The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

Special Note: First review of candidates will take place March 15, 2021. It is in the best interest of the applicant to apply prior to that date. Due to COVID-19 this position will telework through at least June 2021. The position will be telework eligible with the requirement to report to the Yakima office and will serve Eastern Washington communities. 

ABOUT THE POSITION: The WSDA Communications Office is currently seeking a Communications Consultant 5 to join the team. The Communications team serves a pivotal role in the agency by providing critical outreach and education as well as crisis communications and response to public or media inquiries. The Media Relations Coordinator will serve as the agency’s public information officer and serves as the face of WSDA. The incumbent will respond to media inquiries, promote WSDA initiatives and actions to the media and the larger public, and advise agency staff, managers and executives regarding media matters.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov

• Serve as the agency’s media spokesperson by: responding to media inquiries, write professional news releases, pitch stories, prepare communications plans and strategies.
• Write or edit publications as needed by agency staff.
• Provide communications consultation to programs.
• Monitor and update webpages as assigned or identified by agency staff.
• Visual communications: photography, assist in video capture, etc.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing or other related field.
• 5 years of professional experience in the news media, either broadcast or print, or experience working with the media in a communications related manner.
• Ability to:
  1. Advise staff and top management officials regarding public perception of agency initiatives or projects.
  2. Organize, prepare, and present comprehensive communications and public information strategies.
  3. Write and speak effectively.
  4. Establish and maintain cooperative relations with the press and public.
  5. Select effective methods and techniques of disseminating a variety of information.
  6. Coach staff on effective media interview techniques.
  7. Effectively edit all types of written communication produced by WSDA.
  8. Clearly articulate ideas and thoughts verbally and to a wide variety of audiences.
• Knowledge of:
  1. Methods of determining needs for public information and education.
  2. Methods and techniques of evaluating effectiveness of public relations programs.
  3. Mass news media capabilities, procedures, and techniques.
  4. State government and departmental organization, programs and functions.
  5. Crisis communication practices.
  6. Prevalent social media platforms and how to utilize them.
  7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Preferred:

• Professional level Spanish-language skills.
• Experience writing for the web.
• Training in Plain Talk principles.
• Photography or videography training or experience.

Special Requirement:

• Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license to utilize a personal or state motor pool vehicle on behalf of agency business.

How to Apply:
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest to describe why you are the best candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.

Applications with comments “see attachments” will be considered incomplete.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524- 5627 or email support@neogov.com.

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at (360) 902- 2020 or Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.

Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state’s on-line recruitment system.

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

Veteran’s Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran’s Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran’s Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

Military Spouse Preference: To take advantage of military spouse preference, you will have an opportunity to identify your status in the questionnaire. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.