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.

Please Note: This is a part-time position expected to work 20 hour/week.

ABOUT THE POSITION: The Project and Planning Analyst is responsible for effective process leadership, analytical, editorial and project skills to help the agency and its programs be more effective, through strategic planning, guidance and managing / consulting on projects. A successful culture of continuous improvement in the Department will encourage respect, creativity and innovative problem solving, improve and manage enterprise projects in its various stages while meeting customer’s needs. This position will lead, support, coach and facilitate internal activities leveraging continuous improvement principals, methodologies, and tools.

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

• Create, maintain and update Agency Strategic Plan as needed.
• Create and implement training for WSDA, prepare communications centered around strategic planning, update and maintain agency intranet and other sharing tools and resources and provide general program support.
• Plan, schedule and co-facilitate Agency Forums for various groups .
• Serve as an Agency Project Consultant providing project management and consultation skills direct to various programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher with a major course of study in public administration, organizational development, communications or a closely related field. Four (4) years of progressive professional experience may substitute the education requirement.
• Two years of experience leading or facilitating projects or processes agency-wide, cross agency, or with external stakeholders.
• Application of knowledge in Lean thinking and/or project management methodology.
• Working knowledge of MS Suite: Word, Excel, SharePoint, Visio, Project and Outlook.

Desired:

• Three (3) years or more demonstrated knowledge and experience in coaching or training employees.
• Three (3) years or more of project management experience using PMI methodologies, certification preferred.
• Three (3) years or more of demonstrated knowledge and experience conducting process improvements, using tools and techniques, group coaching, facilitation and analytical skills with teams.
• Other desirable skills and experience include change management, excellent communication skills, writing skills and influential behavior.

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 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.

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.