Note: All information posted here was gleaned from the Indeed.com job listing. Please contact original recruiter with questions or to apply.

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.

ABOUT THE POSITION:
The WSDA Food Safety and Consumer Services (Microbiology) Laboratory is a program within the Food Safety and Consumer Services Division (FS-CS) and has day-to-day work assignments based on agency missions. The quality Assurance Officer (OAO) position is responsible for implementing, auditing, revising, and maintaining the quality assurance program for the Laboratory so that all requirements of ISO/lEC 17025 accreditation are met.

The incumbent will work cooperatively with various State and Federal regulatory agencies in regards to such programs as the Cannabis Program, the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance and Milk Testing Program as well as the Cooperative Agreement program.
Duties

• Acts as the lead Laboratory Evaluation Officer in Washington State and lead for cannabis microbial laboratory testing projects and the testing standards under the Liquor/Cannabis Control Board, Department of Ecology, and WSDA Laboratory.
• Work to achieve and maintain ISO 17025 accreditation through auditing, evaluating, reporting in written form and oral format, presentations, and training.
• Achieve and maintain contracted laboratory improvements promised under the FDA Cooperative Agreement programs for the MFRPS ISO (Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards), AFRPS (Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards), or similar federal cooperative agreements.
• Achieve and maintain FDA Milk Laboratory Certification and Laboratory Evaluation Appendix N certifications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• B.S. or higher in Microbiology, Chemistry or a combination of Biological Science work.
• Minimum six years’ experience with laboratory testing, research, accreditation, certification, auditing.
• At least three years as a Quality Manger or Supervisor operating under ISO 17025

Desired:

• Certification as a Certified Quality Auditor (CQA-ASQ)

Supplemental Information

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 in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest to describe why you are the best candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education

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.

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at (360) 902- 2020 or Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.

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 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.

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.

Military Spouse Preference:
To take advantage of military spouse preference, you will have an opportunity to identify your status in the questionnaire. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences and 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 diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, 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.

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.

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