DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

Address: Citrus Fruit & Vegetable / Nogales Operations
2771 Grand Avenue, Nogales AZ

Salary: 24.7086 - 24.7086 

Grade: 19

Closing Date: 11/21/2025

The Arizona Department of Agriculture Citrus, Fruit and Vegetable Division is currently recruiting for a Training Officer 1, to assist the Training Officer 2 in Nogales, Arizona.

The Citrus, Fruit, and Vegetable Standardization program monitors and enforces the quality standards for all fresh fruit and vegetables produced and marketed in Arizona.

Under direction from the Training Supervisor, this position is responsible for work of considerable difficulty in the interpretation of program regulations, federal and/or state standards, and standards for particular commodities inspected; enforces compliance with State and Federal laws or marketing orders. Demonstrates adaptability, flexibility, and strong managerial skills when conducting audits and inspections. May supervise a small staff.

Duties to include but not limited to:

• Conduct training of full times and seasonal staff in house and in the field on inspection policies, procedures, and commodity specific food safety guidelines.
• Maintain all training records for permanent and seasonal staff members.
• Assist Program Managers in completing the required USDA program evaluations forms.
• Travel as needed for training or assistance with the USDA program.
• Conduct inspections; to conduct inspections pertaining to import requirements and/or marketing orders and agreements for fruits and vegetables
• Apply official U.S.D.A. standards or contract specifications to determine product's grade and /or quality & condition.
• Performs a variety of Shipping point inspections/Destination market inspections; and other inspection points; issues certificates; work product consists of inspections completed; responsible for conducting inspections in a timely, efficient and professional manner.
• Report all BIQMS audit observations and inspection findings. Demonstrates strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, analytical experience, strong problem solving and decision-making and time-management.
• Interprets Federal and/or State standards for particular commodity inspected; enforces compliance with State and Federal laws or marketing orders pertaining to packing, inspection, labeling, and sizing.
• This position may be called upon by the USDA to conduct training in other states.
• Drive a state vehicle and other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Federal, State and agency laws, rules, regulations and policies governing inspection activities, safety practices and public relations.
• Conduct inspections pertaining to import requirements and commodity specific Food safety guidelines requirements policies and procedures; other applicable contracts and agreements; government BIQMS audit standards, principles, techniques and procedures.
• The organization's operational context, size, structure, functions and relationships; Branch Internal Quality Management System and reference documents; sector-specific terminology; sector-specific processes and practices; the production, handling, and marking of fruit, vegetables and other specialty crops; USDA guidelines in proper sample selection, grading techniques, note sheet and certificate writing.
• Federal State and agency laws, rules, regulations and policies governing inspection activities, safety practices and public relations, principles and practices of work leadership, training and supervision.
• Practices and procedures of inspection standards and authorized enforcement guidelines; practice and procedures of administrative activities of the assignment; the techniques and methods of conducting inspections; training strategies and methods; principles or employee training and trends in employee training

Skills in:

• Applying and interpreting Federal, State and agency laws, rules, regulations and policies governing inspection activities, safety practices and public relations.
• Reading and interpreting Shipping point inspections and destination market inspections, policies and procedures; and commodity Specific Food Safety Guidelines requirements, policies and procedures, other applicable contracts and agreements.
• Collect information through interviewing, listening, observing and reviewing documents, records and data.
• Contribute to the BIQMS audit findings that are evidence based and within the scope of the audit; coordination of and the execution of training programs; planning, and organization.

Ability to:

• Adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner; work effectively in high-pressure situations and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail; work cooperatively and effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and security of information.
• Act in an ethical manner at all times; fair, truthful, sincere, honest and discreet.
• Willing to consider alternative ideas or points of view; be tactful in dealing with people; be actively aware of physical surroundings and activities.
• Be instinctively aware of and able to understand situations; be ready to adjust to different situations; be persistent, focus on achieving objectives; reaching conclusions in timely manner based on logical reasoning or analysis.
• Act and function independently while interacting effectively with others; maintain working relations with individuals and groups; speak and write effectively.

• 5 plus years of fresh produce inspection experience
• 3 plus years of training experience
• Experience in maintaining training manual
• Managerial experience
• USDA Qualified Training Provider

• Current Arizona Driver’s License
• USDA Destination Market License FV-201 (10-97) Restricted or Unrestricted

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Agriculture offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). ASRS is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in statue. Current contribution rate is 12.00%. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Melissa Meek at mmeek@azda.gov for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.