What are the responsibilities and job description for the Compliance Quality Assurance and Training Coordinator position at State of Washington Dept. of Agriculture?
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
The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s (WSDA) Pesticide Compliance Program investigates all complaints of alleged pesticide misuse including human and animal exposure, pesticide drift, and plant damage. Pesticide compliance investigators respond to complaints related to possible misuse, improper storage, sales, distribution, and alleged pesticide licensing violations. Investigators conduct routine inspections of pesticide application businesses, marketplaces, distributors, importers, and manufacturers and monitor pesticide applications.
The Compliance Quality Assurance and Training Coordinator/Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Division Coordinator works under administration direction and oversees field activities deemed essential to the function of the division. This position may be required to perform any of the duties of Compliance field staff within their region.
As a Quality Assurance and Training Coordinator, this position assists the Program Manager in assuring that the Compliance Program operates efficiently, effectively, and in a professional manner in order to meet the Program's objectives and goals. Additionally, this position is responsible for training field staff, and assists with the budget for trainings, travel and professional development. As the UAS Division Coordinator, this position works closely with the Agency UAS Administrator as well as any Program UAS Pilots.
Duties
Some of the various responsibilities within this role:
Plan, devise, prepare, coordinate, present, assist, track and report on the training of all Compliance field staff- Identify training and development requirements for all field staff according to Program needs, individual analysis, and consultation with Area Supervisors, Regulatory Lead, and the Program Manager.
- Devise overall training program with quantifiable and qualitative objectives.
- Develops and administers customized training for Program and individual staff.
- Manage EPA credentialing for all field staff in the Compliance program and coordinate with Area Supervisors to ensure that necessary training is scheduled and completed in a timely manner.
- Coordinate new investigator activities with their supervisor and provide one-on-one, in-field training on inspections and investigations.
- Provide annual report with quarterly updates to Area Supervisors and the Program Manager on training needs and status of all field staff.
- Plan and coordinate all-staff meetings to include developing agendas and moderate meetings in consultation with appropriate staff, schedule all presenters and make presentations during meetings.
- Create and/or maintain processes and procedures for investigations and inspections, including the investigator manual.
- Review and assess all investigations and inspections that did not meet timelines for completion. Compile report of assessment and reasons for not meeting program goals. Make recommendations for possible changes to Area Supervisors and Program Manager.
- Review representative sample of each investigator’s investigation and inspection reports for each type of inspection. Report findings to applicable Area Supervisor and make recommendations to bring about consistency within the Program.
- Track the types, sizes, and brands used for investigation environmental sampling supplies for field staff to assist supervisors for consistency when ordering.
- Provide in-person and remote technical assistance and training to the users of KRS.
- Conduct or direct task to develop, implement, monitor, and analyze the compliance program reporting system. Leading on all design and development of desk aids, templates, training materials and training case studies in coordination with IT staff, KRS staff and program staff.
- Ensure UAS’s mission complies with FAA regulations, the agency UAS policy.
- Provide operation authority for all UAS programs in the division.
- Provides guidance on initial training and certification programs as well as recertification.
- Maintain a pilot proficiency program for the division.
- Review and authorize mission flight plans for the programs in their division. Maintaining all required records, such as flight and maintenance logs.
- Maintain a list of RPICs for the division, including the identification number of the RPIC, and dates of certification and expiration
- Attend UAV related meetings, to represent WSDA and to obtain the latest information available.
Qualifications
Professionals with:
- Bachelor's degree including 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science.
- Six (6) years of professional experience in a natural resource, agricultural, environmental or health regulatory agency, or pest management field industry which includes two (2) years must be equivalent to Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2.
- Ten (10) years of total experience in a natural resource, agricultural, environmental or health regulatory agency, or in the fertilizer, pesticide, or pest management field industry, which includes two years equivalent to a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2.
- Two (2) years of experience leading or supervising within a natural resource, agricultural, environmental or health regulatory position, in the pest management field, or in the pesticide or fertilizer industry.
- Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License to utilize state vehicles.
Must be eligible for and able to obtain upon hire:
- WSDA Public Operator / Consultant Pesticide License with applicable endorsements.
- EPA FIFRA Inspector Credentials.
- DES WA State Investigator training CORE and ADVANCED.
- 40 hour Hazardous Materials Training (HAZ MAT) certification with annual 8 hour Refresher course.
- Medical evaluation, training, and fit testing for respirator use.
In addition to the above qualifications, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will make a candidate highly desirable:
- A Bachelor's degree including 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science
- Advanced Degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences or related field.
- Two years of experience supervising professionals within a natural resource, agricultural, environmental or health regulatory position, in the pest management field, or in the pesticide or fertilizer industry.
- Experience working for a regulatory agency and knowledge of federal, state and local laws and rules governing pesticide and fertilizer products, use, distribution and storage.
- Well-developed facilitation skills and the ability to effectively work in a diverse and sensitive political environment.
- Knowledge and implementation of LEAN principles.
- Must have demonstrated history of strong leadership and facilitation skills.
- Must be familiar with and capable of operating computers to use word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail programs and databases.
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.
- 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.
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.
