Produce Safety Field Inspector

About the Role

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is seeking a full-time permanent Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2 within the Food Safety and Consumer Services (FSCS) Division. This position is home-based in Chelan or Okanogan, Washington, and focuses on ensuring compliance with state and federal produce safety regulations. The role involves conducting inspections, investigations, and providing technical assistance to promote food safety and protect public health.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Produce Safety inspections in accordance with state law and federal regulations, including the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) under 21 CFR Part 112.
• Perform field investigations and inspections at farms, packing, and handling facilities to ensure compliance with safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding practices.
• Travel extensively (up to 80% or more per month) throughout Washington State for inspections, meetings, and training.
• Analyze and evaluate food safety production claims and guarantees to substantiate PSR requirements.
• Provide scientific guidance and recommendations on PSR compliance.
• Assess production impacts on environmental systems to evaluate PSR impacts.
• Confer with and advise the Produce Safety Supervisor on industry and inspection issues, reporting egregious conditions promptly.
• Write clear reports and provide oral updates aligned with PSR requirements.
• Review on-farm records to ensure uniformity and accuracy across statewide programs.
• Implement, update, and maintain inspection procedures adhering to state, federal, and industry standards.
• Respond to industry inquiries regarding produce safety compliance.
• Maintain inspection tracking systems and databases for assigned entities.
• Complete annual inspection calibration and continuing education requirements.
• Conduct outreach and educational activities to assist growers in understanding compliance requirements.
• Develop materials and technical aids for produce safety education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, microbiology, food science, food technology, biochemistry, dairy science, environmental health, or a closely allied field. Additional experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• One (1) year of professional experience in public health regulatory, food manufacturing, or produce/food-based agriculture industry. Additional experience may substitute for education.
• Ability to qualify for and obtain FDA Commissioning.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with no felonies or misdemeanors.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel across Washington State.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with USDA GAP/GHP audits and standards.
• Prior experience in agricultural environments and food processing.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish is a plus.

Benefits

• Healthy work/life balance, including flexible schedules and teleworking options.
• Dependent Care Assistance and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Tuition Waiver programs.
• Deferred Compensation and Employee Recognition Leave.
• 12 paid holidays and vacation/leave accruals.
• All required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided.
• Commute Trip Reduction Program.

Application Deadline: First review of applications is scheduled for October 6th, 2026. Submit your application on or before October 5th, 2026, to be considered for initial screening.

Location: Home-based in Chelan or Okanogan, Washington.

Salary Range: $61,332 - $80,496 annually (Range 54, Step A to Step L).