Job Title : Organic Food Program Manager
Pay: WMS Band 2, Up to $77,916 annually
Location:Natural Resources Building, Olympia Washington
Closes: October 30, 2009
The Food Safety and Consumer Services Division of the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is seeking a permanent full-time Organic Food Program Manager. This is a full-time Washington Management Service (WMS) position based in Olympia, Washington. This position reports to the Assistant Director, Food Safety and Consumer Services Division.
The state offers an excellent benefit package which includes 11 paid holidays; paid sick and vacation leave; medical, dental and vision insurance; a retirement plan; tuition reimbursement; training; and more.
Agency Profile:
The mission of the Washington State Department of Agriculture is to serve the people of Washington State by supporting the agricultural community and promoting consumer and environmental protection.
The Department employs over 500 employees on a permanent basis and up to 300 additional employees on a nonpermanent basis for various seasonal workload needs in jobs ranging from brand inspectors, grain inspectors, and food safety officers, to computer information consultants and accountants. Offices and employees are located throughout the state. Rich soils, diverse climates and large-scale irrigation make Washington one of the most productive growing regions in the world.
For more information about the Department of Agriculture, visit our website at .
Scope of this Position:
This position manages and leads a dynamic program that provides organic certification to producers, processors and handlers. The program manager works in partnership with agricultural groups, state and federal officials to ensure organic integrity is protected and the needs of the program’s customers are met. This manager is a member of the division’s leadership team and participates in agency wide initiatives.
This position leads twenty three staff members and directly supervises four supervisors. The program budget is $2.3M per year and the program is entirely funded by user fees.
Principle Responsibilities
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
· Leads a team in providing certification services for the organic industry;
· Develops the program’s operational business plan and implements improvements in organizational effectiveness and service delivery;
· Works closely with customers, the Organic Advisory Group and associations on emerging issues and developing solutions to respond to the needs of the Organic industry;
· Develops and manages the program’s budget in accordance with state and agency requirements;
· Ensures the program maintains accreditations and certifications;
· Develops the program’s workforce through effective use of organizational development, training; coaching/mentoring, employee appraisal and promotion of a diverse and supportive workplace;
· Maintains the highest standards of personal and professional ethical conduct.
Desired Skills and Abilities
The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
· Ability to lead, foster and function effectively in a team environment;
· Skilled at understanding and providing quality customer service;
· Knowledge of Organic certification requirements – both US National Organic Standards and international standards;
· Knowledge of agriculture particularly, cropping systems, tree fruit production, dairy operations, livestock and agricultural materials;
· Knowledge of food processing and handling;
· Knowledge of advanced management methods and performance measurement;
· Ability to administer a budget including developing the budget, tracking revenues/expenditures and complying with fiscal policies;
· Ability to interpret and explain complex laws and regulations;
· Has an understanding of Government’s role in regulation of the private sector in the public interest;
· Ability to work independently on multiple tasks and prioritize assignments;
· Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing to diverse and multicultural audiences;
· Ability to work in stressful situations;
· Ability to travel for up to five days at a time;
· Ability to mentor and supervise professional and clerical staff;
· Has the ability to retain a sense of humor while trying to embody and exhibit all the foregoing traits, talents and attributes;
· Possess a valid driver’s license.
NOTE: This position generally works in an office environment and handles confidential information. Hours are generally Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 5:00. Work in an outdoor environment is sometimes necessary. Some travel may be required to conduct inspections, attend meetings, training or conferences.
Desirable Qualifications:
· Has obtained a Bachelor’s degree or graduate degree involving major study in agricultural, environmental, physical or one of the natural sciences.
· Has management or leadership experience showing a commitment to and record of outstanding service.
· Has experience in developing and monitoring budgets;
· Has experience in leading a diverse workforce, creating and maintaining a positive and collaborative work environment and ensuring staff are motivated, trained, assessed and deployed to achieve program goals;
· Has experience developing and implementing long-term strategic direction for an organization;
· Professional level experience in organic agriculture or certification.
How to apply: DO NOT APPLY THROUGH CAREERS.WA.GOV
Interested individuals may apply by submitting:
· A detailed letter of interest that demonstrates how your knowledge, skills and abilities meet the desired knowledge, skills, abilities above;
· A current chronological resume and completed State Application form, and the Applicant Profile Data Form, (both forms can be found at Please include a description of duties and responsibilities for each position held, dates and education; and
· A list of five (5) professional references including at least one (1) customer, supervisor, peer, and subordinate including their job titles and phone numbers.
· Please send all application materials to:

Washington State Department of Agriculture
Attention: Linda Pentt, HR Consultant
P.O. Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504-2560
Or fax to (360) 902-1821

Applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. Please e-mail the requested documents to .
The state of Washington and WSDA actively supports diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who need assistance in the application process or needing this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-1979 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (360) 902-1821.