Description

This recruitment is open until filled.

The first review of applications is scheduled for the week of April 8, 2023. In order to be considered, please submit your application on or before April 7, 2023. The agency reserves the right to make a hire any time after the initial screening date.

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 Opportunity:

WSDA Organic Program provides access to the organic market and ensures the integrity of the organic label through certification of producers and handlers, registration of inputs for use in organic production, and technical assistance on the USDA organic regulations.

The Organic Inspector conducts inspections, field investigations, audits, and ensures corrective action as necessary when responding to complaints and violations relating to organic regulations. With a high-level of expertise in organic certification requirements and knowledge of agriculture and food manufacturing practices the Organic Inspector provides policy interpretation and technical assistance when responding to complex inquiries or requests.

This position is based at a home office duty location and the incumbent may reside within one of these counties: Adams, Benton, Franklin, Grant, King, Skagit, Snohomish, Yakima, or Whatcom Counties. Travel is required and expected in order to perform on-site inspections and investigations in the field, warehouse, or manufacturing facility.

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: $55,224 Step A - $72,552 Step L annually.

In addition to the salary listed above, incumbents assigned to a home duty station in King County receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend.

What to Expect
Some of the various responsibilities within this role include:

• Uses scientific knowledge and the application and interpretation of regulatory standards and policies, performs complex evaluations of organic systems through onsite observations, records review, and sample collection.
• Analyzes data and makes independent determination on whether or not a violation has occurred. Identifies violations as well as continuous improvement areas during onsite evaluations.
• Makes independent decisions and solves problems which emerge in the investigation process.
• Writes clear and concise reports that outline issues, requirements, and action needed to correct any potential or identified compliance violations.
• Works independently and collaborates with the team to respond to requests in a timely manner.
• Takes initiative to find solutions and opportunities to improve services and inspection processes.
• Provides customers with high-level of technical assistance to help them understand and achieve compliance with rules, regulations, and laws. Interprets standards in clear and understandable manner.
• Researches and investigates agricultural production or handling issues which may include input material use, production practices, harvest, and post-harvest processes to ensure accurate and consistent interpretation of organic regulations.
• Communicates in a clear, accurate, and concise manner with customers and co-workers.
• Prepares technical reports on organic producer certification as requested by agency staff or industry members.
• Collaborates with colleagues from other USDA accredited certification agencies to ensure consistent application of organic certification requirements.
• Leads, develops and/or implements project plans and conducts research for technical projects; works both independently and in a small team environment as it relates to the specialty area.
• Assist leadership team by making recommendations regarding application forms and guidance documents, inspection reports, and certification policies and procedures specific to the specialty area.

Qualifications

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

Master's degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
Ph.D. in one of the above fields.

OR

One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2.

AND

Successful completion of, or the ability to qualify for and attend, on-site crop trainings by the International Organic Inspector’s Association (IOIA) within one year. Training expenses paid by WSDA, location and training dates vary.

*Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education*

In addition to the above qualifications, the following desired knowledge, skills, and abilities would make your application more competitive:

• Ability to read, write, and speak in Spanish.
• One (1) year of experience and proficiency using Microsoft Office Applications.

Supplemental Information

Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
• WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation; click here for more information.
• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.

• Current resume detailing experience and education
• A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
• Three professional references

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.