Organic Inspector

This recruitment is open until filled. 

The first review of applications is scheduled for the week of January 13, 2025. In order to be considered, please submit your application on or before January 12, 2025. The agency reserves the right to make a hire any time after the initial screening date.

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:

WSDA Organic Program provides access to the organic market and ensures the integrity of the organic label through certification of producers and handlers, registration of inputs for use in organic production, and technical assistance on the USDA organic regulations.

The Organic Inspector conducts inspections, field investigations, audits, and ensures corrective action as necessary when responding to complaints and violations relating to organic regulations. With a high-level of expertise in organic certification requirements and knowledge of agriculture and food manufacturing practices the Organic Inspector provides policy interpretation and technical assistance when responding to complex inquiries or requests. Travel is required and expected in order to perform on-site inspections and investigations in the field, warehouse, or manufacturing facility. The position represents the agency in public meetings, conferences, and works directly with stakeholders, government partners, and the public to promote organic compliance. This position specializes in Organic Handling and Processing.

This position is based at a home office duty location and the ideal incumbent would reside within one of these counties: Adams, Benton, Franklin, Grant, or Yakima, WA.
Travel is required and expected in order to perform on-site inspections and investigations in the field, warehouse, or manufacturing facility.

What to Expect

Some of the various responsibilities within this role include: 

• Use scientific knowledge and the application and interpretation of regulatory standards and policies, performs complex evaluations of organic systems through onsite observations, records review, and sample collection.
• Analyze data and makes independent determination on whether or not a violation has occurred. Identifies violations as well as continuous improvement areas during onsite evaluations.
• Make independent decisions and solves problems which emerge in the investigation process.
• Write clear and concise reports that outline issues, requirements, and action needed to correct any potential or identified compliance violations. 
• Work independently and collaborates with the team to respond to requests in a timely manner. 
• Take initiative to find solutions and opportunities to improve services and inspection processes.
• Provide customers with high-level of technical assistance to help them understand and achieve compliance with rules, regulations, and laws. Interpret standards in clear and understandable manner.
• Research and investigates agricultural production or handling issues which may include input material use, production practices, harvest, and post-harvest processes to ensure accurate and consistent interpretation of organic regulations.
• Communicate in a clear, accurate, and concise manner with customers and co-workers. 
• Prepare technical reports on organic producer certification as requested by agency staff or industry members.
• Collaborate with colleagues from other USDA accredited certification agencies to ensure consistent application of organic certification requirements.
• Lead, develop and/or implement project plans and conduct research for technical projects; work both independently and in a small team environment as it relates to the specialty area.
• Assist leadership team by making recommendations regarding application forms and guidance documents, inspection reports, and certification policies and procedures specific to the specialty area.

Who should apply? 
Professionals with:



Master's degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one (1)  year of the required experience.


Ph.D. in one of the above fields.

OR

One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2.

AND

Successful completion of, or the ability to qualify for and attend, on-site crop trainings by the International Organic Inspector’s Association (IOIA) within one year. Training expenses paid by WSDA, location and training dates vary.

*Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education*

In addition to the above qualifications, the following desired knowledge, skills, and abilities would make your application more competitive:  

• Ability to read, write, and speak in Spanish.
• One (1) year of experience and proficiency using Microsoft Office Applications. 

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; 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 

 

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.

Salary : $56,880 - $76,608