Northern Regional Manager (WMS2)

Northern Regional Manager

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 Washington State Department of Agriculture's (WSDA) Commodity Inspection Fruit & Vegetable Program supports the domestic and international exports of agricultural products from the state by inspection and certifying shipments for quality, condition, and pest fee status.

The Northern Regional Manager is responsible for oversight of all functions within the region (Wenatchee, Chelan, Brewster, Quincy). This position is responsible for administering, directing, and mentoring to the Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program for commodities being graded, packed, stored, and shipped to the domestic and foreign markets for one of the largest agricultural industries in the State of Washington. The primary purpose of this position is to achieve the goal and objectives of the Program by providing, obtaining, and coordinating activities. The Program provides accurate, unbiased inspection that describes quality, condition, and phytosanitary factors, which facilitates the marketing of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables for the industry and the consuming public. Timely service delivery to the industry is essential for movement to the domestic and export markets for fresh fruits and vegetables.

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 : $56,472 - $103,632 annually.

Some of the various responsibilities within this role :

• Interpret RCWs and WACs associated with the inspection of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Interpret the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington and Washington Federation of State Employees.
• Resolve issues and problems between staff and industry.
• Interpret federal and state grade standards associated with inspection requirements.
• Interpret phytosanitary work plan requirements associated with exporting countries requirements.
• Communicate with staff, upper management, industry personnel, and industry associations.
• Interpret and direct the USDA Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) / Good Handling Practices (GHP), Produce GAP Harmonized and the Harmonized GAP+ audit verification programs.
• Implement the Branch Internal Quality Manual System (BIQMS) and direct and coordinate mock reviews by WSDA, and formal reviews provided by USDA.
• Understand and implement the WSDA USDA Cooperative Agreement that guides the F&V Program.
• Serve as an active participant on the Standardization Committee, establishing consistent inspection protocol based on laws, rules, memoranda, and policy.
• Provide statistical data to higher level management regarding monthly inspection activity, overtime usage, training updates, seasonal crop issues and estimates, staffing levels (current and projected), audit actions, and other relevant information.

Professionals with :

Preferred / Desired Qualifications :

Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment :

Employee benefits include :

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 :

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.

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