Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08290

Department: Dept. of Agriculture

Division: Commodity Inspection - Fruit and Vegetable

Job classification: WMS BAND 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Food Services, Public Safety, Agriculture, Green-Collar/Environmental, Program Management

Summary

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.

The Opportunity:

The Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program provides accurate, unbiased inspections that facilitates the marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables for the industry and the consuming public. The program also provides voluntary third-party grading of raw products based on contractual terms between producer and processor. The Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program Manager is responsible for the administration and operation of the program: including supervision of management staff in three regions who employ approximately 175 FTEs; oversight of commodities graded, packed, stored and shipped, and oversight and guidance in the inspection of fresh and raw product fruit and vegetables through administration of consistent policies and procedures; implementation of state and federal mandates; and providing services for third-party grading based on producer/processor contracts.

The Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program Manager provides technical oversight and strategic direction for the Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program that operates in numerous locations throughout the state and reports directly to the Assistant Director (Commodity Inspection). The program’s mission is to provide reliable self-supporting, fee-for-service inspection and certification services to ensure continued trade of high quality, pest-free fruit and vegetables from Washington. The Program Manager represents the division and program in agency-wide groups and has the lead in related industry interactions. This position is responsible for planning, ensuring, and maintaining the financial viability of the inspection program that is entirely supported by user fees and has a biennial budget of $35 million.

Important Notes

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent WMS Band 2 position within the Commodity Inspection Services Division. This position is located in Yakima or Wenatchee Washington and is not a union represented position.

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 for this position is: WMS Band 2 $72,420 - $132,924 annually.

Examples of duties

Include, but not limited to:

• The Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program Manager develops and implements policies for the Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program. The scope of work and related deadlines are self-regulated and implemented through collaboration and direction from the Assistant Director. The Program Manager is required to respond to industry needs to ensure that reliable and technically sound services are provided that make good financial sense and are within agency guidelines and procedures. Recurring assignments would involve regular visits to regional and area offices to ensure consistent technical implementation and logical managerial direction. The Program Manager must collaborate with federal agencies, such as USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), to enforce regulations and apply procedures through delegated authorities to field staff.
• The Program Manager maintains the highest standards of personal, professional and ethical conduct.
• Regulatory Actions – The Program Manager has the final program authority for Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) on the interpretation of federal agencies' rules and regulations as they apply to the program. As such, the Program Manager must sometimes deal with conflict of opinion with the responsible personnel of the federal agencies as the incumbent identifies and fosters understanding of the interests of Washington State. The Program Manager is the primary contact for parallel-agency technical interaction and provides the final recommendation in suspending or revoking fruit and vegetable licenses. Regulatory enforcement actions must be timely, equitable, and comply with legal processes. The Program Manager also serves as the contact for the development and implementation of work plan/protocols for international markets; hosts and works with international delegations; responds to technical details for such programs as USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine. The incumbent acts as a liaison between delegations and the industry.
• Supervision – The Program Manager oversees the training and professional development of all program employees. The Program Manager monitors the progress of fruit and vegetable certification processes to ensure that services are delivered on a timely and consistent basis throughout Washington's service areas. The Program Manager is responsible to ensure that employees are performing to established standards and following agency policies. The Program Manager makes knowledgeable decisions on high profile or urgent personnel matters and provides appropriate guidance on grievances or other labor relations issues. The Program Manager performs progressive disciplinary actions to resolve employee misconduct and makes recommendations for more serious forms of disciplinary actions to the Assistant Director. The incumbent is responsible for recruitment or delegating recruitment authority to the Regional Managers and providing input into the final hiring process.
• Budget – The Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program is entirely self-supporting and funded by user fees. The Program Manager develops the program’s budget by projecting revenue, expenditures, and program growth to ensure the program will remain fiscally viable. The Program Manager prepares and submits allotments in accordance with agency fiscal instructions. The Program Manager performs long-term planning to ensure the fees charged will meet future needs. The incumbent must monitor cash flow and adjust operations as necessary, in collaboration with the Regional Managers, to ensure that fees and spending are adjusted accordingly, and the program will remain viable in the future.
• Administration – The Program Manager makes strategic and tactical decisions regarding the direction of the program. The Program Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic plan that includes performance measures for the program and understands and implements Results Washington and Lean quality management principles. The Program Manager must measure and report on activities and functions of the program and use the appropriate information to make adjustments and improvements. Following consultations with industry stakeholders, the incumbent is responsible for initiating changes to state law and administrative regulations as necessary. The incumbent may be called upon to testify before the Legislature or represent the program to other government entities or industry groups. The incumbent should explore and employ new, emerging technologies, such as smart phones and wireless applications, to make program delivery more effective.
• Collaboration – The Program Manager participates in organizations or groups that could influence or impact agency or division policies and practices and is called upon to contribute to agency assessments and improvement committees. The Program Manager is charged with maintaining the Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Board, composed of a cross-section of industry representatives, and to meet on a regular basis to provide general program and industry information, suggest program changes, and act as a focus group for proposed rule and law changes. The Program Manager participates in regional, national, or international fruit and vegetable inspection organizations and contributes to policy development and information sharing to ensure the program meets the needs of the commodity/industry.
• Understands and applies state, federal, and foreign regulations and laws, and agency policies and procedures. Develops and evaluates technical, regulatory, administrative, policies and procedures related to the F&V Inspection Program. Directs the activities of staff members to accomplish the objectives of the Program In compliance with USDA and WSDA regulations. Makes final decisions on the issuance of certificates and associated billings, recommends suspension or revocation of certificates, and takes other appropriate regulatory action against operations that are out of compliance with standards, regulations, and laws. Coordinates cooperative efforts, such as administrative embargoes on food grains and commodities and phytosanitary certification services with other stales or federal programs.
• Oversees the Program's budget. Plans spending, projects revenue and takes action to stay within spending authority. Monitors budget status on at least a monthly basis. Prepares and submits allotments in accordance with agency fiscal procedures. Performs long-term planning to ensure the fees charged will meet future needs.
• Continually monitors and Identifies alternate Inspection programs or audit-based services that could provide Industry with cost saving measures while maintaining the integrity of the Program.

Qualifications

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• Bachelors Degree in Agriculture, Business Administration or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Must be a skilled communicator with good leadership skills.
• Must have knowledge of human resource management; facilitation and negotiation skills; financial management; and contracting.
• Must have knowledge of personnel management principles, program management, financial management, facilitation skills and the ability to work In a diverse and sensitive political environment.
• Five (5) years industry or supervisory experience in commodity inspection, or supervisory or management experience related to fruit and vegetable packing, handling or logistics.
• An understanding of federal and state inspection procedures and rules and regulations applicable to the grading standards and to those governing certification for freedom of pests and diseases.
• Must be familiar with and capable of operating computers to use word processing, spreadsheets, database and email programs.

DEIB Competencies:

Ability to take action to learn and grow.

Ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies

• Masters Degree in Agriculture or related field or equivalent experience, including course work or continuing professional education in public administration or management.
• Technical expertise in agriculture and general knowledge of commodity inspection and fruit and vegetable production, storage, packing, and transportation practices. Knowledge of international phytosanitary and quality standards, post-harvest technologies, food processing and fresh fruit and vegetable packing technologies and food distribution systems.
• USDA AMS license to inspect all fruits and vegetables grown and/or packed in the state of Washington, USDA APHIS license to inspect and issue phytosanitary certificates to foreign destinations and basic understanding of the audit verification program or licensed to be an auditor.

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.

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.

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.

WSDA uses a I-9 form(Download PDF reader) to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual’s ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

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. 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.

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.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.