SW Region Supervisor - Internal

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 Opportunity:

The Food Safety & Consumer Services (FSCS) Division is one of six 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.

If you process, manufacture, store or handle any food or dairy products for wholesale distribution, or if you custom slaughter or custom cut meat, you need to contact the Washington State Department of Agriculture Food Safety Program for licensing and/or inspection information.

The Food Safety Program performs a variety of public health investigations in cooperation with county, state health and federal food agencies to protect the public health. Our dual mission is to protect and reduce the risk to public health by assuring the safety of the State's food supply while facilitating the movement of Washington agricultural products in domestic and international markets. We do this by: 

• Inspecting and analyzing food products and food processing and handling; inspecting food storage establishments and practices.
• Inspecting dairy farms and plants. 
• Inspecting eggs for quality and weight standards, set and enforce sanitary standards for egg graders. 
• Inspecting custom farm slaughterers, custom meat facilities. 
• Licensing dairy technicians. 
• Issuing Export Certificates of Sanitation and Free Sale for food products manufactured in Washington State.
• Issuing licensing for Direct Sellers.
• Issuing voluntary Hemp Extract Facility Certification.

Food businesses operating in the State of Washington that process and/or warehouse manufactured food products for distribution in commerce and resale by other food businesses must follow safe food handling and/or processing practices to protect the public from illness or injury caused by food consumed. Washington State laws, Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations adopted by WSDA, and WSDA regulations detail the specific food safety requirements. The vast majority of manufactured food firms licensed by WSDA successfully implement the required practices and maintain substantial compliance for operating in Washington State.

This position administers one of three food safety regions and independently directs, plans, develops, organizes and evaluates effectiveness of the Food Safety Program. This position is responsible for assigned statewide duties as assigned by the Program Manager including, but not limited to acting as a program subject matter expert for the implementation of the Federal Food Safety Modernization Act. This position supervises a team of technical professionals that contribute to the overall mission of the program.

The Region Supervisor supports the Food Safety Program by developing, updating, and refining program and division compliance systems. The role ensures that all methods, practices, equipment, records, and controls strictly align with the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards (MFRPS) and standard operating procedures. Additionally, the position supports projects, assists with food safety incident responses, and serves as an official spokesperson to disseminate critical information.

This position oversees Food Safety staff to ensure compliance with all performance objectives, food safety laws, and regulations. By safeguarding public health, this position directly supports the economic success of Washington State producers, exporters, and agricultural programs. 

This position protects public health by issuing regulatory embargoes and product diversions as required. This position compiles evidence, photo documentation, investigative reports, and delivers expert witness testimony in support of legal proceedings.

Important Notes

WSDA is recruiting for an internal full-time permanent Food Safety Compliance Specialist 5 position within the Food Safety & Consumer Services (FSCS) Division. This position is approved for a home duty station in Spokane County, WA. 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 62 $74,748 Step A $74,748 - Step L $98,064 annually.

Position Duties

Some of the various responsibilities within this role: 

Supervise and oversee Food Safety Program Inspection Staff 

• Direct, plan, organize, and coordinate a regional food safety inspection team in areas such as Grade A dairy, egg, manufactured food, food storage warehouse, cottage food, custom meat, custom slaughter, seafood, juice, and cannabis-infused edibles.
• Analyze staffing needs and assign work accordingly.
• Develop weekly, monthly, and yearly work schedules.
• Plan routine regional staff meetings and assist with program meetings.
• Provide a continuous review of personnel activity in relation to program goals and objectives and provide timely feedback to staff.
• Provide conceptual guidance and direction to group members, allocate workloads, and establish completion dates.
• Develop program policy and quality assurance monitoring for inspectional and regulatory consistency.
• Ensure compliance with the operational policies and standards.
• Provide support to the Compliance Case Manager in the administration of compliance and enforcement duties. Attend administrative hearings and testifies as needed.
• Conduct field evaluations of staff competency to ensure inspection standards or new and existing field staff.
• Determine and evaluate the merits of emerging products and processes. Assist in the development and implementation of technical information, distribution, and training activities. Facilitate training activities through in- person and remote classroom training, on-the-job training with program staff, and other applicable methods. Provide presentations to industry and regulatory personnel. Work with the training coordinator to ensure that all training requirements are met for inspection staff. Utilize state vehicle to travel statewide to perform tasks.
• Attend Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards (MFRPS) planning meetings when requested by program management. Provide input on current projects.
• Conduct and provide technical reviews of FSMA preventative control plans for construction and process requirements.
• Prepare and deliver annual evaluations and expectations for assigned regional staff.
• Manage staff to ensure all training and program/agency requirements are met.

Quality Control and Enforcement

• Provide consultation, recommendations and evaluation to the Program Manager and compliance staff regarding the programs compliance/ enforcement activities for NOC and NOI issuance and maintenance. Utilize state vehicle to travel statewide performing tasks.
• Receive calls, emails, or other requests for information from WSDA staff, food safety consumers, food processors, and regulatory agencies. Provide accurate information and technical assistance on a wide variety of food safety issues by directing people to the correct information or researching and determining the correct information.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external government agency staff, including WSDA, FDA, USDA, and local health jurisdictions.
• Serve as a department witness/expert on technical public health issues at legal proceedings such as administrative hearings, settlement meetings, revocations, and suspensions.
• Assist in periodic review of FSP rules, Inspectors manual, Policies/Procedures, and guidance material.
• Participate in development and implementation of a management information system to monitor administrative and program activities.
• Attend required training as needed.

Provide input to statewide Food Safety Program compliance policies, procedures, and enforcement standards and other state-wide projects

• Conduct review of established WSDA compliance policies and procedures for failing inspections.
• Review FDA guidelines for compliance actions to be initiated on firms with failing inspections. Use state vehicle to perform necessary tasks.
• Recommend WSDA compliance policies and procedures for entities failing to maintain inspection standards.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in multiple disciplines as required (e.g., PC, HACCP, RRT, dairy, public health reviews, etc.). Conduct statewide FDA Food audits and WSDA evaluations as assigned.
• Work with Food Safety Program staff in assisting developing and refining program goals. 

Incident Response

• Support in planning for and responding to food safety incident response, including food-borne illness outbreaks, recalls, embargoes, and other emergencies. Serve in an Incident Command System role as an Operations Chief when the Rapid Response Team is activated to respond to illness outbreaks, product recalls, or other food safety issues.
• Lead office and field staff with non-RRT response to food safety incidents including sampling, swabbing, and embargoes. Utilize knowledge and experience to improve the timeliness and effectiveness of incident response, limiting negative repercussions for the food industries and public health. Use state vehicle to perform tasks.  

Minimum Qualifications

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree involving major study in business, microbiology, food science, food technology, biochemistry, dairy science, environmental health, or a closely allied field. 

• Related experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.

• Four (4) years of professional experience in a public health regulatory food manufacturing environment.
• 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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license prior to employment to conduct agency business as required.
  
  

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

• Prior experience working as a Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2, 3, or 4.
• Experience in inspecting, educating, and enforcing state and federal regulations in a regulatory food safety program focused on retail food, food processing or dairy processing.
• 1-3 years supervisor experience.
• Demonstrated experience with cooperative agreement programs and in building programs, systems, and/or projects from scratch.
• Prior experience developing and delivering training to staff and stakeholders at all levels. 

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. 

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

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.

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 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.

WSDA uses a I-9 form(Download PDF reader) to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual’s ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. 

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 [email protected].

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.

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

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