Food Safety Program Manager

Agency Information: Kansas Department of Agriculture

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is devoted to the total support of agriculture in Kansas. The department works for the entire Kansas agriculture sector including farmers, ranchers, food establishments and agribusinesses. The agency has a balanced approach to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and Kansas economy while promoting and advocating for the agriculture industry, the state's largest industry, employer, and economic contributor. KDA helps to ensure a safe food supply, protects natural resources, promotes public health and safety, protects animal health, and provides consumer protection to the best of our ability.

Kansas Department of Agriculture: 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full/Part-time: Full-Time
• Work Schedule: Days
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veteran Preference Eligible: Yes
• Disability Preference Eligible: Yes

Compensation:

• Annual Salary Range: $86,000 to $95,000 Per Year
• Hourly Pay Range: $41.35 – $45.67 Per Hour
• Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Employment Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

This position will remain posted until filled.Location: KDA Headquarters - Manhattan, Kansas

This professional position serves as the administrator and program manager of the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Lodging program. In addition, this position is responsible for state administration of the cooperative State – FDA programs regarding inspection of food establishments and food processing plants. The following will be the responsibility of the Food Safety and Lodging Program Manager if chosen.

Administration. This position is responsible for developing program budget goals and objectives to ensure statutorily assigned duties are completed in an effective manner. The position is responsible for preparing the Food Safety and Lodging program budget for submission for review and inclusion in the KDA budget, and for proper monitoring and oversight of program expenditures. The position is also responsible for development and oversight of the conduct of activities defined in cooperative agreements or memorandums of understanding with the U.S Food and Drug Administration and other state and federal agencies.

Enforcement. This position must ensure all statutes, rules, and regulations assigned to the Food Safety and Lodging program are properly enforced. The position is responsible for making sure investigations and inspections are properly conducted by program staff and for ensuring that proper enforcement actions are taken when violations of assigned laws have been identified. Work is performed in concert with the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Agribusiness Services Director and agency legal staff. The incumbent is also responsible for the development and implementation of appropriate regulations for assigned statutes.

Supervision. This position is responsible for direct guidance, coordination, and supervision of program staff and their activities. The position is also responsible for identifying training needs for program technical and clerical staff and assisting those staff in maintaining and enhancing skill levels. This position also reviews the performance evaluations of program personnel and makes recommendations regarding the validity of these performance evaluations.

Agency Representation. This position represents the Kansas Department of Agriculture in several professional associations including the Association of Food and Drug Officials. The position also works closely with Kansas State University, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration to assure the statutory requirements of the department and agency are met. The incumbent will continue and help foster relationships with state and federal partners to promote food safety and education.

Other Duties. This position is asked to complete reports, documents or submit information as necessary or requested by agency, state and federal authorities. The incumbent may be called upon to perform other tasks as deemed necessary by the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture. The position also serves to advise and assist the Secretary in development of agency and program policies on issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Professionally minded individuals with seven or more years of professional business management experience including analytical skills in developing and managing large budgets, grant writing, financial modeling, and long-term planning.
• Must have three or more years' team management experience, including supervision of middle managers, with excellent leadership and coaching skills.
• Candidates may qualify through a combination of relevant education, work experience, training, or certification.
• Excellent public speaking, written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain commissioning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
• Employee must have a valid Class C (or higher) Kansas driver's license or equivalent license from another state. Employee is responsible to maintain an acceptable driving record to safely drive state vehicle and be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professionally minded individuals with four or more years of relevant education, work experience, training, or certification in public health, food science, food technology or a biological or agricultural science related field is preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety Laws/Regulations relating to food inspection, food preparation, food processing procedures, HACCP, and formulations is helpful.
• Experience in public health regulation or graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in public health, food science / technology, or a related field is preferred.

Post-Offer/Pre-employment Requirements:

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate required in accordance with Executive Order Each applicant (even non-residents) who is selected for a State of Kansas job vacancy must apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days from the date of the offer letter by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's (KDOR) website at .

If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact KDOR at or by email at

Recruiter Contact Information:

• Name: Alyssa Satterthwaite
• Email:
• Phone:
• Fax:
• Mailing Address: 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete:

• On the My Job Applications page, verify these documents are present and valid. Upload or delete and replace if needed.
• DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran's Preference)
• Inside your Job Application, upload the these documents:
• Resume (or choose existing resume if you have one)
• Cover Letter

Job Application Process

• Sign in to your existing account or Register for a new account.
• Review and complete your contact information on the My Contact Information page.
• Upload documents listed in the Required Documents section of this job posting to the appropriate location.
• Complete and submit your application.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
• Email - the email listed on the Careers>My Contact Information page.
• Notifications - view the Careers>My Job Notifications page.

See the helpful links below to assist in completing your application:

• Instructions:
• Job Search
• Registration & User Account
• Application
• Frequently Asked Questions

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran's Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to , scanned and emailed to , or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator

Office of Personnel Services

Landon State Office Building

900 SW Jackson, Rm 401

Topeka, KS 66612

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.

Salary : $41 - $46