Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences (NRAS) Program Manager

Full Job Description

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

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.

The Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences (NRAS) program works at the interface between agricultural production and environmental quality.

Our mission is to provide evidence-based programming to support Washington’s agricultural production, public well-being, and ecological health.

Research topics include agricultural land use practices, pesticide usage, agricultural chemicals in surface water and groundwater, soil health, water availability and climate change.

Collectively, NRAS programs serve to help protect public health and the environment while supporting agricultural viability throughout Washington’s diverse cropping systems.

The Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences (NRAS) Program Manager manages the NRAS Program within the AES Division of WSDA and ensures its success and continued progress.

This position has four direct reports, as well as responsibilities to all staff under those four supervisors and affiliated support staff.

The position oversees the development and implementation of science-based water quality, water quantity, soil health, climate change mitigation and adaptation, agricultural land use and Endangered Species Act (ESA) activities for the agency.

Primary duties include supporting NRAS subject matter experts (SMEs) in strategic planning, study design and implementation, funding procurement and budget management, impact tracking, and operational efficiency and success.

Duties may also include representing NRAS in local, state, and federal workgroups, as well as to industry and other agricultural stakeholders.

This position has scope over programs that affect all agency divisions and is core to the mission and vision of WSDA as it relates to balancing agricultural viability with protection of human health and the environment.

Important Notes:

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent WMS Band 2 within the Agricultural Environmental Servies Division. This position is office based and will need to report to the WSDA Headquarter Office located in Olympia or Yakima, Washington. This position is non-represented.

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: $71,004 - $130,320 annually.

Requirements

Include, but are not limited to:

• Manage, mentor, and guide agency SMEs on agricultural management, land use, soil health, water quality and quantity, ESA, climate change, and other environmental and agricultural topics.

• Plan for long-term growth and success through policy development, legislative activities, and managing all aspects of biennial strategic planning, including strategic plan development, implementation, KPI tracking, and staff engagement.

Ensure operational efficiency and success by overseeing NRAS engagement with WSDA support programs including but not limited to HR, recruitment, contracts, admin, fiscal, budget, and communications.

Develop and implement systems to increase operational efficiency and program impact, including timelines for QAPP/SOP updates, outreach and communication calendars, impact tracking spreadsheets, etc.

• Oversee funding procurement (including through grants and legislative requests), spending (including contracts and grants) and budget management across NRAS programs.

• Liaise across WSDA programs and external partners to maintain awareness of emerging trends, gaps, and threats. Ensure NRAS activities proactively and consistently serve the agency mission and support agency programs.

• Provide technical and strategic support to staff SMEs in the synthesis of high-level research questions and research administration, including in the design and implementation of routine and novel scientific data collection activities.

• Ensure consistency and quality of NRAS data collection, storage, and use, by overseeing annual QC metrics and continually identifying ways to improve data processes and products.

• Ensure NRAS data and SMEs are strategically used in local, state, and federal workgroups, as well as by industry and other agricultural stakeholders. Represent NRAS to the public, the legislature, and other interagency groups as needed.

• Plan, execute, and delegate all aspects of annual all-staff meeting.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Natural or Biological Science, or equivalent experience.

• At least five (5) years of supervisory experience. Experience must include large budget management, managing multiple programs with disparate subject matter expertise.
• Comprehensive understanding of agricultural practices in Washington State.

Preferred / Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with elected official and policy makers on environmental topics; Have a thorough understanding of agricultural land use practices in Washington State.
• Experience dealing with various stakeholder groups with differing agendas.

Candidates must demonstrate effectiveness in the following areas:

- Effectively advocating for organizational change aligned with agency direction
- Ethics and integrity
- Maintain confidentiality
- Keep promises and commitments to others
- Use public funds and resources appropriately
- Collaborate to build and join spirited teams
- Encourage the people around you by recognizing their contributions.
- Effectively communicate with individuals and groups
- Assure establishment of strategies and goals
- Assure goal measurement and progress reporting

Additional 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.
• Commute Trip Reduction Program.

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

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 to be considered for this position:

· Current resume detailing experience and education

· A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.

· Three professional references

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.

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.

Equity at WSDA

The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways.

We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion.

We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.

We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Contact Us

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 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.

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.