Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2 - King/Snohomish County

Description This recruitment is open until filled. The first review of applications is scheduled for the week of May 16 , 2025. In order to be considered, please submit your application on or before May 16, 2025. The agency reserves the right to make a hire any time after the initial screening date. 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 approximately 780 employees 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. We are hiring for a full-time permanent Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2 to join our team in King or Snohomish County! The Food Safety Program is responsible for regulation, licensing, and inspection of food processing facilities, food storage warehouses, dairy farms and processing plants, cottage food operations, custom meat facilities, eggs, and cannabis-infused edibles. The program also works closely with the dairy industry to maintain the ability to ship milk and milk products out-of-state, as well as with FDA and the Department of Health in conducting investigations of facilities and collecting samples for testing. Food safety also issues export certificates. The Food Safety Program is a part of the Food Safety & Consumer Services Division. The Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2 position performs inspections, investigations, and sample collection to protect public health from unsafe or adulterated food by evaluating compliance with state laws and federal regulations. This position conducts in-depth food safety inspections in facilities that process or hold food products including but not limited to; food processors and food storage warehouses; dairy farms; dairy plants; custom meat facilities, custom slaughter plants and trucks; cannabis-infused edibles facilities; egg handling facilities; poultry processors and other food handlers. This position conducts specialized inspections for one or more of the following food types along with the specific federal and state regulations that oversee their production; Seafood HACCP, Juice HACCP, Preventive Controls, acidified products or LACF foods. The Food Safety Compliance Specialist may, at times be asked to participate in drafting sections of legal documents including compliance agreements or Notices of Intent to assess penalties or revocation of licenses. This position issues embargoes and diversions as needed to protect public health. Food Safety Compliance Specialist compiles evidence, photo documentation, written reports, and provides expert witness testimony in support of legal actions. This Food Safety Compliance Specialist position is approved for a home duty station in King or Snohomish County, WA but needs to be willing and able to travel statewide for inspections. Some workdays may be outside a typical 8-hour schedule and occasional weekend work may be necessary. The Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2 position is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association. Duties Some Of What You'll Do Evaluate firm's control of public health risks by performing independent inspections of conditions in facilities that hold, pack, transfer or produce food. Inspections are based on the appropriate state and/or federal regulation and program policy. Conduct federally mandated Grade 'A' Dairy testing of pasteurization equipment and evaluation of bulk milk haulers and samplers by written and practical examination. Discern between critical and minor violations and provides technical assistance to industry whenever possible. Provide clear and concise oral and written reports of inspection and investigation findings. Assist the program in development and review of compliance cases as needed. Provide technical assistance and education to industry and the public regarding food safety regulation, compliance, and enforcement. Prepare written reports that serve as the foundation for initiation of enforcement actions including on-the-spot product diversions (voluntary option to avoid embargo), embargo or stop sale actions. Provide documentation including but not limited to; photographs, product labels, or processing records. Provide technical assistance and education to industry and the public regarding food safety regulation, compliance, and enforcement. Provide applicants with technical assistance to achieve licensing status including the review of construction and remodel plans for compliance. Participate in developing technical brochures and factsheets to provide assistance and education to stakeholders, peers, and other regulatory officials. Collect dairy product and water samples at mandated intervals to comply with federal regulation. Conduct follow-up investigations in response to laboratory results. Coordinate and work with other state, local and federal agencies in actions, inspections, investigations, and training dealing with issues of food safety. Investigate and sample when inspection observations indicate a potential for public health risk. Sampling activities may include focused aseptic environmental and product sampling to determine the extent or source of a particular issue of public health concern. Investigate consumer complaints per state policy and initiates appropriate action. Act as field support for recall effectiveness checks and other public health related events. Processes often involve compliance processes such as embargo or stop sale actions to remove food from distribution. Qualifications Who should apply? Professionals With Required Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree involving major study in microbiology, food science, food technology, biochemistry, dairy science, business or a natural science in a closely allied field. Note - Additional qualifying experience will substitute year for year, for education. AND Possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Must be able to provide their own functional home internet connection and sufficient workspace as this position is an assigned home office workstation. Must have the ability to qualify for and obtain FDA Commissioning as required. FDA Commission qualifications (subject to change, discretion, and further inquiry by FDA): Meets qualifications for FSCS position duties. Citizen of US. No felonies/misdemeanors (excluding minor traffic offenses) or pending trials/investigations for such. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov. Don’t hesitate to apply! Supplemental Information 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, Employee Recognition Leave; 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. Public employees in Washington State can take comfort in the security of their retirement funds. Our state pension system, administered through the Department of Retirement Systems, is 96% funded. This places us among the Top 5 pension systems in the nation! 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. One page of a writing sample on any topic. 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. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read About Our Benefits The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement And Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information . Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 12-31-2022 01 To be considered for this position you must attach a resume, cover letter, and one page of a writing sample on any topic. Have you attached or included these documents to your application? Yes No 02 Do you possess a bachelor's degree involving major study in business, microbiology, food science, food technology, biochemistry, dairy science, or a natural science in a closely allied field? Yes No, but I have qualifying experience to substitute year for year for education. No 03 Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license prior to the first day of employment? Yes No 04 Do you have the ability to qualify for and obtain FDA Commissioning as required? FDA Commission qualifications (subject to change, discretion, and further inquiry by FDA) are: Meets qualifications for FSCS position duties, US citizen, and no felonies/misdemeanors (excluding minor traffic offenses) or pending trials/investigations for such. Yes No 05 Are you able to provide their own functional home internet connection and sufficient workspace as this position is an assigned home office workstation? Yes No Required Question