Job Details
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 Opportunity:
The WSDA Food Assistance Program (FA) is currently seeking an experienced Food Assistance Specialist to serve as an emergency response programming and community liaison expert, with statewide community impact. This position is a direct liaison for Lead Agencies in a set regional area for all programs and Agreements administered by Food Assistance which includes providing high-level training, compliance, monitoring, review, negotiations, outreach and technical assistance. The FA Specialist will review, research and report on complex issues that require alignment with stakeholders, throughout the state, state and federal agencies, and the agricultural community. In addition, this position will be a lead for workgroups related to the FA Advisory Committee, federal USDA or state workgroups, and national associations related to food access and federal programming.
This position is approved for a home duty station within Washington State. Incumbents who are assigned a home duty station in King County will receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend. This is not a union represented position.Some of what you will do:
* Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with Lead Agencies, Sub Agencies, and stakeholders including community action agencies, food banks, food pantries, meal programs, and tribes.
* Ensure Lead and Sub Agencies have and operate with a clear understanding of program regulations and policy, including mediating program issues between Lead and Sub Agencies.
* Conduct risk assessments, compliance reviews, corrective action, and desk audits.
* Plan, develop, coordinate, and manage deployment of programing changes or additions within your respective area.
* Develop, negotiate, and monitor technical aspects of complex agreements with state agencies, community organizations, and public entities.
* Provide specialized technical assistance to tribal organizations.
* Respond to inquiries from interested parties, the legislature, media, and Governors' office about the program and current trends.
* Act as the community liaison for initiatives that impact the emergency food network within the state.
* Establish regional priorities by conducting and participating in workshops with stakeholders, may include development of specialty Agreements/Grants and process improvements.
* Evaluate and review policies and procedures, forms, applications, Agreements, and templates work with Lead Agencies to gain input development of new programs and initiatives, including alignment with existing policies and procedures.
* At the request of the Program Manager and/or Assistant Director, oversee issues or projects as instructed, including engaging in national workgroups focusing on access.
Requirements -
* Bachelor's degree
* Three years of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development or comparable experience in a closely related field.
* Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.
A graduate degree or advanced degree will substitute for one year of required experience.
Professional level experience in WSDA Food Assistance or closely aligned experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year for year basis.
Preferred -
* Experience in agriculture or a regulated field/industry, including food systems and food security.
* Working knowledge of nonprofit sector, tribes and tribal organizations, report monitoring, compliance, mediation, or communications.
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.
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) ###-#### or email ...@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 ...@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) ###-####. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.