Agricultural Inspectors

Job Description: Inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities, and fish and logging operations, to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing health, quality, and safety.

Agricultural Inspectors spend a lot of their time Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships. They are naturally good at Problem Sensitivity, Oral Expression, Oral Comprehension, and Flexibility of Closure. Agricultural Inspectors are typically characterized as being Realistic and Conventional. They are usually very knowledgable about Public Safety and Security, Education and Training, and Law and Government and are skilled at Monitoring and Reading Comprehension.

Does this career sound like a good fit for you? If so, the next step may be to finish your education. There are many online and oncampus degrees offered in:

Universities.com can help you find the right school to start you on a path to your dream job.

Work Activities

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  
Handling and Moving Objects
  
Scheduling Work and Activities
  
Getting Information
  
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
  
Performing General Physical Activities
  
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
  
Processing Information
  
Documenting/Recording Information
  
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
  
Analyzing Data or Information
  
Training and Teaching Others
  
Coaching and Developing Others
  
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
  
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  
Performing Administrative Activities
  
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
  
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  
Thinking Creatively
  
Interacting With Computers
  
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  
Developing Objectives and Strategies
  
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  
Staffing Organizational Units
  
Controlling Machines and Processes
  
Developing and Building Teams
  
Selling or Influencing Others
  
Assisting and Caring for Others
  
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
  
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
  

Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
  
Oral Expression
  
Oral Comprehension
  
Flexibility of Closure
  
Near Vision
  
Written Expression
  
Inductive Reasoning
  
Deductive Reasoning
  
Written Comprehension
  
Category Flexibility
  
Perceptual Speed
  
Far Vision
  
Speech Recognition
  
Information Ordering
  
Speech Clarity
  
Selective Attention
  
Visualization
  
Visual Color Discrimination
  
Fluency of Ideas
  
Speed of Closure
  
Auditory Attention
  
Time Sharing
  
Control Precision
  
Originality
  
Reaction Time
  
Hearing Sensitivity
  
Trunk Strength
  
Arm-Hand Steadiness
  
Multilimb Coordination
  
Memorization
  
Finger Dexterity
  
Mathematical Reasoning
  
Depth Perception
  
Number Facility
  
Manual Dexterity
  
Response Orientation
  
Glare Sensitivity
  
Spatial Orientation
  
Static Strength
  
Stamina
  
Gross Body Coordination
  
Speed of Limb Movement
  
Wrist-Finger Speed
  
Rate Control
  
Extent Flexibility
  
Dynamic Strength
  
Peripheral Vision
  
Night Vision
  
Gross Body Equilibrium
  
Sound Localization
  

Interests

Realistic
  
Conventional
  
Investigative
  
Enterprising
  
Social
  
Artistic
  

Knowledge

Public Safety and Security
  
Education and Training
  
Law and Government
  
English Language
  
Computers and Electronics
  
Mathematics
  
Clerical
  
Biology
  
Chemistry
  
Administration and Management
  
Customer and Personal Service
  
Food Production
  
Mechanical
  
Production and Processing
  
Transportation
  
Communications and Media
  
Personnel and Human Resources
  
Psychology
  
Geography
  
Engineering and Technology
  
Sales and Marketing
  
Building and Construction
  
Economics and Accounting
  
Telecommunications
  
Design
  
Physics
  
Sociology and Anthropology
  
Foreign Language
  

Wages

Connecticut
$67,220  
 
Michigan
$56,240  
 
New York
$56,030  
 
Illinois
$50,830  
 
Ohio
$49,570  
 
Pennsylvania
$49,150  
 
Minnesota
$47,660  
 
California
$45,710  
 
New Jersey
$45,660  
 
Alabama
$45,260  
 
Colorado
$44,980  
 
Nebraska
$44,090  
 
Iowa
$43,970  
 
Virginia
$41,730  
 
Wisconsin
$41,470  
 
Texas
$41,390  
 
Georgia
$41,390  
 
North Carolina
$41,390  
 
Oklahoma
$41,380  
 
Mississippi
$41,380  
 
Maryland
$41,370  
 
Kansas
$40,100  
 
Arkansas
$40,100  
 
Missouri
$40,090  
 
Washington
$39,720  
 
Maine
$34,060  
 
Indiana
$33,620  
 
Arizona
$32,680  
 
Oregon
$32,520  
 
Idaho
$31,480  
 
North Dakota
$30,930  
 
Utah
$28,970  
 
South Carolina
$28,390  
 
Florida
$27,210  
 
Montana
$25,680  
 
Nevada
$24,940  
 
Puerto Rico
$23,700  
 

Skills

Monitoring
  
Reading Comprehension
  
Speaking
  
Critical Thinking
  
Writing
  
Active Listening
  
Judgment and Decision Making
  
Quality Control Analysis
  
Complex Problem Solving
  
Active Learning
  
Coordination
  
Learning Strategies
  
Systems Evaluation
  
Operation Monitoring
  
Systems Analysis
  
Instructing
  
Persuasion
  
Service Orientation
  
Science
  
Time Management
  
Negotiation
  
Social Perceptiveness
  
Mathematics
  
Management of Personnel Resources
  
Operation and Control
  
Troubleshooting
  
Operations Analysis
  
Management of Material Resources
  
Management of Financial Resources
  
Technology Design
  

Work Values

Achievement
  
Support
  
Independence
  
Recognition
  
Working Conditions
  
Relationships
  

Work Styles

Integrity
  
Dependability
  
Attention to Detail
  
Independence
  
Self Control
  
Cooperation
  
Initiative
  
Adaptability/Flexibility
  
Stress Tolerance
  
Persistence
  
Concern for Others
  
Analytical Thinking
  
Achievement/Effort
  
Leadership
  
Innovation
  
Social Orientation
  

Related University Degree Programs

Work Context

Electronic Mail
  
Telephone
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Contact With Others
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Time Pressure
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Letters and Memos
  
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Physical Proximity
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Consequence of Error
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Duration of Typical Work Week
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Public Speaking
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Level of Competition
  
Degree of Automation
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Work Schedules
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Radiation
  

-40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-A lot of freedom-

Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  

-About half the time-

Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  

-Completely automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Constant contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-Contact with others about half the time-

Contact With Others
  

-Contact with others most of the time-

Contact With Others
  

-Continually or almost continually-

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  

-Every day-

Electronic Mail
  
Telephone
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Time Pressure
  
Letters and Memos
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Public Speaking
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  

-Extremely competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Extremely important-

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  

-Extremely serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-Fairly important-

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  

-Fairly serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-High responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-Highly automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Highly competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)-

Physical Proximity
  

-I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Important-

Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  

-Important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)-

Work Schedules
  

-Less than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-Less than half the time-

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Standing
  

-Limited freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-Limited responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-Minor results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Moderate responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-Moderate results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Moderately automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Moderately close (at arm's length)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Moderately competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-More than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-More than half the time-

Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  

-Never-

Exposed to Radiation
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Public Speaking
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Time Pressure
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Telephone
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Electronic Mail
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Letters and Memos
  

-No contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-No freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-No responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-No results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Not at all automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Not at all competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Not important at all-

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  

-Not serious at all-

Consequence of Error
  

-Occasional contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-Once a month or more but not every week-

Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Time Pressure
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Letters and Memos
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Public Speaking
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Electronic Mail
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Telephone
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  

-Once a week or more but not every day-

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Time Pressure
  
Letters and Memos
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Telephone
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Public Speaking
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Electronic Mail
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Radiation
  

-Once a year or more but not every month-

Public Speaking
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Letters and Memos
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Time Pressure
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Electronic Mail
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Telephone
  

-Regular (established routine, set schedule)-

Work Schedules
  

-Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)-

Work Schedules
  

-Serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-Slightly automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Slightly close (e.g., shared office)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Slightly competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Some freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-Very close (near touching)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Very high responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-Very important-

Deal With External Customers
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  

-Very important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Very little freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-Very serious-

Consequence of Error
  

Task Ratings

Education Training Experience

-On-Site or In-Plant Training-

None
  
Up to and including 1 month
  
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
  
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  

-On-the-Job Training-

Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
  
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
  
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  

-Related Work Experience-

None
  
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
  
Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
  
Over 10 years
  

-Required Level of Education-

Less than a High School Diploma
  
High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate)
  
Some College Courses
  
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
  
Bachelor's Degree