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 now searching for a full-time Brand Inspector 1. This permanent position will work out of a home office based in or near Toppenish, Granger, Kittitas or Klickitat, WA. You will be working on-site at Washington Beef in Toppenish from Monday through Friday, with additional inspections at other facilities and field sites as required. Flexibility with your schedule is ideal since you will need to be available on short notice and may be required to perform inspections in the evening or on weekends.
 
Our ideal applicant will have experience in brand inspection or raising, transporting, selling or slaughtering livestock. You must be self-motivated and have the ability to work with little supervision due to the geographic distance from team members.
 

 
Duties:

• Conducts ownership inspections of livestock when offered for sale or prior to movement out of state. This includes visual inspection to verify ownership and compliance with the livestock identification statues and rules.
• Creates records of all inspections and work related activities on a daily basis.
• Collects livestock inspection fees from customers and remits to the WSDA headquarters in Olympia.
• Uses mobile technology (Apple iPad) to issue brand inspection certificates to purchasers of livestock and inspects livestock for proof of positive ownership and brand identification.
• Impounds livestock or proceeds of the sale of livestock if the consignor does not provide sufficient proof of ownership at the time of sale.
• Occasionally assists the compliance program with livestock theft cases and to detect illegal movement or possession of livestock.
• Observes animals and reports suspected diseased animals to Animal Services Division and checks market facilities for sanitation conditions.
• Engages with the public in explaining livestock inspection statues and rules, WSDA policies and procedures regarding the Livestock Inspection Program.
• Travels to livestock markets, slaughter plants, feed lots, and other locations that are spread across a large geographical area. Must be able to drive between multiple counties including Benton, Yakima, Franklin and Grant.
• Responds on short notice (within 24 hours) to inspection assignments, and may be required to work on holidays and/or weekends.

 
What we are looking for (Required Qualifications):

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid WA state driver’s license.
• Ability to work outdoors under all weather conditions and in close proximity to sometimes dangerous livestock.
• Must be able to walk, climb, lift up to 25lbs, bend, twist, stoop, and be agile enough to evade large livestock if necessary.
• Must have flexibility to work on short notice and/or for an extended period of time, including early mornings and late nights.

In addition to the above, the following preferred qualifications will make an applicant highly desirable:

• Three years of full time experience in raising, transporting, selling or slaughtering livestock or in brand inspection.
• Have working knowledge of mobile electronic devices (iPad/iPhone) and ability to use Microsoft Office Suite
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)

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:

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

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:
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. This means employees are required to pay regular union dues or non-association fees within 30 calendar days of your start date.
 
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.
 
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