Salary: $48,156.00 – $64,788.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Remote Only
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Job Number: 2023-03653
Closing: Continuous

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.

WSDA Organic Program provides USDA organic certification to farms, processing facilities, and other businesses that wish to handle organic products.  Since 1988, our knowledgeable team has provided technical assistance on organic regulations and ensured the integrity of the organic label through rigorous onsite inspections and technical reviews. In addition to overseeing organic claims in Washington, the program supports the state’s thriving organic industry by evaluating and registering input materials that are approved for use in organic production.

The Organic Outreach & Education Specialist plans, prioritizes, develops, and implements education and community outreach activities about the organic label, organic certification requirements, and organic production and handling practices. You will get to work with a variety of audiences, such as farmers, consumers, and manufacturers while conducting outreach activities and should be able to communicate in a manner that is clear, concise and maintains the dignity and upholds the value of others. This position requires a high level of expertise in communication strategies as well as organic practices and of agriculture within the state and country. The Organic Outreach & Education Specialist will represent WSDA at conferences, workshops, and work directly with stakeholders, government partners, and the public to promote organic compliance and the organic label. 

Position and Salary Information
WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Organic Outreach & Education Specialist positions within the Organic Program in the Food Safety & Consumer Services Division. While this position is assigned to a home duty station they are required to be located in the state of Washington. This is a non-represented position.

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: $48,156 Step A – $63,216 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 be doing: 

• Act as the program’s education representative and advocate. 
• Promote and support the use of the organic label to the public and within the agriculture community through outreach and education strategies.
• Establish a community outreach strategy and implement education programs for a variety of audiences, including farmers, manufacturers, consumers, and industry supporters or educators.
• Take lead in the development of policies and procedures for educational activities.
•  Draft outreach and education plans and strategies based on stakeholder input and requests.
• Develop, promote and update outreach and education materials specific to organic certification in formats that are assessable to a wide variety of audiences from diverse backgrounds.
• Function as a technical service provider for transitioning and existing certified operations in need of one-on-one assistance in developing compliant systems and applying for certification.
• Write and speak clearly, concisely and accurately with customers and co-workers. Communicating in a manner that maintains the dignity and upholds the value of others.
• Identify funding opportunities and develop proposals for consideration by grantors.
• Prepare reports as required or requested about outreach and education activities and community education plans.
• Lead, develop and/or implement project plans and monitor and track project budgets.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in education or communication, agriculture, horticulture, food science, or other allied natural science or environmental field and three years of professional-level experience in providing technical assistance, education, or community outreach related to organic agriculture.

• Successful completion of, or the ability to qualify for and attend, on-site trainings by the International Organic Inspector’s Association (IOIA) within one year. Training expenses paid by WSDA, location and training dates vary. 
• Ability to provide adequate home internet connection during normal business hours.
• Working knowledge and ability to show proficient use of Microsoft (MS) Office products.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to speak and write in Spanish.

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:

· Current resume detailing experience and education

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

· 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.

To Apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3945264/organic-outreach-education-specialist

Contact Us
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information
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.

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. 

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

To Apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3945264/organic-outreach-education-specialist