Salary: $38,952.00 – $51,888.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Job Number: 2023-01744
Closing: 3/14/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

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 approximately 780 employees 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. 

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Pesticide Management Division (PMD) protects the public and economic interest, health and welfare of the people of the state of Washington by providing efficient and effective services for the regulation of pesticides and fertilizers. The Pesticide Compliance Program enforces federal and state regulations relating to the storage, distribution, transportation, disposal and use of pesticides.

The Administrative Assistant 3 supports the Pesticide Management Division Coordinator.  Support functions include general office administrative tasks; processing and filing of legal documents; tracking and processing time sensitive information; responding to public disclosure requests; and supporting the Pesticide Management Division by analyzing management problems, conducting research, formulating recommendations, and providing consultation on the development and implementation of strategic and long-range planning activities. You will monitor and measure outcomes, impacts and the effectiveness of assigned areas by working with data and data applications.

Position and Salary Information
WSDA is recruiting for a permanent full-time Administrative Assistant 3 in the Pesticide Management Division. This position is located in Olympia, Washington, and is non-represented.

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary range for this position is: $ 38,952 Step A – $50,592  Step L annually.
   
In addition to the salary listed above, incumbents assigned to our Seattle office location receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend. If a position is designated as requiring dual language skills, incumbents will also receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.

Duties
 Some of what you’ll do: 

  • Process customer in-take for pesticide complaints according to Compliance Standard Operating procedures.
  • Greet customers, return or route incoming phone calls, and fill customer requests.
  • Process and distribute incoming and outgoing mail according to state requirements.
  • Audit division timekeeping and travel reimbursements according to established agency policies, timelines and guidelines using PISCES for timekeeping and TEMS for travel auditing.
  • Revise webpages with content developed by technical staff and approved by management.
  • Order, accept delivery of and distribute a multitude of office supplies and field equipment.
  • Make travel reservations and meeting arrangements; prepares meeting minutes.
  • Review and pay vendor invoices in accordance with fiscal procedures and policies.
  • Enter data into and compiles reports and run queries in the KRS application.
  • Coordinate public record disclosure requests for the branch and division.
  • Manage records in accordance with the records retention schedule.
  • Process and mail customer applications.
  • Serve as Acting Division Coordinator with responsibility and direct-delegated authority to act in matters of substance in the absence of the Division Coordinator.
  • Ensure that division administrative tasks for all programs are completed within state and federal requirements and policies.
  • Direct routine division support activities in the absence of regular division support staff and administrative assistants.
  • Serve as the division assets manager, coordinating the biennial division inventory of state assets and equipment.

Qualifications
Professionals with:

  • High school graduation or GED

AND

  • Three years of progressively responsible experience in office/clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative work. Working knowledge and familiarity with databases, spreadsheets and their applications and functions.

OR

  • Formal education will substitute year-for-year for experience.

Preferred/Desired:

  • Two-year degree, Associates Degree or equivalent in accounting, bookkeeping or related field.
  • Additional experience with progressively responsible office/clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative work. 
  • Working knowledge and familiarity with databases, spreadsheets and their applications and functions.
  • Knowledge and experience researching, interpreting and applying RCW’s, WAC’s and policies.

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 to be considered for this position:

· A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.

· Current resume detailing experience and education.

· Three professional references.

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.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3898633/administrative-assistant-3

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.

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.

Contact Us
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at 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 Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

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

The Washington State Department of Agriculture requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes and should be requested a minimum of (7) seven days prior to the first day of employment. Accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.

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! 

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.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3898633/administrative-assistant-3

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