Job Description

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 .

Effective July 1 this classification will increase from

Apply Early! The first review of applications is scheduled for June 26th, 2023.
The Compliance Program supports the Animal Services Division\'s programs by monitoring and auditing noncompliance with regulations, conducting comprehensive investigations of reported violations and performing field enforcement to ensure compliance with state animal health and livestock regulations. The program also educates stakeholders to reduce enforcement actions.

As an Investigator for the Animal Services Compliance Program you will serve on a regional basis and will work independently on all aspects of formal and informal compliance cases. In this position you will be given primary responsibility for the Western region of the state. As a Limited Authority Washington Peace Officer you will respond to alleged violations, gather evidence, interact with possibly aggressive individuals, conduct surveillance, participate in searches, interview both witnesses and suspects and more. Case activities for this position include investigation, preparation, development, and completion of civil and criminal actions, issuing notices of infractions, placing hold and quarantine orders and other compliance actions.
Position and Salary Information

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Investigator position within the Animal Services Division. This position is located in Olympia, Washington. This is a non-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 range for this position is: $48,156 Step A - $63,216 Step L annually.

Effective July 1 this classification will increase from Range 49 to Range 52 with a typical starting salary range for this position as follows -

$4,324 Step A - $5,673 Step L Monthly

$51, 888.00 Step A - $68,076 Step L Annually

In addition to the increase 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, Employee Recognition Leave;

for more information. * 12 paid

• 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 .

Duties

Some of what you\'ll do:

• Conduct thorough investigations of reported violations. Investigative reports must be concise and sufficient to present to a prosecuting attorney, for use in a court of jurisdiction, or an administrative hearing.
• Prepare and coordinate the service of search warrants and subpoenas.
• Complete civil actions, civil infractions, and administrative corrective actions, written or verbal warnings as appropriate of the incident.
• Perform field activities and enforcement such as:

• Conduct surveillance activities and inspections of animals, livestock, poultry, and paper documents at public livestock markets, residential farms/ranches, and other locations.
• Inspect incoming and outgoing paperwork at public livestock markets to ensure animal health and traceability regulations are being followed.
• Perform spot checks on entry permits and animal destined to restricted holding or slaughter facilities to limit diversion en route.
• Conduct inspections or audits at rendering plants and independent haulers as needed.
• Participate in emphasis projects as directed.
• Assist area veterinarians and livestock inspectors in tracing animals and contacting suspects that may have violated regulations.
• Participate with other managers and officers to develop strategic and long-term goals for the Compliance Program.
• Provide outreach and education information to industry stakeholders and producers regarding Washington\'s animal surveillance activities, rules and regulations.
• Present and/or provide local law enforcement agencies with state animal health and livestock identification information.

Qualifications

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor\'s degree in police science, animal science, agriculture, or other related field.

Experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis but must have training and experience in conducting investigations and requirements needed to develop a case that satisfies legal requirements.

AND

Certification as a Washington State Law Enforcement Officer, current or separated in good standing within the previous 24 months and qualified to receive a limited law enforcement commission from the Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Out of state candidates must establish and provide proof of equivalence to the above qualification through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) prior to applying.

AND

• Ability to conduct comprehensive investigations of reported violations ranging in complexity and scope with demonstrated ability to prepare detailed case files
• Demonstrated history of professional judgement and making of sound and effective decisions.
• Ability to work independently with little direct supervision or as part of a team during an emergency event.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to include development and delivery to a variety of audiences.
• Familiarity operating computers to use word processing programs, spreadsheets, databases and email programs.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a valid driver\'s license prior to first day of employment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Incident command training (ICS 100, 200, and NIMS 700).
• Knowledge of livestock and the livestock industry.
• Law enforcement investigative experience.

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 to be considered for this position:

\xc2\xb7 Current resume detailing experience and education

\xc2\xb7 A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.

\xc2\xb7 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.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email .

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 at .

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,

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.

Washington State