NMDA Inspector Intermediate - Possible Career Development Opportunity

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.