Produce Safety Field Inspector

Full Job 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 approximately 780 employees 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 WSDA Produce Safety Program within the Food Safety & Consumer Services Division encourages the safe production of fruits and vegetables, thereby reducing the public health risks for consumers of Washington produce. Through inspection, enforcement and education, the program promotes understanding of and compliance with the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.

The Produce Safety Field Inspector positions conduct field inspections and investigations, provide technical assistance, assist with/participate in educational and outreach activities. These activities will help protect the public from unsafe or adulterated produce by ensuring compliance with state laws and federal regulations. The Produce Safety Field Inspectors work in collaboration with a wide variety of organizations such as produce growers, local health departments, and federal agencies, as well as commodity commissions and associations. Continual improvements to the policies, procedures, and practices of the Produce Safety Program will be based on practical experience gained and shared by these positions.

Important Notes

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2 position within the Food Safety & Consumer Services Division. These positions are approved for a home duty station, but must reside in these counties Chelan or Okanogan, WA. This is a non-represented position.

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 for this position is: $60,132 - $78,912 annually.

Requirements

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Conduct field inspections supporting Produce Safety Program objectives.

• Perform field inspections on assigned entities, ensuring adherence to established standards.
• Conduct thorough review of required sanitation and other required records.
• Perform a complete inspection of on-site physical structures and associated grounds for compliance with standards.
• Document and present inspection and investigation findings:
  • Provide clear, concise written and oral reports of inspections.
  • Effectively convey areas of concern in order of priority.
  • Provide photographic evidence as required to assist in potential regulatory action.
  • Fully document and collect all relevant data and evidence during investigations.
• Input data into FoodPro database on inspection results and assignments.

Conducts outreach activities and attend all training events as required.

• Conduct outreach calls to help growers understand their coverage status, prepare them for an inspection, and/or provide general education.

Qualifications

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

A bachelor’s degree involving major study in business, microbiology, food science, food technology, biochemistry, dairy science, environmental health or a degree in a closely allied field.
One (1) year of professional experience in a public health regulatory, food manufacturing environment, or produce or food-based agriculture industry.



Special Requirements:

• Must have the ability to qualify for and obtain FDA Commissioning as required. FDA Commission qualifications (subject to change, discretion, and further inquiry by FDA:
  • Meets qualification for FSCS position duties.
  • Citizen of the United States of America.
  • No felonies/misdemeanors (excluding minor traffic offenses) or pending trials/investigations for such.

• Must be able to travel across Washington State to conduct inspections as assigned.

In addition to the above qualifications, the following knowledge, skill and abilities will make a candidate highly desirable:

• Experience with USDA GAP/GHP audits and standards.
• Prior experience with agricultural and food processing individuals and organizations and with a demonstrated history of positive interactions.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish.

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.

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:

· A 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.

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.

WSDA uses a I-9 form(Download PDF reader) to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual’s ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

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.

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