FSCS Lab Management Analyst - Management Analyst 4

About the Department

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 Food Safety & Consumer Services (FSCS) Division is one of the seven divisions in the Washington State Department of Agriculture. The FSCS Division serves consumers and stakeholders in the state of Washington by assuring the availability, safety, and integrity of the state's human and animal food supply. The division is made up of approximately 100+ FTEs through five statewide programs, including: Animal Feed, FSCS Laboratory, Food Safety, Organic, and Produce Safety. We also house the Rapid Response Team that manages food and feed emergency responses.

WSDA's Food Safety and Consumer Services Laboratory (also known as the Microbiology Laboratory) provides analytical support and data to the State regulatory agencies, our Federal partners U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the agricultural community. The testing conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory Program supports WSDA's mission to protect public health, Washington's food supply, the agriculture industry, and the environment. Food and environmental samples are provided by WSDA's Food Safety and Animal Feed programs and FDA's Food Emergency Response Network (FERN).

In addition, the laboratory maintains an FDA-certified State Laboratory Evaluation Officer (LEO) who regulate outside milk laboratories in Washington for antibiotic and microbial testing. Our laboratory analyzes dairy products, ready-to-eat foods, produce, animal feed and environmental samples. When there is a food emergency (food-borne illness), WSDA's Food Safety & Consumer Services Laboratory responds and provides rapid and defensible data to support regulators and epidemiologists in their quest to resolve the emergency.

The Opportunity

The Management Analyst supports the mission of the agency by applying extensive knowledge of policies and laboratory procedures to provide professional and technical recommendations to management and to manage administrative functions. It serves as a consultant to executive and program management in the development and implementation of policies and procedures that affect the agency’s function in food safety field, implements long-range strategic plans, formulates goals and objectives, resolves customer complaints, and meets customer requirements. The position supports all laboratory functions and the laboratory quality system. This position leads complex and/or highly technical projects including analysis, evaluation, and reporting, as well as the administration and preparation of current and new project proposals. The position assists in the implementation of complex business processes involving project management, funds management, purchasing, contract administration, business analysis, or program and budget planning. This position interacts with other program managers, WSDA staff, the Assistant Director, other executive directors, and federal partners, as well as with the building owners and tenants, to maintain proper laboratory functionality. The Management Analyst regularly performs assignments that require confidentiality and discretion, leads projects with complex contract administration and processes, and is responsible for maintaining data and reporting information for constant review and management.

This position directs and reviews the budget and/or expenditures for multiple grants and projects within the FS&CS Laboratory Program, reviews the fiscal work completed by other staff members, and works directly with the WSDA fiscal office. Monitors, analyzes, and tracks budget expenditures to ensure budget spending is on track. Evaluates and provides budget reports and graphs to the Program Manager, Assistant Director, and FDA contract specialists.

This position serves as one of the administrators for the LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) database and communicates directly with the software developer to resolve issues with the software. The position leads the ongoing LIMS project group to evaluate, propose and make recommendations to enhance the LIMS system. The position is also responsible for researching, evaluating, and recommending new or alternative programs that could potentially benefit the laboratory program’s data management.

This position researches, analyzes and evaluates RCWs/WACs/policies and procedures to determine if new additions and/or changes are required in laws, rules, policies, and practices that impact the division. Furthermore, this position provides high level administrative support to the FS&CS Laboratory Program and its’ customers while conducting research and analyzing data to identify program needs.

This position is responsible for SharePoint or similar sites which include the following elements: salary, benefits, travel, program webpage information, supplies, checkbooks/uploading contracts and/or grants or other documents pertaining to the grant/cooperative award.

This position's primary duties consist of office or non-manual work directly related to the management or general business operations of the agency, directly related to assisting with the running or servicing of the business, and the position requires the exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance. Additionally, this position performs work requiring advanced knowledge and/or experience in the fields of biological sciences or related STEM disciplines, public health and safety, public administration, or regulatory compliance. The Management Analyst represents the principal assistant to one of the lead microbiologists within the program, helping coordinate laboratory technical operations as 
needed.

Important Notes

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Management Analyst 4 position within the Food Safety and Consumer Services Division. This position is located in Tumwater, Washington. 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: Range 60 Step A $71,136 - Step L $93,288 annually. 

Position Duties

What to Expect

Some of the various responsibilities within this role:

Provide senior level professional advice on complex issues to management or senior management; analyze, develop, manage, and maintain deliverables and ensure continuous improvement and sustainability of the program’s mission.

•  Analyze technical and business needs to facilitate improvement and/or changes in technical and business services.
• Coordinate and collaborate with senior staff to ensure the deliverables are developed, implemented, and maintained, including, but not limited to, comprehensive improvement, project and sustainability plans, detailed budgeting, and reporting, facilitating meetings. Conduct all work necessary which spans program internal and external training, outreach, resource tools, information sharing, inventory improvement, work-planning and partnership.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders/customers within and outside WSDA to assess, maintain, plan, create, assign, track, and report the development, implementation and maintenance of deliverables outlined in the laboratory’s program plan. Resolve customer complaints.
• Instruct staff with oversight to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and departmental laws, requirements, regulations, 
  policies, and procedures that govern the delivery of unit services.
• Research and draft proposals to program manager for changes needed/required for processes to maintain consistent implementation and reduce errors. Research and draft the program's communication materials including PowerPoint presentations for stakeholders, legislature and contractors.
  
• Participate in strategic and long-range planning with the utilization of available resources. Monitor actions plan and update the 
  management for implementation. Provide support and coordination to find solutions for the team utilizing lean principles.
• Assist in developing procedures, interprets, and help apply administrative policies to the work of the unit when needed.
• At the request of the program manager and/or Assistant Director, coordinate or lead ad hoc projects with FS&CS and agency staff. Coordinate public records disclosure requests and oversee program website contents.

Provide senior level technical advice and support to the management. Monitor program complex funding model.

•  Provide senior level administrative support to the management with program operation, system functionality, and research and compose correspondence for the supervisor(s); exercises signature authority as authorized; monitor program/federal projects expenditures. Keep the program manager apprised of problems.
• Coordinate and participate in the laboratory’s FDA Flexible Funding Model Cooperative Agreement activities as needed.
• Represent and/or communicate on program manager’s behalf at meetings and conferences as needed.
• Under delegated authority, help monitor program budgets and advice the management in expenditures, revenues and balances on General Fund-State, local, federal cooperative agreements and contracts.
• Participate with the management in preparing allotments and adjust spending throughout fiscal periods to maintain a balanced budget. Generate regular and special request fiscal reports for the program manager and/or federal program staff.
• Continually access the OFM site to generate enterprise fiscal reports to verify expenditures and ensure they are accurately identified, and work with the fiscal department to make corrections; review and enter enterprise data into the FS&CS Laboratory budget worksheets; alert program manager for potential concerns.
• Participate in quarterly review meeting of existing, general fund state, local fund, federal grants or contracts. When contracts end, prepare yearly closing documents and reports as required.
• Assist in monthly or annual reports that target lean initiatives in Washington, and/or other program progress.
  

Serve as a principal assistant to one of the lead microbiologists within the program.

• Perform or assist in routine surveillance to analyze dairy product quality for regulatory purpose.
• Evaluate and assist in laboratory technical methodologies, SOPs, work instructions and protocols.
• Serve as one of the laboratory safety coordinators and/or facilities coordinators to provide a functional and safe working environment, train staff in safety procedures, participate in safety meetings, coordinate the repair or improvement of the lab’s business with the manager and Assistant Director.
  

Administrative Operations

• Exercise signature/spending authority for program-wide purchasing etc. Coordinate purchasing and renewal of equipment and service 
  contracts with the management, vendors and technical staff and process equipment repairs.
  
• Serve as one of the timekeepers within the division and provide PISCES (a divisional computerized employee time & attendance 
  system) support.
• Perform general administrative functions for the program, for example, handling calls, mails/packages, organizing meetings and preparing meeting minutes, etc. Arrange travel and prepare travel paperwork for all program staff members (flight, registration, rental cars, etc.) when needed.
• Submit employee appointment letters, payroll advisement, and benefits forms as necessary. Maintain program files, develop archives schedules, and oversee program archiving. Compose correspondence for the supervisor and exercise signature authority on administrative correspondence.

Serve as one of the administrators for the LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).

• Work with the database developer to resolve issues with the software.
• Work with laboratory personnel to propose enhancements to the database system.
• Monitor the system to ensure all areas are working correctly.
• Manage users, user profiles and coordinate with other WSDA regulatory programs regarding their utilization of the system.
• Continually research, evaluate, and identify data management advances and programs for future implementation.
• Identify, pull, and compile data that is utilized in the unit, reports to the Agency Assistant Director, executive management, WSDA staff and federal partners. Coordinate with the agency's IT support.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• Bachelor's degree involving major study in the fields of biological sciences or related STEM disciplines, public health and safety, public administration, regulatory compliance, or similar field

• Four (4) years of experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, technical procedure, or regulations

• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with state/federal cooperative agreement budgetary processes, auditing, and reporting. Experience working in a regulatory laboratory or similar technical program; Experience in providing senior level technical analyses to management, staff and customers regarding complex issues that impact programs and policies.
• Experience in laboratory information management systems or similar databases.
• Experience in ISO accreditation or a similar quality assurance system. 
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Support individuals and teams;
  • Establish relationships on trust and mutual respect, collaborative and cooperative team problem solving;
  • Solicit input from others, trust and support the decisions of others;
  • Promote cooperative communication and facilitate relationship building among diverse groups;
  • Assess needs and evaluate alternatives, following through with commitments, exhibiting logical and organized thinking to assess needs and evaluating alternatives, following through with commitments, exhibiting logical and organized thinking;
  • Adapt and be flexible, responsive to change and ability to think creatively. 
• Experience in monitoring state general fund, local fund, and federal grant.
• Experience in managing and supporting facilities and advanced laboratory instrumentation.
• Possess excellent writing, speaking and facilitation skills.

Other Qualifications

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. 

· A resume detailing experience and education

· A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position

· Three professional references 

Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete. 

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.  

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.

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.

Work Authorization

• Candidates who are offered a job with WSDA must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future;
• WSDA complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
• WSDA does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
• Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

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.

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.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at [email protected].  

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email [email protected].

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

Benefits

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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov