If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION & FORESTRY

PRODUCE INSPECTOR II

Opening Date: March 16, 2026

Closing Date: End of day March 27, 2026

Location: Fryeburg

Position Number: 00500-0314

Position Type: Full Time

Class Code: 9172

Grade: 18 (Professional/Technical Unit)

Salary: $19.02 - $26.48 Per Hour

Interested applicants need to complete and submit a State of Maine Direct Hire Application, along with a Cover Letter, and a detailed Resume.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This is investigative and protective services work in inspecting a variety of agricultural commodities for a variety of grades at multiple shipping points and performing certification and harmonization audits. Work includes auditing farmers/growers and inspecting a variety of agricultural products.

Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing individual food safety/operation plans and administrative records
• Interviewing employees
• Completing and issuing inspection certificates
• Inspecting common carrier equipment
• Providing technical assistance
• Gathering and submitting information.

Positions in this classification are expected to provide routine training and guidance to new and less experienced Inspectors. Work is performed under general supervision.

For questions specific to the position, please contact Timothy Lynds at (207) 764-2103 or timothy.lynds@maine.gov

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.

Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated agricultural experience in produce processing.

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 annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and confidential employees receive three (3) personal leave days.
• 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.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.