Food Safety Compliance Specialist

About the role

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is seeking a Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2 to join the Food Safety & Consumer Services Division. This position is approved for a home duty station in Chelan or Okanogan County, WA, but requires the ability to travel statewide for inspections.

Responsibilities

• Conduct food safety inspections of facilities that process or hold food products.
• Evaluate firm’s control of public health risks by performing independent inspections.
• Discern between critical and significant violations and provide technical assistance to industry when appropriate.
• Document and present of inspection and investigation findings.
• Prepare written reports that serve as the foundation for initiation of enforcement actions.
• Provide technical assistance and education to industry and the public regarding food safety regulation, compliance, and enforcement.
• Participate in developing technical brochures and factsheets to aid and educate stakeholders, peers, and other regulatory officials.
• Coordinate and work with other state, local, and federal agencies in actions, inspections, investigations, and training dealing with issues of food safety.
• Conduct food safety program public health investigations, traceback and recall effectiveness checks.
• Investigate consumer complaints per state policy and initiate appropriate action.
• Take compliance actions such as embargo or stop sale to remove food from distribution.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree involving major study in business, microbiology, food science, food technology, biochemistry, dairy science, or a natural science in a closely allied field.
• One (1) year of professional experience in a public health regulatory food manufacturing environment.
• Must have the ability to qualify for and obtain FDA Commissioning as required.
• Two (2) years of equivalent public health regulatory related experience and/or three (3) years of quality control experience in a food or dairy processing plant.
• Experience in food processing, dairy processing, or serving as an individual charged with enforcing laws or statutes.

Benefits

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.