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.

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.

• 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.