation for work purposes.

Travel of up to 90% is required for this position. The majority of the work locations are in Central Wisconsin.

Lifting up 20 - 50 pounds is required frequently, standing for long periods of time and reaching with hands is common.

The majority of the work is done at grower packing sheds and food processing plants. Large grading equipment with moving belts, forklifts and other pieces of moving equipment are a part of these operations. Dust and dirt in the grading area is quite common. Damp and wet conditions exist due to washing requirements. Noise is present from machinery and grading environment. Temperatures may be as low as 45 – 50 degrees.

DATCP does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the selected applicant being able to provide documentation of eligibility to work in the United States.

A criminal background check will be performed on the selected applicant prior to an offer of employment.

Applicant must be a resident of Wisconsin (18 years of age or older).

Limited term positions are not civil service classified positions, do not have rights to permanent civil service classified positions, and do not lead to permanent status.

This position is Limited Term Employment (LTE) and is limited to 1,039 hours in 26 consecutive pay periods (1 year).

Qualifications

Minimally qualified candidates will have each of the following:

• Training and/or experience related to agriculture or food processing
• Experience performing inspections, evaluations, sampling and/or quality control functions

In addition to the minimum qualifications above, highly qualified candidates will have one or more of the following:

• Training and/or experience with fruit and/or vegetable production, handling and/or marketing.
• Training and/or experience with food safety standards

DATCP is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability.If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.For complete information on veterans hiring programs that may benefit you, please visit the Employment page on WDVA's website.
To be considered for this position, you will need to create an account (if you don’t already have one) and apply online via the “Apply for Job” button listed on the top right of the job posting page. You will be required to upload a current resume, and you are strongly encouraged to upload a letter of qualifications that clearly describes your qualifications and experience as they relate to the qualifications listed in this job posting. Review the applicant resources , including tips on how to write a resume and letter of qualifications.

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The deadline to apply for this position is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026.