Organic Certification Specialist – Handling Reviewer

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.

WSDA Organic Program provides USDA organic certification to farms, processing facilities, and other businesses that wish to handle organic products.  Since 1988, our dedicated team of specialists have provided technical assistance on organic regulations and ensured the integrity of the organic label through rigorous onsite inspections and technical reviews. In addition to overseeing organic claims in Washington, the program supports the state’s thriving organic industry by evaluating and registering input materials that are approved for use in organic production. 

The Organic Certification Specialist – Handling Reviewer independently uses their scientific knowledge along with the application, interpretation of regulatory standards and policies to perform complex evaluations of organic systems. This position will use their technical writing skills to communicate compliance issues, complete noncompliance and adverse action notices, and issue final certification summaries and decisions. The Organic Certification Specialist will participate with other Organic Program staff to negotiate agreements and settlements. This role will also interpret and explain organic regulations and requirements verbally and in writing, working directly with stakeholders, government partners, and the public to promote organic compliance. This position specializes in organic handling and processing.

 

Position and Salary Information

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Organic Certification Specialist - Handling Reviewer positions within the Organic Program in the Food Safety & Consumer Services Division. While this position is assigned to a home duty station it is required to be located in Washington State. This is a non-represented position.

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: $55,224 Step A - $72,552 Step L annually. 

In addition to the salary listed above, incumbents assigned to a home duty station in King County receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend. 

Some of what you’ll be doing: 

• Using scientific knowledge and the application and interpretation of regulatory standards and policies, performs complex evaluations of organic handling or processing systems through the review of applications, organic system plans, inspection reports and related documentation.
• Analyze data and makes independent determination on whether a violation has occurred. Grant initial and continuing certification, identifies continuous improvement areas, or instigate enforcement action as appropriate.
• Make independent decisions and solve problems which emerge in the organic certification review process.
• Write clear and concise certification reviews that outline issues, requirements, and action needed to correct any potential or identified compliance violations.
• Provide customers with high level of technical assistance to help them understand and achieve compliance with rules, regulation, and law. Interpreting standards in clear and understandable manner.
• Write and speak clearly, concisely, and accurately with customers and co-workers. Communicating in a manner that maintains the dignity and upholds the value of others.
• Research and investigate agricultural production or handling activities to ensure accurate and consistent interpretation of organic regulations.
• Contribute subject matter expertise to program development projects. Drafts program policy and client factsheets on organic certification requirements and program implementation of these requirements.
• Take lead in the development of policies and procedures related or organic handling and processing.
• Assist leadership team by making recommendations regarding application forms and guidance documents, inspection reports, and certification policies and procedures specific to the specialty area.
• Lead, develop and/or implement project plans and conduct research for technical projects; works both independently and in a small team environment as it relates to organic handling and processing.
• Collaborate with colleagues from other State Programs and Agencies, as well as USDA accredited certification agencies to ensure consistent application of organic certification requirements for the specialty area.

Who should apply? 
Professionals with:

• A Bachelor's degree involving major study in agriculture, food science, horticulture, or other allied natural science or environmental field AND two years of professional-level experience in commercial agriculture production, handling, or processing or environmental related inspections/regulatory work.

• A Master's degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one year of the required experience.

• A Ph.D. in one of the above fields.

• One year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2.

• Successful completion of, or the ability to qualify for and attend, on-site crop trainings by the International Organic Inspector’s Association (IOIA) within one year. Training expenses paid by WSDA, location and training dates vary. 
• Ability to provide adequate home internet connection during normal business hours.

In addition to the above qualifications, the following desired knowledge, skills, and abilities would make your application more competitive:  

• Ability to read, write, and speak in Spanish.
•  Working knowledge and ability to show proficient use of Microsoft (MS) Office products.

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.

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, status as a protected veteran, genetics, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

 

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency's greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.

 
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.