Produce Inspector II - Seasonal (43 Weeks) - 0220 - Presque Isle

PRODUCE INSPECTOR II

Opening Date:

July 28, 2025

Closing Date:

August 08, 2025

Location:

Presque Isle

Position #:

00500-0220

Position Type:

Seasonal Full Time - 43 Weeks

Class Code:

9172

Grade/Salary:

Grade 18 - $19.02 - $26.48 Per Hour

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, Division of Quality Assurance and Regulation has a current 43-week seasonal vacancy in Aroostook County.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This is investigative and protective services work in inspecting a variety of agricultural commodities, it also provides the agriculture industry an unbiased, national recognized uniform grading service for agricultural commodities grown in Maine. These commodities are certified to meet current USDA and/or State grades. The produce inspector completes, and issues inspection certificates, provides technical assistance, and gathers and submits inspection results. Work is performed at multiple shipping points or processing plants. 

For questions specific to the position, please email Tim Lynds at: [email protected]

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or Equivalent and two (2) years’ experience in the field of agriculture and/or experience grading, marketing, food processing, laboratory testing, quality assurance, process control application, or inspecting agricultural commodities.

LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class): Federal (USDA)/State Inspector/Auditor License for products being inspected or audited.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter, and a current Resume. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter, and a detailed Resume, before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.

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No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 


• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  


• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 


• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value). 


• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  


• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 


• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 


• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 


• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.


• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  


• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 


• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you.  Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting.  If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.