Farm To School Procurement Grant Specialist

Salary : $62,568.00 - $84,192.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2023-14719
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Division: Director's Office
Opening Date: 11/21/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
This recruitment is open until filled.
The first review of applications is scheduled for the week of December 5, 2023. In order to be considered, please submit your application on or before December 4, 2023. The agency reserves the right to make a hire any time after the initial screening date.
This project position is currently funded to last through June 30, 2025. (dditional funding is highly anticipated but can not be guaranteed. This project appointment may be extended beyond this date with written notification
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:
WSDA Regional Markets program supports development of regional food economies that strengthen the economic viability of small, mid-scale, and direct marketing farms while increasing the availability of healthy, Washington-grown foods for Washingtonians, including through increased procurement by schools and institutions. The program is comprised of several integrated program areas created via statutes and budget provisos including the Small Farm Direct Marketing Program, the Farm to School Program, Meat and Poultry Marketing Assistance, and Local Food System Infrastructure/Supply Chain, and Market Access support. Regional Markets provides outreach, education, and technical assistance to farms, food businesses, and supply chain connections and processing and distribution infrastructure and investment.
The Farm to School Procurement Grant Specialist position is focused on designing and managing statewide programming which makes grant funds and technical assistance available to advance the goals of the Farm to School Program (RCW 15.64.060) to increase procurement of Washington-grown food by schools and institutions, while supporting the viability of local food and farm economies. This position identifies priorities, establishes program design, and provides consultative assistance to School nutrition professionals, farmers, and local food producers.
This position is eligible for telework, or remote depending on which county the incumbent resides within Washington State. This position is non-represented.
What to Expect
Some of the various responsibilities within this role include:

• Determines grant eligibility criteria, project timeline, outreach, and engagement; Manages grant program budget.
• Conducts stakeholder outreach and engagement to inform program designs and implementation.
• Coordinates closely with staff of OSPI on application and award process, outreach and technical assistance, and program evaluation and reporting.
• Plans, and designs supportive technical assistance for project participants.
• Develops, coordinates, and conducts workshops, webinars, and trainings with a focus on peer-to-peer learning for institutional and school buyers, Washington farmers and food producers' food hubs, and local distributors on Farm to School topics including procurement rules, product seasonality, culturally appropriate menus, etc.
• Promotes food and agriculture business success, local food supply chain development, and strong local agricultural economies with guidance and information on regulatory requirements and market trends.
• Manages grant review and decision process, develops, and manages contracts with grantees consistent with departmental policies, procedures and programs, and makes recommendations.
• Reviews and approves invoices and reports from grantees.
• Maintains knowledge and understanding of stakeholder priorities, needs, and obstacles, as well as the effects of proposed and current regulation or policies on school meal programs agricultural businesses,
• Represents WSDA and the Regional Markets/Farm to School Program as a spokesperson at public events, in the media, and as a technical expert.

Qualifications
Who should apply?
Professionals with:

• A Bachelor's degree or higher, or equivalent experience in policy, business, marketing, agriculture, nutrition, or other relevant field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience establishing or managing Farm to School programs, agricultural direct and/or local wholesale marketing, regional food system development, farm business planning, market development, food processing or distribution, or other relevant field.
• Valid driver's license, or ability to obtain one prior to employment to operate state vehicles for agency business.

In addition to the above qualifications, the following desired knowledge, skills, and abilities would make your application more competitive:

• Demonstrated experience with grant administration and contract management.
• Detailed knowledge of the state and federal procurement rules and procedures for school districts under USDA Child Nutrition Programs, CACFP, and USDA child nutrition meal pattern and recipe standards.
• Experience and skills in policy analysis, regulatory language review, and the ability to convey complex concepts, policies, procedure in clear, concise, and easy-to-understand written guidance.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including communities of color, socially disadvantaged small-scale producers and people experiencing low incomes or food insecurity, in the consideration of impacts and outcomes of a decision-making process.
• Proven judgment and skill in representing an agency or organization in complex and evolving topics that may be contentious and/or require detailed, accurate, explanation.
• Some familiarity with agriculture in Washington state and understanding of the marketplace for local farm products' including regional and national trends in market and consumer demand for fresh, local and otherwise differentiated farm products.
  
• Understanding of institutional market requirements and standards such as, insurance, packaging, and necessary certifications including federal and private food safety audit certification programs and options for various types of operations (farms' food hubs or co-operatives, distributor/wholesaler processor) andunderstanding of government standards, licensing, permits, and other necessary information to conduct agricultural business effectively and legally in Washington State.
• Familiarity with local food infrastructure and supply chains including operating models and best practices for aggregation, distribution and processing of products to serve larger markets with source-identified products, such as food hubs and farmer cooperatives and different financial and ownership models that may be applied in aggregation, distribution, and processing facility development.
• Familiarity with small farm production and post-harvest methods for a wide variety of products (specialty crops, meat, poultry, eggs, fish, and seafood, value added products, small scale grains, beans, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience with systems-thinking and outcomes-oriented project design, project management, and evaluation, including metrics identification and data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge or adult education methods, developing, and conducting training and technical assistance for farmers, processors, or buyers in the direct markets and/or institutional markets and/or in relation to regulatory systems, procedures and certifications.

Supplemental Information
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.
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.
• Seattle office locations receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend.
• If a position is designated as requiring dual language skills, incumbents will also receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.

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:
• A 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.
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 contributes 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 in 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.
For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us atwww.agr.wa.gov.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-ti...