Job Description
Hop Grader | Multiple Positions is listed by State of Washington. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is hiring multiple Hop Graders to support the state's vital hop field.
Set in Yakima County, you’ll inspect and grade hops according to federal and state standards, making sure offering caliber and consistency for growers and buyers. This role is best-suited for people with a keen eye for detail and an interest in agricultural grade assurance.
You’ll operate as portion of the Plant Protection Division, which safeguards agriculture from pests and diseases while promoting reasonable trade practices.
If you enjoy hands-on perform in an agricultural setting and desire to contribute to Washington's reputation for premium hops, this role presents stable, seasonal employment with a respected state agency.
Salary & Compensation
Salary: $19.12 - $25.32 per hour.
Qualification
To qualify for a Hop Grader post, you must encounter the precise experience and education needs outlined by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. This role demands useful insight of hop varieties, grading standards, and inspection procedures.
- Know-how in hop production, processing, or inspection is preferred.
- Understanding of hop varieties, standard aspects, and grading standards.
- Capacity to visually and physically inspect hops for defects, moisture, and other quality indicators.
- Familiarity with USDA hop grading standards and procedures.
- Great communication competencies to document findings and interact with growers and buyers.
- Aptitude to function in a crew environment and abide by in-depth instructions.
- Physical capacity to stand, walk, and lift up to 50 pounds during inspections.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to operate sites in Yakima County.
- High school diploma or equivalent; additional coursework in agriculture or food science is a plus.
- Willingness to perform adaptable hours during harvest season, such as weekends if needed.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Inspect incoming hop samples for color, aroma, lupulin information, and defects.
- Grade hops according to USDA standards and assign official grades.
- Document inspection results accurately and keep up records.
- Communicate grade determinations to growers, buyers, and WSDA team.
- Gather and get ready hop samples for laboratory analysis when called for.
- Calibrate and maintain inspection equipment and utilities.
- Assist with training seasonal inspectors and temporary staff.
- Ensure compliance with food safety and quality regulations.
- Participate in field visits to hop yards for pre-harvest assessments.
- Back other Plant Protection Division activities as needed during off-peak periods.
Conditions & Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Aptitude to pass a background review and pre-employment drug screening.
- Willingness to function in varying weather conditions and agricultural environments.
- Must have trustworthy transportation to multiple operate sites in Yakima County.
- Capacity to perform overtime during peak harvest season (August-September).
- Compliance with WSDA safety policies and procedures.
How You Will Be Evaluated
- Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis.
- First assess of applications occurs on July 22, 2026; register by July 21 for priority consideration.
- Qualified you may be contacted for a phone or in-person meeting.
- Practical expertise assessment may be section of the meeting procedure.
- Reference inspects and background verification are conducted for finalists.
- Selected you must pass a pre-employment drug test.
Required Documents
- Finished online application through the formal submission portal.
- Responses to supplemental questions (if suitable).
- Resume or function history (optional but recommended).
- Include letter (optional).
- Proof of high school diploma or equivalent (if requested).
- Legitimate driver's license (for verification).
Benefits
- Paid sick depart and vacation accrual.
- Participation in the Washington State retirement system.
- Access to employee assistance programs.
- Chance for seasonal rehire in subsequent years.
- Training and certification in hop grading standards.
- Operate with a dedicated team in a vital agricultural sector.
How to Apply
- To put in for a Hop Grader role, stop by the Washington State Department of Agriculture's profession page on the authorized submission portal. Build an account or to your current account. Finish the online application form, covering all needed fields and supplemental questions. Attach your resume and any optional documents. Evaluate your submission for accuracy and hand in it before the cutoff. Submissions are a…
Additional Information
- This is a seasonal, full-time position with perform primarily during hop harvest (August-September).
- Multiple vacancies exist across Yakima County; function locations may vary.
- WSDA is an even prospect employer and values diversity.
- Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to register.
- For questions about the role, contact WSDA Human Tools at the phone count listed on the role announcement.
- Candidates who want accommodation during the submission process should request it in advance.
- This recruitment may be applied to fill coming vacancies as they occur.
- Employment is contingent upon passing a background verify and drug test.
About Company
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has served the state for over 100 years, promoting agricultural viability whereas protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. With about 780 year-round employees and up to 1,000 during peak seasons, WSDA operates extensively with farmers, ranchers, and food producers.
The Plant Protection Division, which hires Hop Graders, safeguards agriculture from pests and diseases, assists pollinator and soil health, and guarantees correct weights and measures. For candidates, WSDA gives secure employment with state benefits and the opportunity to contribute to Washington's leading agricultural sector.
State of Washington is named as the hiring organization for the Hop Grader | Multiple Positions post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common applicant questions about this position, eligibility and the application process.