Web Designer & UI/UX Specialist 3

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:

Are you ready to lead one of the most impactful digital transformation projects in Washington state government? Do you light up at the idea of improving user experience, organizing complex content ecosystems, and shaping an agency’s entire digital presence? If so the WSDA Communications Team would love to meet you.

WSDA is embarking on a full rebuild of our public website, partnering closely with WaTech and a UX consulting firm to create a modern, accessible, intuitive digital experience for the millions of people who rely on Washington agriculture. Our current website leaves plenty of room for improvement, which means this is a rare opportunity to lead something new, meaningful, and high-impact from the ground up.

As the agency’s Web Designer & UI/UX Specialist 3, you will be the internal lead for the website migration and redesign effort. You’ll help shape site architecture, governance, workflows, accessibility standards, content strategy, and the overall user experience that will define WSDA’s digital future.

You’ll also be joining a Communications Team that blends professionalism with personality. We take our work seriously, but we’re not above celebrating a good pun or waving hello to a coworker’s cat who strolls through a Team’s meeting. We’re a supportive, collaborative group that believes meaningful work and a sense of fun can and should go hand in hand.

And of course, you’ll be part of WSDA, a genuinely amazing place to work. Where else do you get to login to work and talk about food, farms, fairs, and animals? Plus, you will be a joining an agency where staff are passionate about supporting the people who feed Washington and the world.

Your work will ensure WSDA employees, stakeholders, industry partners, legislators, and the public can easily find clear, accessible information that reflects the agency’s values of transparency, equity, and customer service. It is an opportunity to do meaningful work that directly improves how Washingtonians interact with the agricultural systems that feed our state.

Important Notes:

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Web Designer & UI/UX Specialist 3 position within the Director Office. This position is located in Olympia, Washington and is not 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: Range 62, Step A $73,284 - Step L $96,144 annually.

Requirements

Include, but are not limited to:

Website Management and Content Strategy

• Oversee WSDA's public website ensuring accurate, timely, and accessible information is available to the public, stakeholders, and media.
• Create and implement website governance standards, content structure, and publishing workflows to ensure consistency across all program areas.
• Coordinate with WaTech and vendors to maintain site functionality, monitor analytics, and support technical updates or migrations.
• Recommend content improvements based on user analytics, accessibility audits, and evolving best practices.
• Design, deliver, and lead website training for new and existing users to ensure consistent content quality, accessibility compliance, and adherence to WSDA's web governance standards.
• Create written guides, tutorials, and reference materials for website contributors to promote best practices in accessibility, plain language, and user-centered design.
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive website inventory system that tracks all agency web pages including page ownership, update history, and core content elements that require updates (email addresses, dates, names, etc.).

Intranet (SharePoint) Management

• Work with the M365 Administrator and program staff on organization, and maintenance of WSDA's SharePoint-based intranet, ensuring the platform supports internal communication, collaboration, and employee engagement.
• Work with divisions and programs to create pages and resources that help employees easily access tools, policies, and agency updates.
• Establish intranet content governance standards and trains contributors on content creation, posting, and maintenance.
• Ensure intranet content complies with accessibility and plain language standards.
• Recommend improvements to enhance navigation, usability, and search functionality.
• Collaborate with IT and Communications staff to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.

Graphic Design and Visual Content Support

• Provide backup graphic design and digital production support for publications, social media, presentations, and web content.
• Make digital graphics, banners, infographics, and other visual materials consistent with WSDA's brand standards.
• Ensure that all visual and digital resources produced are fully accessible and compliant with Section 508 and WCAG accessibility requirements, including use of alt text, color contrast, readable typography, and appropriate file formats.
• Advise staff on layout, image selection, and accessibility considerations for visual content.
• Coordinate with the Communications team to ensure visual consistency and accessibility across the intranet and website as well as some publications.

Language Accessibility and Digital Inclusion Support

• Support WSDA's Language Access and Accessibility initiatives by ensuring web and intranet content meet Section 508 and state accessibility requirements.
• Review content to determine when translation, alternative formats, or interpretation may be needed.
• Work with program staff to prioritize vital documents for translation and ensure consistency in multilingual content across intranet, website, publications and social media content.
• Promote digital equity by ensuring that all online materials are clear, inclusive, and easy to navigate for diverse audiences.

Collaboration and Consultation

• Collaborate across programs to identify digital communication needs and recommend improvements that enhance internal and external engagement.
• Participate in agency workgroups, digital governance teams, or enterprise-level digital initiatives.
• Share best practices, trends, and tools in web and intranet management to continuously improve WSDA's digital communications.
• Assist the Communications Office with special projects, events, or campaigns.
• Provide support for photography. video production, and social media as needed.
• Represent WSDA in interagency or statewide digital communications working groups.
  

Qualifications

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• Five (5) years of professional experience in complex web design including leading teams, in user experience design/testing; compliance with state OCIO and federal section 508 accessibility requirements; User Centered Design methodology, usability testing, project and product management, customer relationship management, social media, mobile compatibility, and Agile methodologies.

• Portfolio demonstrating professional experience in complex web design including examples that reference or demonstrate leading teams, in user experience design/testing; compliance with state OCIO and federal section 508 accessibility requirements; User Centered Design methodology, usability testing, project and product management, customer relationship management, social media, mobile compatibility and Agile methodologies.

• Three (3) years of experience leading and managing teams for complex web projects and products.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• A master's degree in communications, web design, information science, digital media, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in a government or public-sector organization managing complex intranets, websites or communication systems.
• Bilingual or multilingual proficiency, particularly in Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL).
• Formal training or certification in accessibility compliance (e.g., Section 508, WCAG 2.1, or CPACC ce1tification).
• Experience implementing or managing a content governance framework, including establishing publishing standards, workflows, and version control systems.
• Proficiency with analytics and usability tools such as Google Analytics, Siteimprove, or Power BI to inform digital strategy and content optimization.
• Experience writing or coordinating multilingual web content and collaborating with translators or language access teams to reach limited-English-proficient audiences.
• Advanced design or UX experience, including creating visual prototypes, designing layouts for web and mobile interfaces, or conducting usability testing.
• Experience training, mentoring, or supervising staff in content management, digital publishing, or accessibility best practices.
• Familiarity with agriculture, environmental policy, or food system communication topics.
• Possess or obtain a valid driver's license and be available for occasional in-state travel on agency business.
  
  

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:

· Current resume detailing experience and education

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

· Three professional references

· Digital portfolio or PDF that demonstrates your experience in web design, UX, accessibility, content strategy, or intranet management.

In addition to your resume, cover letter, and references, please attach a digital portfolio or PDF that demonstrates your experience in web design, UX, accessibility, content strategy, or intranet management. Your portfolio should include at least 2–3 examples of relevant work such as websites you’ve designed or managed, UX case studies, content architecture projects, accessibility improvements, or visual design samples. Applicants may also include writing samples, governance materials, or other documents showcasing relevant skills.

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.

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.