Description

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's Food Safety and Consumer Services (FSCS) Laboratory (also known as the Microbiology Laboratory) provides analytical support and data to the State regulatory agencies, our Federal partners U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the agricultural community. The testing conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory Program supports WSDA's mission to protect public health, Washington's food supply, the agriculture industry, and the environment. Food and environmental samples are provided by WSDA's Food Safety and Animal Feed programs and FDA's Food Emergency Response Network (FERN).

In addition, the laboratory maintains an FDA-certified State Laboratory Evaluation Officer (LEO) who regulates outside milk laboratories in Washington for antibiotic and microbial testing. Our laboratory analyzes dairy products, ready-to-eat foods, produce, animal feed and environmental samples. When there is a food emergency (food-borne illness), WSDA's Food Safety & Consumer Services Laboratory responds and provides rapid and defensible data to support regulators and epidemiologists in their quest to resolve the emergency.

Duties

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

• Coordinates and collaborates with all stakeholders to ensure all regulatory deliverables are developed, implemented, and maintained including but not limited to comprehensive improvement, project and sustainability plans, detailed budgeting, and reporting, facilitating meetings, and conducting all work necessary.
• Represents the program, division and agency and also attends FDA LFFM or other meetings, conferences, workshops, courses, or trainings. Supports the LFFM and FERN national networks through such means as participating in meeting planning committees, presenting in technical calls, sharing resources, and advising other states.
• Assists in ensuring all deliverables are developed, implemented, and maintained including but not limited to comprehensive improvement, project and sustainability plans, detailed budgeting, and reporting, facilitating meetings, and conducting all work necessary and appropriate for the standards.
• Analyzes existing program policies, procedures or practices and the feed industry to identify gaps, improvements or enhancements needed.
• Researches RCWs/WACs/policies and procedures to determine if new and/or changes are required and if they impact the division.
• Assists in preparing allotments and adjusts spending throughout fiscal periods to maintain a balanced budget. Call for and conduct quarterly review meeting of existing grants or contracts under programs venue.
• Generates regular and special fiscal report requests for management and/or federal program staff.
• Monitors LIMS database system to ensure all areas are working correctly.
• Coordinates or leads special projects with laboratory members and agency staff.
• Serves as one of the lab safety coordinators and/or facilities coordinators to provide a functional and safe working environment, training staff in safety procedures, participate in the safety meetings, coordinate the repair or improvement business with the assistant director.
• Serves as the program-wide time attendant and provides PISCES (a divisional computerized employee time & attendant system) support. Submit employee appointment letters, payroll advisement, and benefits forms as necessary.
• Arranges and prepares travel for staff members.
• Orders, purchases, and receives laboratory supplies to maintain appropriate level of inventory.

Qualifications

Who should apply?
Professionals with:
An associate's degree from an accredited institution involving major study in biological science, public or environmental health, food science or technology, public administration, business, law, or similar field AND at least six (6) years of experience in the public health regulation or food safety, or other related field/industry or managing a major project/contract.
OR
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution involving major study in the above referenced areas of major study AND at least four (4) years of experience in the above referenced fields.
OR
A Master’s degree in one of the aforementioned fields may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
OR
A Ph.D. degree in one of the aforementioned fields may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.
OR
Equivalent education/experience.
AND
Must have the ability to acquire and maintain a valid driver’s license.
In addition to the above qualifications, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will make a candidate highly desirable:

• Experience with state/federal cooperative agreements / grants budgetary processes, auditing, and reporting.
• Knowledge of MS Office Suites and databases, food safety regulation and/or laboratory sciences.
• Possess excellent writing, speaking and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated experience in building programs, systems, and projects from scratch in pursuit of accomplishing long-term goals and continuous improvement.

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, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.
• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.

• A 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.