Organic Certification Specialist/Reviewer (Environmental Specialist 3) – Candidate Pool

Salary
$3,522.00 – $4,623.00 Monthly
Location
Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Permanent
Department
Dept. of Agriculture
Job Number
2017-07401
Closing
Continuous
Description
An image without description
The Washington State Department of Agriculture services the people of Washington by supporting the agricultural community and promoting consumer and environmental protection.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has been serving the state’s agriculture community and the public for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, WSDA supports the viability and vitality of agriculture while protecting consumers, public health and the environment. We employ anywhere from 750-1,200 employees in fields like brand inspection, food safety, international marketing, environmental science, and information technology.

We are always searching for the brightest and best to join our team and are committed to fostering employee growth and development. We want to give you the chance to grow at Agriculture! In addition to the amazing career potential, we also offer a generous benefit package which includes 11 paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, retirement and insurance, health, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, training classes, and much more.

This announcement will be used to establish an applicant pool for Organic Certification Specialist or Reviewer (Environmental Specialist 3). As an Organic Certification Specialist or Reviewer you will be interpreting policy, providing technical assistance, and responding to complex inquiries or requests for assistance with a high degree of technical scientific background and understanding in agriculture production and/or handling.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov

Essential functions, skills, and abilities required for this position:

  • Reliable attendance with the ability to report to work according to schedule.
  • Must be able to work over 40 hours a week during busy seasonal periods.
  • Must be able to travel throughout the state for trainings and meetings, occasionally requiring you to be away from home for an extended period of time.
  • Must be able to use a computer, telephone, cell phone and other office equipment.
  • Possess the skill necessary to deal tactfully with all types of personalities to address client compliance. Must be able to work cooperatively and respectfully with co-workers to build a results oriented team.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills including the ability to present complex material to various audiences.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting rapidly changing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills, creative problem-solving and negotiation skills and a proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
  • Ability to translate technical terms into laymen’s terms and present information to the stakeholders, customers, and the public if needed.
  • Ability to conduct analysis and research as well as prepare sound technical reports as requested.

Some of what you will be doing:

  • Performs complex evaluations of applications, organic system plans, inspection reports and related documentation for compliance with organic requirements.
  • Evaluates data and determines whether or not a violation has occurred by making technical recommendation on certification or enforcement action.
  • Issues organic certificates, identifies continuous improvement areas, or drafts compliance notices upon completion of thorough review of information presented.
  • Takes lead in the development of policies and procedures around the specialty area.
  • Assist leadership team by making recommendations regarding crop application forms and guidance documents, inspection reports and certification policies and procedures.
  • Prepare technical reports and conducts research for technical projects.
  • Provides customers with high level of technical assistance to help them understand and achieve compliance with rules, regulations and law.
  • Contributes subject matter expertise to program development projects.
  • Takes lead in the development of policies and procedures around the specialty area.
  • Attends and participates in regional or statewide staff meetings and industry and stakeholder events.
  • Participates in initial and ongoing organic reviewer training. Providing specialty expertise, mentorship and presentations as requested by senior staff.

Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:

  • *Bachelor’s Degree involving major study in agriculture or other allied field.
-AND-
  • Two years of professional level experience in crop production or organic certification.
  • Expertise in farming and food distribution common to Washington State and other locations served by program.
  • Proven record of excellent communication skills – verbally and in writing.

*Qualifying experience will substitute, year for year for education.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience providing technical assistance to the agricultural community.
  • Experience working in a regulatory environment.
  • Knowledge/coursework in soil management, organic and conventional pest controls, post-harvest technology, food science and/or processing technology, labeling regulations, and/or food distribution systems.
  • International Organic Inspector Association (IOIA) training in Crops, Handling and/or Livestock.

Supplemental Information:
This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

HOW TO APPLY:

  • Complete the online application in detail.
  • Attach a cover letter, outlining how your education and experience has prepared you for this opportunity
  • Attach a chronological resume

To take advantage of Veteran’s preference, please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please blackout your social security number and date of birth before attaching.

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.

If you are unable to apply on-line, please contact Lyndsey Beaupre, Recruiter, at (360) 902-2020 or jobs@agr.wa.gov. Please include your last name and the position title in the subject line of your email.

The State of Washington actively supports diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who need assistance in the application process or who need this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2020 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 800-833-6388.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:

HOLIDAY
DATE
New Year’s Day
January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day
Third Monday in February
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day
December 25
Personal Holiday
Employee’s selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

 
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
01
Are you a current WSDA employee?

  • Yes
  • No
02
Please select an answer below that indicates your area of interest or expertise:

  • Crop Production
  • Processing or handling of agricultural products
  • Livestock Production
03
Do you have experience in Organic Certification?

  • Yes
  • No
04
If you answered “yes” to question #3, please describe your expertise and how it relates to the responsibilities of the position you are applying for. Be specific. If you answered no, please write N/A
05
Do you have experience communicating and interacting with the public and the regulated community?

  • Yes
  • No
06
If you answered “yes” to question #5, please describe your role and give specific examples of the method and type of communication you used. If you answered no, please write N/A.
07
Do you have International Organic Inspector Association (IOIA) Certification?

  • Yes
  • No
08
If you answered yes to question #7, please provide dates of training and submit copies of certificates. If you answered no, write N/A.
09
This announcement will be used to establish an applicant pool for permanent and non-permanent appointments. Your application will remain active for 180 days. If you would like to be removed from consideration, please email jobs@agr.wa.gov. Please verify you have read and agree with the contents of the announcement by selecting yes or no.

  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504.

Phone
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