Safety and Wellness Coordinator

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 Opportunity

As Safety and Wellness Coordinator, this position coordinates and ensures statewide safety and health core rules and the wellness guidance for Washington State Department of Agriculture's seven divisions throughout 20 counties, in accordance with federally approved state occupational safety and health program and meets the authorizing statute, Chapter 49.17 RCW, the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act at the Department of Labor and Industries.

as Safety and Wellness Coordinator, this position coordinates and ensures statewide safety and health core rules and the wellness guidance for Washington State Department of Agriculture's seven divisions throughout 20 counties, in accordance with federally approved state occupational safety and health program and meets the authorizing statute, Chapter 49.17 RCW, the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act at the Department of Labor and Industries.

Requirements

What to Expect

Some of the various responsibilities within this role:

• Coordinate with the agency Commodity Inspection Division. Fruit and Vegetable Program to ensure safety meetings are consistent with Washington State law and regulations.
• Organize and conduct inspections “assessments” and risk treatment plans to identify unsafe work practices at agency fruit and vegetable export facilities and other agency field staff inspection work sites throughout Eastern Washington.
• Conduct safety inspections, compliance audits, manage accident reporting, job hazard analysis for occupational safety and health hazards in agency facilities, agricultural operations, industrial plants and field workplaces.
• Regulate safety practices and facilities compliances in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Washington industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), Washington State Labor and Industries requirements, building codes or appropriate codes, regulations and standards.
• Serve as a liaison and supports the Fruits and Vegetables Program Manager.
• Develop process for program field safety manuals and specific guidance for the F&V Program work.
• Develop a comprehensive health and wellness program for the agency to promote the program and inform agency staff on wellness events and initiatives.
• Plan and implement wellness training classes, speakers, seminars, personal training, and assessments that promote healthy lifestyles.
• Develop promotion and publicity plans for wellness and fitness programs throughout the agency.
• Assist the Risk Manager & Assistant Safety Program Manager in the development of budget, policies, and procedures relevant to the operation of the wellness program.
• Provide educational presentations and training programs.
• Attend scheduled meetings with partnering agencies, their supervisor, and subsequently offer input, ideas and implement health and wellness throughout the agency.

Qualifications

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

• A bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health, safety studies, natural science, industrial hygiene, business or public administration, education, or allied field.

OR

• Three years of professional experience in occupational safety and health programs.

OR

• A master's degree in occupational safety and health, safety studies, natural science, business or public administration, education or allied field may be substituted for the above professional work experience requirement.

OR

• Equivalent Education/Experience

AND

• Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license to travel in a state vehicle and conduct agency business.

Preferred/Desired:

• Intermediate experience and knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, SharePoint.
• Defensive Driver Instructor Certified, HAZWOPER 40 Instructor Certified, Wilderness First Aid Instructor Certified, and Associate Safety Professional Certification (ASP).
• Ability to read and write in both English and Spanish.

Additional Information

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 indicate 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.

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 in 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.