Job Details

Salary : $60,132.00 - $80,820.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations - Central Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Remote Only
Job Number: 2026-00995
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Division: Food Safety and Consumer Services - Animal Feed
Opening Date: 02/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

This recruitment is open until filled.

The first review of applications is scheduled for the week of February 23, 2026, order to be considered, please submit your application on or before February 22, 2026. 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 ourEmployment Page.

We're hiring a full-time permanent Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2 to join the Animal Feed Program covering Central Washington territory. Home office can be located in Kittitas County, Yakima County, Douglas County, Grant County, Benton County, Other Negotiable Central Washington Location, or Pierce County
The Food Safety & Consumer Services (FSCS) Division is one of the five divisions in the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). The FSCS Division serves consumers and stakeholders in the state of Washington by assuring the safety, and integrity of the state's human and animal food supply. The division is made up of approximately 100 full time employees, 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.
The Animal Feed Program (AFP) within the Food Safety & Consumer Services Division serves the people and animals of Washington and beyond by regulating the safety and integrity of animal food, to protect animal and public health, and ensure market fairness. WSDA AFP regulates animal food manufacturers, distributors, and guarantors (responsible party). Our work extends not only statewide but nationally and internationally for those companies that do business in Washington. We register and review pet and specialty pet food products, license firms, conduct field activities such as inspections, sampling, investigations, recalls and technical assistance and provide outreach and education. WSDA AFP has implemented and is maintaining the Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS), which is a set of eleven standards utilized to improve animal food regulatory programs as well as implement preventive controls regulatory activities, and to encourage domestic mutual reliance amongst animal food regulatory agencies and an integrated food safety system.

The Central WA Field Inspector serves the AFP in carrying out objectives and tasks in its strategic action plan, specifically performing field activities such as inspections, investigations, sample collections, technical assistance, recall activities and compliance/enforcement actions at any applicable facility within the state to protect animals and humans from misbranded or adulterated/contaminated animal food or ingredients. The Field Inspector demonstrates a strong working knowledge of the applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations related to animal food.

This position performs field activities independently while prescribing to set procedures, policies or directives. This position discerns between major and minor violations and one-time, isolated events vs. pattern or history of violations while documenting observations in an articulate and well-organized manner. This position also collects samples for various analyses (e.g. prohibited materials, pathogens, mycotoxins, etc.) while correctly completing the necessary sampling documentation. Following procedures/policies/directives and proper documentation of field activities is essential as they could be used for evidence in enforcement actions, or the potential for providing testimony for legal actions. In addition, this position serves as the primary liaison between industry partners and the Animal Feed Program for technical assistance related to animal food and may provide outreach to stakeholders.

Important Notes
WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2 position within the Food Safety & Consumer Services Division, Animal Feed Program. The Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2 position is approved for ahome duty station in Kittitas County, Yakima County, Douglas County, Grant County, Benton County, Other Negotiable Central Washington Location, or Pierce 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 rarely weekend work may be necessary. The Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2 position is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association.

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 54 Step A $60,132 - Step L $78,912 annually.
Duties

Some of what you'll do:

Conduct inspections, investigations and compliance/enforcement related to animal food

• Perform independent or joint inspections and investigations under the authority of the Washington State and under contract with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Interpret, apply and ensure compliance with federal, state, and departmental laws, requirements, regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to Animal Feed Program and WSDA.
• Discern between critical and significant observations that may indicate patterns or history of incompliance and risk during inspectional and investigational activities.
• Document inspectional and investigational findings as prescribed by the Animal Feed Program and/or federal partners.
• Identify adulterated, contaminated or misbranded products, unregistered products, or unlicensed firms in the field and reports findings in a timely manner to appropriate Animal Feed staff.
• Conduct appropriate or assigned compliance/enforcement actions.
• Conduct Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) Reviews and completes reports in a timely manner.

Conduct sampling activities of animal food and animal food ingredients

• Collect samples of animal food and animal food ingredients under Washington State authority and under contract with the FDA.
• Collect samples in response to consumer complaints or compliance/enforcement follow-up activities.
• Prepare, document, store, and ship samples in an appropriate and timely manner.

Provide technical assistance and communicate with stakeholders

• Provide technical assistance to licensees, registrants, agency representatives, and stakeholders regarding animal food safety regulation, compliance, and enforcement.

Qualifications

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution involving major study in agriculture, microbiology, animal science/nutrition, public or environmental health, food science or technology, biochemistry, or natural science in a closely allied field.

AND

• One (1) year of professional experience in a public health regulatory, food manufacturing environment, or animal food-based agriculture industry.

Additional qualifying experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.

• Must hold and maintain a valid driver's license.
• 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 qualification for FSCS position duties.
  • Citizen of US.
  • No felonies/misdemeanors (excluding minor traffic offenses) or pending trials/investigations for such.

Preferred / Desired Qualifications:

• Experience conducting inspections or audits emphasizing preventive controls for animal food (PCAF) or human food; current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) for medicated feed, animal food or human food; Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) and Bovine Spongiform Encephalitis (BSE) control and prevention.
• Experience and proficiency with technology such as Microsoft and Adobe, and inspection/audit databases, etc. and understand basic cyber security protection.
• Demonstrated history of fostering teamwork, maintaining confidentiality, self-motivation, excellent customer service, problem resolution, producing high-quality work, accepting accountability and responsibility for work product and making sound judgment for decisions which affect clients, coworkers, or other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with attention to detail and the ability to convey policy language into easily understood concepts as well as strong proactive, respectful communication habits with regards to interacting with various audiences including co-workers, management, and regulatory/industry partners.
• Demonstrated ability in establishing professional relationships based on trust and mutual respect, collaborative and cooperative problem solving, and soliciting input from and trusting the decisions of others.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to change and implement creative thinking. Learns from mistakes and makes lasting improvements based on lessons learned.

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.

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 and would be the ideal candidate

• At least two professional or academic 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 .
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

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,

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.
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 (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 (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 , 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

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
01

Your preferred name:
02

Your pronoun(s):
03

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

04

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?

• Yes
• No

05

How did you hear about this opportunity?
06

To be considered for this position you must attach a resume, cover letter, and at least two professional or academic references. Have you attached or included these documents to your application?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution involving major study in agriculture, microbiology, animal science/nutrition, public or environmental health, food science or technology, biochemistry, or natural science in a closely allied field?

• Yes
• No
• No, but I have qualifying experience to substitute year for year for education.

08

Do you have one (1) year of professional experience in a public health regulatory, food manufacturing environment, or animal food-based agriculture industry?

• Yes
• No

09

Tell us about your professional experience in a public health regulatory, food manufacturing environment, or animal food-based agriculture industry? If you do not have experience in this area, please type "N/A" in the box below.
10

Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license prior to the first day of employment?

• Yes
• No

11

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

12

This position is home-based in Central Washington. Which county would your home office be located?

• Kittitas
• Yakima
• Douglas
• Benton
• Grant
• Pierce
• Other
• Not yet decided

13

Do you possess a functional home internet connection and a sufficient workspace?

• Yes
• No

Required Question