Produce Safety Field Inspector
About The Position
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is seeking a Produce Safety Field Inspector to join the Food Safety & Consumer Services (FSCS) Division. This division is responsible for assuring the safety and integrity of the state's human and animal food supply. The Produce Safety Program, funded by a federal cooperative agreement, focuses on promoting compliance with the federal Produce Safety Rule (PSR), which aims to minimize food safety risks on farms. This role is crucial for protecting the public from unsafe or adulterated produce by ensuring compliance with state laws and federal regulations. The inspector will work collaboratively with internal and external agencies, including produce growers, local health departments, federal agencies, agricultural extension agencies, and commodity commissions. The position also contributes to the development and improvement of policies and procedures based on practical field experience.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree involving major study in business, microbiology, food science, food technology, biochemistry, dairy science, environmental health or a degree in a closely allied field. Additional experience will substitute for education on a year for year basis.
- One (1) year of professional experience in a public health regulatory, food manufacturing environment, or produce or food-based agriculture industry. Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.
- Must have the ability to qualify for and obtain FDA Commissioning as required.
- Must be able to obtain and/or maintain a valid driver's license and be able to operate a state or rental vehicle and travel across Washington State to conduct inspections as assigned.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with USDA GAP/GHP audits and standards.
- Prior experience with agricultural environments and food processing.
- Bi-lingual in Spanish is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Conduct Produce Safety inspections in accordance with state law and federal regulation.
- Conduct produce safety field investigations and inspections and monitor activity on farms, packing and handling facilities to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations related to safe growing, harvesting, packing and holding practices of produce.
- Scientifically analyze and evaluate food safety production claims and guarantees in order to substantiate PSR requirements; provide scientific guidance and recommendations of appropriate actions pertaining to PSR requirements; and request additional data from producers and/or industry organizations as needed.
- Determine and evaluate production impacts on environmental systems in order to assess PSR impacts.
- Regularly confer with and advise the Produce Safety Supervisor on any industry and inspection issues to ensure the appropriate procedures, guidelines, and processes are adhered to, and report egregious conditions to the Produce Safety Supervisor as soon as possible.
- Write clear reports and give oral updates that match the PSR.
- Ensure industry standards and PSR requirements of applicable assessment procedures are met by reviewing on-farm records to ensure uniformity and accuracy throughout statewide programs.
- Implement, update, and maintain inspection procedures adhering to state, Federal, and industry standards.
- Respond to inquiries from industry, by written correspondence or phone, regarding environmental issues related to produce safety compliance.
- Travel to various locations throughout the state to attend meetings, training, conferences, and workshops and/or participate in presentations on produce safety analyses related to the Produce Safety Program.
- Use the Inspection tracking system and current database to record all interactions for assigned entities.
- Work in conjunction with Inspection Analyst and other personnel to maintain database organization and a complete aggregate data set used in reporting and entity verifications.
- Enter data into current database of inspection results and assignments.
- Complete an annual inspection calibration with Field Inspector Supervisor.
- Complete initial and continuing education requirements as assigned.
- Conduct outreach, informational, educational assignments as required.
- Conduct outreach to assist growers in understand their coverage status, prepare them for an inspection, and/or provide general education.
- Develop materials and technical aids for relevant documents or electronic resources to assist in produce safety education.
Benefits
- Flexible work schedules
- Teleworking
- Dependent Care Assistance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Tuition Waiver
- Deferred Compensation
- Employee Recognition Leave
- 12 paid Holidays
- Vacation and Leave Accruals
- All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
- Commute Trip Reduction Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
