NMDA Inspector Intermediate - Possible Career Development Opportunity

New Mexico Department of Agriculture; United States; On-site; USD 48,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) is seeking an Inspector Intermediate with a possible career development path. The position is based at the Portales/NMSU satellite site, supporting fruit, nut, and produce inspections and GMP/GAP audits under USDA programs.

Requirements include an Associate’s degree with 4 years or a Bachelor's with 2 years of relevant experience, and a valid driver’s license. Travel across NM is expected; the standard work schedule is M-F, 8–5.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience or Bachelor's degree plus 2 years.
• Equivalent combinations approved by HR Services.
• Minimum education/equivalency must be met; valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Perform regular and seasonal agricultural inspections and audits.
• Inspect fruits, vegetables, nuts at markets and facilities to verify quality.
• Communicate findings to producers, shippers, and industry reps; prepare reports.
• Maintain inspection, audit and training records per NMDA and USDA rules.
• Travel for inspections; assist with outreach and program initiatives.

Skills

Grading principles

Record keeping

Communication

Safety procedures

Education

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Position Details

Department Contact: Cheryl Mason-Herrera, 575-646-7523, [e-mail]

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) works for the benefit of the state’s citizens and supports the viability of agriculture and affiliated industries. NMDA promotes food protection, a uniform, and fair marketplace, and global marketing and economic development; supports the beneficial use of natural resources; and works cooperatively with public and private sector entities. Opportunities for excellence abound, and NMDA staff dedicate themselves to proactive service in fulfilling the department’s mission. Each division plays an important role in carrying out the goals and objectives. Our rich agricultural history, culture, and traditions are addressed through new and innovative approaches using the latest in science, technology, and economic strategies. In New Mexico, we contribute to the safest and most affordable, and nutritious food supply on the globe.

NMDA is a constitutional agency organized under the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University (NMSU). This unique relationship creates efficiencies and opportunities for New Mexico’s food and agriculture sector as well as service and outreach opportunities for NMSU, making NMDA an integral part of the university. NMDA/NMSU is an equal opportunity employer.

Position Details

Position Title: NMDA Inspector Intermediate - Possible Career Development Opportunity

College/Division: New Mexico Dept of Agriculture

Department: 180850-NMDA MARKETING AND DEVELOP DIVISION

Location: NMSU satellite location

Offsite Location (if applicable): Portales, NM

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Entry level NMDA Inspector Inter ($53,165.80) or Associate ($48,332.54)

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Services provided by this position will include regular and seasonal agricultural commodity inspections; USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) audits; Harmonized GAP Plus+ audits; USDA procurement inspections; and market inspections. The program operates under a cooperative agreement with the USDA and under the authority of the New Mexico Produce Marketing Act, Chapter 76, Article 15.

Conducts quality and condition inspections of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and related commodities at terminal markets, warehouses, railroad sidings, packaging facilities, and other distribution sites to determine product quality and compliance with applicable standards. Examines commodities to determine official U.S. grade and product acceptability using established inspection procedures, USDA grading standards, the New Mexico Produce Marketing Act, and applicable regulations. Applies standard inspection methods and exercises sound judgment when evaluating product quality, documenting findings, and preparing official inspection reports.

This position serves as an integral member of the inspection team located at the Peanut Grading Station (PGS) in Portales, New Mexico. Performs inspections of peanuts, potatoes, onions, pecans, and other agricultural commodities using USDA grading standards and established NMDA procedures. Conducts authorized third-party audits under USDA GAP, GHP, and Harmonized GAP Plus+ standards in accordance with established program guidelines, licensing requirements, and reporting procedures.

Communicates inspection and audit findings to producers, shippers, facility personnel, and other industry representatives and provides information regarding applicable grading standards, inspection requirements, and results. Collects and prepares commodity samples for submission to third-party laboratories, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with established sample-handling and chain-of-custody procedures. Maintains complete and accurate inspection, audit, training, and program records in accordance with NMDA and USDA requirements.

Assists the Senior Inspector(s) stationed at PGS with maintaining required training programs and documentation and coordinating the maintenance and repair of inspection equipment and devices. Provides hands‑on, on‑the‑job training to new and returning seasonal contract commodity‑grading personnel, including instruction on grading procedures, equipment operation, documentation requirements, applicable standards, and safe work practices. Monitors work for adherence to established procedures and provides guidance or corrective instruction when necessary.

Provides assistance with outreach activities, marketing events, seasonal inspection operations, and other program initiatives. Performs other regulatory and program‑related duties as assigned.

While the primary duty station will be in Portales, travel and seasonal inspection assignments in other regions of the state will remain an expectation of the position and may require assignments lasting several weeks or, at times, several months.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: Associate's Degree + 4 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 2 years of relevant experience.

Equivalent Qualifications: Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by Human Resource Services.

This position may be underfilled as an NMDA Inspector, Associate on a career development plan if unable to fill at the NMDA Inspector, Intermediate. Minimum requirements for the associate level: Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience or Bachelor’s degree in related field. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience as approved by Human Resource Services may be used to meet the minimum requirements.

Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of university and department policies and procedures; fruits, vegetables, and nut sectors in New Mexico and the United States; state and federal laws and regulations, principles and practices of organization and administration.

Skill in applying grading principles, procedures, and regulations to identify, describe, and evaluate relevant quality characteristics such as color, taste, smell, physical shape, or type and origin of the defect, and to compare the product characteristics with the standard. Various manual skills in handling, testing, or evaluating products.

Develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative· organize and direct activities.

Special Certification/Licensure: A cover letter is required.

Minimum education/equivalency must be met per the posting.

Must have and maintain a valid unrestricted driver’s license.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements: i.e. extreme temp, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, other potentially dangerous materials/situations that require safety precaution/protective equip

Physical Effort: Considerable physical activity. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of the job.

Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.