Food Assistance Inventory & Training Coordinator

Job Description

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.

Food Assistance (FA) is part of the Food Safety and Consumer Services Division. FA manages over eight unique federal and state food assistance programs, each with a different set of regulations. Our programs help to provide resources, stewardship, and opportunities to support the needs of 500+ hunger-relief organizations across the state with food, funds, grant programs, initiatives, logistics support, technical assistance, emergency management (and more). The WA network of food banks, food pantries, meal programs, community action councils, tribes, and tribal organizations serve food insecure individuals and households – current service estimates are one in six (1:6) households across the state. We also help to support increased economic opportunity for WA farmers and producers engaged in providing food to the hunger-relief community.

As the Food Assistance Inventory & Training Coordinator you will perform professional level work developing, implementing and monitoring Food Assistance Inventory. This work is critical to the Food Assistance Program mission and this position serves as the program inventory coordinator and training liaison. In this position you’ll work directly with the Food Assistance Specialist to assist with contractor compliance, food ordering, inventory, reporting requirements and logistical support with statewide community impact. This position assists with the technical aspects of complex strategic multi-faceted reporting and programing with government, community organizations, and public entities across the state. The Food Assistance Inventory & Training Coordinator includes data base development, research, and reporting. In addition, this position participates in FA Contractor Meetings, FA Advisory Meetings, FA Food Ordering Workgroup, and other federal/state workgroups.

Position and Salary Information

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Food Assistance Inventory & Training Coordinator position within the Food Safety and Consumer Services Division. This position is located in Olympia, Washington and is non-represented.

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: $51,888 Step A – $68,076 Step L annually.

In addition to the salary range listed above, general wage increases will be applied for all employees on the following dates:

• 4% on July 1, 2023
• 3% on July 1, 2024

Employees who voluntarily provide proof of up-to-date COVID-19 booster vaccination, which must include any recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at the time proof is provided to the employer, between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, will receive a one-time lump sum payment of $1,000 to be paid no earlier than July 25, 2023.

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; click herefor 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.

Some of what you’ll do:

• Provide specialized technical assistance to non-profit organizations, tribes, and tribal organizations.
• Review monthly contractor inventory reports and back-up for accuracy and compliance.
• Assist in contractor program reviews in regard to food storage, food inventory, and food distribution by completing the Inventory Compliance and Practices Worksheet, in addition to providing information on the timeliness of reporting and receiving.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, requirements, regulations, policies, and procedures that govern the delivery of program services.
• Make technical recommendations on projects, programs, policies and plans.
• Develop data collection improvements, evaluation analysis, and infographic development, including assisting with coordination of media related materials.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with contractors and stakeholders including community action agencies, food banks, food pantries, meal programs, and tribes.
• Create training modules and provide support for related outreach efforts.
• Assist with database development related to inventory management and reporting.
• Assist with responses to inquiries from interested parties, the legislature, media, and stakeholders.

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development or comparable experience in closely related fields. A graduate degree or advanced degree will substitute for one year of required experience.

AND

Two years of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development or comparable experience in closely related fields.

AND

Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Professional level experience in WSDA Food Assistance or closely aligned experience (grant/project management) may substitute for the education requirement on a year for year basis

Desired Qualifications:

Prior experience in agriculture or a regulated field/industry, including food systems, logistics, emergency management, and food security.

Working knowledge of nonprofit sector, tribes and tribal organizations, accounting, agricultural sector, report monitoring, compliance, customer service, contract management, mediation, and related work.

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.

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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, status as a protected veteran, genetics, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office.

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $4,324.00 – $5,813.00 per month

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Olympia, WA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person