The Washington State Department of Agriculture services the people of Washington by supporting the agricultural community and promoting consumer and environmental protection.


The salary listed reflects a 5% increase for dual language responsibilities. This position requires the incumbent to be fluent in both English and Spanish.


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. While we do have offices statewide, this full-time, permanent position is located in Central Washington.
 
As the Education & Outreach Supervisor you will be supervising a team of 4 who conduct a variety of trainings in Spanish and English to individuals at all levels of farm, plant nursery, and greenhouse operations. In addition to supervising a team, this position is relied upon to deliver trainings and presentations as well as build partnerships with industry members, environmental community groups, and other agencies. This position belongs to the Technical Service and Education Program, part of the Pesticide Management Division and reports directly to the Program Manager.
 
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.
 
 
Some of what you will be doing:
This position is considered the subject matter expert on pesticide education curriculum development and delivery in both English and Spanish languages, as well as how pesticide regulations are best applied in different farm scenarios on Washington State. This position requires frequent travel within the state and overnighting.

• Oversee activities of the Education and Outreach Program and supervises a team of 4+ staff that operate within the program.
• Coordinate and ensure delivery of in person training events with internal and external stakeholders including community sponsors and staff.
• Makes recommendations to the Program Manager regarding changes to the educational program as well as explores the possibilities of online trainings to efficiently and effectively meet the educational needs of the agricultural industry.
• Coach and train all staff to ensure effective training of farmworkers, growers and others and maintain consistent communication with sponsors and others we work with.
• Update training curriculums yearly for applicability and effectiveness.
• Meet with compliance supervisors, the Department of Labor & Industries, and Department of Health to learn about current inspection and investigation findings to ensure that our training encompasses new or recurring inspection findings.
• Manage personnel functions for direct reports including time leave and attendance management, employee evaluations, and expectations and training plans. You will also be assisting in the hiring, coaching, counseling and corrective actions for direct reports.
• Coordinate with the Waste Pesticide Disposal Unit supervisor to allow for staff to participate in waste pesticide collection events.
• Support other division and agency programs with bilingual (Spanish/English) interpretations/translations.

 
What we are looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or closely related field.
• A minimum of four years’ experience in developing and delivering training curriculums in an interactive manner.
• Technical expertise in agriculture.
• Demonstrated history of outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills in both Spanish and English languages.
• Refined public speaking skills including the ability to effectively deliver presentations to varied audiences in a wide variety of settings including formal, classroom and field settings.
• Knowledge of and professional experience with personnel management, program management, and relationship building.
• Ability to successfully work in a diverse and politically sensitive environment.
• Must acquire and maintain a valid WA driver’s license to travel on agency business.

 
In addition to the above required qualifications, the following will make a candidate highly desirable.

• Master’s Degree in Agriculture or related field including coursework or continuing professional education in horticulture or viticulture, adult education and/or management.
• Experience with grant writing and personnel management.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state and local laws and rules governing pesticide use and farmworker protection.

 
How do I apply?
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position

• A current resume detailing experience and education

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.
 
To take advantage of Veteran’s preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.
 
Applications with comments such as “see attachments” or “N/A” in the supplemental question responses will be considered incomplete.
 
General suggestions for creating a good application packet:

• Read the job posting very carefully. Find out as much as you can about the position.
• Make sure you are very diligent in following all the application instructions.  Include all requested documentation.
• Make sure your application and supplemental question responses address how you meet each of the required and desired qualifications.
• Carefully read each of the supplemental questions and respond completely to each one.  Pay careful attention to each component of the question, providing examples, and thoroughly describing when and where you achieved the proficiency level, and detail the types of work you performed, the work products, etc., to demonstrate ‘how’.
• Specifically include all of your work experiences doing the same or similar work, especially if you reference work in these jobs in describing when/where you gained proficiency level skills.
• Make sure your application reflects your best writing.

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.
 
 
Supplemental Information:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal 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.
 
Overnight travel may be required several times per year.
 
The Human Resource Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
 
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