Organic Inspector
Organic Inspector
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$ 56880 - 76608
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Description
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 beforeJanuary 12 2025.The agency reserves the right to make a hire any time after the initial screening date.
AGRICULTURE A Cornerstone of Washingtons 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 1000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings please visit ourEmployment 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 highlevel 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 onsite 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 onsite 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 highlevel 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 postharvest processes to ensure accurate and consistent interpretation of organic regulations.
- Communicate in a clear accurate and concise manner with customers and coworkers.
- 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.
Qualifications
Who should apply
Professionals with:Bachelors degree involving major study in environmental physical or one of the natural sciences environmental planning or other allied field ANDtwo 2 years of professionallevel experience in commercial agriculture production or environmental related inspections/regulatory work.OR
Masters degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one 1 year of the required experience.OR
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 onsite crop trainings by the International Organic Inspectors 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.
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;click herefor more information.
- 12 paidHolidays & 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 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 tollfree ator email.
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 email will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the states online 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 ProEquity AntiRacist (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.
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 applicants 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.
Veterans Preference:Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans 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 Veterans Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligibleclick here.
Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format may callor toll free. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
Employment Type
Full-Time
