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.

ABOUT THE POSITION: We have a great career opportunity available as a Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2 with Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Food Safety Program. This position performs journey-level work including inspections, investigations and sample collection to protect public health from unsafe adulterated food by gaining compliance with state laws and federal regulations. Travel is required within your assigned area to conduct in-depth food inspections in facilities that process or hold food products including: food processors and food storage warehouses; produce farms; dairy farms; dairy plants; custom meat facilities, slaughter plants and trucks; egg handling facilities; poultry processors and other food handlers. This is a remote position serving King County, Washington.

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

DUTIES:
 

• Evaluates firm’s control of public heath risks by performing independent inspections of conditions in facilities that hold, pack, transfer or produce food. Inspections are based on the appropriate state and/or federal regulation and program policy.
• Conducts federally mandated Grade ‘A’ Dairy testing of pasteurization equipment and evaluations of bulk milk haulers and samplers by written and practical examination.
• Discerns between critical and minor violations and provides technical assistance to industry whenever possible.
• Provides clear and concise oral and written reports of inspection and investigation findings.
• Assists the program in development and review of compliance cases as needed.
• Provide technical assistance and education to industry and the public regarding food safety regulation, compliance and enforcement.
• Provides applicants with technical assistance to achieve licensing status including the review of construction and remodel plans for compliance.
• Participates in developing technical brochures and factsheets to provide assistance and education to stakeholders, peers and other regulatory officials.
• Coordinates and works with other state, local and federal agencies in actions, inspections, investigations and training dealing with issues of food safety.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher with a major course of study in public health, environmental health, food science, agriculture, chemistry, biology/microbiology, horticulture or business related fields.
• Working knowledge and routine use of Microsoft (MS) Office products.
• Must have a high level of skill in verbal and written communication.
• Required to maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Ability to qualify for and obtain FDA Commissioning as required.

Desired:

• Professional experience in food manufacturing, dairy processing or experience in a regulatory field.

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.