Job Description

Description

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AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's 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 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture's (WSDA)

Commodity Inspection Fruit & Vegetable Program

supports the domestic and international exports of agricultural products from the state by inspection and certifying shipments for quality, condition, and pest fee status.

The Northern Regional Manager is responsible for oversite of all functions within the region (Wenatchee, Chelan, Brewster, Quincy) This position is responsible for administering, directing and mentoring to the Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program for commodities being graded, packed, stored, and shipped to the domestic and foreign markets for one of the largest agricultural industries in the State of Washington. The primary purpose of this position is to achieve the goal and objectives of the Program by providing, obtaining and coordinating activities. The Program provides accurate, unbiased inspection that describes quality, condition, and phytosanitary factors, which facilitates the marketing of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables for the industry and the consuming public. Timely service delivery to the industry is essential for movement to the domestic and export markets for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Position and Salary Information

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Northern Regional Manager position within the Commodity Inspection Division. This position is located in East Wenatchee, Washington and is not represented.


The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary range for this position is:

$56,472 - $103,632

annually

.

Duties

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Some of the various responsibilities within this role:



Interpret RCWs and WACs associated with the inspection of fresh fruits and vegetables. Interpret the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington and Washington Federation of State Employees. Resolve issues and problems between staff and industry. Interpret federal and state grade standards associated with inspection requirements. Interpret phytosanitary work plan requirements associated with exporting countries requirements. Communicate with staff, upper management, industry personnel and industry associations. Interpret and direct the USDA Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) / Good Handling Practices (GHP), Produce GAP Harmonized and the Harmonized GAP+ audit verification programs. Implement the Branch Internal Quality Manual System (BIQMS) and direct and coordinate mock reviews by WSDA, and formal reviews provided by USDA. Understand and implement the WSDA USDA Cooperative Agreement that guides the F&V Program. Serve as an active participant on the Standardization Committee, establishing consistent inspection protocol based on laws, rules, memoranda, and policy. Provided statistical data to higher level management regarding monthly inspection activity, overtime usage, training updates, seasonal crop issues and estimates, staffing levels (current and projected), audit actions, and other relevant information.

Qualifications

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Who should apply?

Professionals with:



Associates of Arts degree in Agriculture or related field or equivalent experience. Six (6) years commodity inspection or fruit and vegetable packing or export business. Must have technical expertise in agriculture and knowledge of commodity inspections and fruit and vegetable packing and transportation practices. Must be skilled communicator with demonstrated leadership skills, knowledge of personnel management principles, program management, understanding of financial business practices, facilitation skills, and the ability to work in a diverse environment under high pressure. Must be familiar with and capable of operating computers to use work processing, spreadsheets, database, and email programs.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in agriculture or related field, or equivalent experience. Working knowledge of international phytosanitary and quality standards, post-harvest technologies, food processing and fresh fruit and vegetables packing technologies, food distribution systems. Working knowledge of state regulations and an understanding of federal and state inspection standards.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Must have a valid Washington driver's license. Must have USDA AMS license to inspect fruits and vegetables grown and/or packed in the state of Washington. Must have USDA APHIS license to inspect and issue phytosanitary certificates to foreign destinations. Must have basic understanding of the audit verification program or licensed to be an auditor. Must be able to effectively communicate with industry, have the ability to perform on-site training or speak at meetings for industry groups or interested parties.

Supplemental Information

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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 here for more information. 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals. All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency. Commute Trip Reduction Program.

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

How to apply:

You must complete your careers.wa.gov 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 toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

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.

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 Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (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 Recruitment@agr.wa.gov. 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 applicant's 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.

Veteran's Preference:

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's 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 Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.


Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.