Address
Form of workSalary : $62,568.00 - $84,192.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2023-14169
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Division: Food Safety/Consumer Services - Food Asst & Region
Opening Date: 11/07/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Apply Early!
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time.
The first review of applicants will begin on November 21, 2023.
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 Food Assistance Program is currently seeking to fill a full-time permanent Compliance and Contracts Specialist in the Olympia, WA!
Food Assistance (FA) is part of the Food Safety and Consumer Services Division. FA manages over eight unique federal and state Food Assistance programs, each with a different set of regulations. Our programs help to provide resources, stewardship, and opportunities to support the needs of 500+ hunger-relief organizations across the state with food, funds, grant programs, initiatives, logistics support, technical assistance, emergency management (and more). The WA network of food banks, food pantries, meal programs, community action councils, tribes, and tribal organizations serve food insecure individuals and households - current service estimates are one in six (1:6) households across the state. We also help to support increased economic opportunity for WA farmers and producers engaged in providing food to the hunger-relief community.
The Food Assistance Compliance and Contracts Specialist is an essential role to the Food Assistance Program mission and serves as the Compliance and Contracts Specialist for core and pilot programs such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) and the Farm to Food Pantry Initiative (F2FP) as well as related grants and initiatives. This position provides technical expertise in FA contract development, program risk assessment and compliance monitoring as well as assist with delegating the responsibilities of the FA Compliance Contracts Administrator. This positions interacts with non-profit organizations throughout the state, USDA, the agricultural community, and stakeholders. The FA Compliance and Contracts Specialist assists with research, analysis, and compliance of federal Code of Federal Regulations (CFR's), State Administrative Codes (WAC), and Revised Codes (RCW) including Agency Policies and Procedures to determine new and//or changes to laws, rules, policies.
Position and Salary Information
WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Food Assistance Compliance and Contracts Specialist position within the Food Safety & Consumer Services Division. This is a non-represented position located in Olympia, Washington.
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: $62,568 Step A - $82,056 Step L annually.
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
For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.
Duties
Some of what you'll be doing:
Qualifications
Who should apply?
Professionals with:
Required Qualifications:
OR
A graduate or advanced degree may substitute for one year of the required professional experience.
Professional level experience with WSDA Food Assistance or closely aligned experience (in grant or program management) may substitute year for year of the education requirement.
AND
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:
• Current 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 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.
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 ret...
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2023-14169
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Division: Food Safety/Consumer Services - Food Asst & Region
Opening Date: 11/07/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Apply Early!
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time.
The first review of applicants will begin on November 21, 2023.
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 Food Assistance Program is currently seeking to fill a full-time permanent Compliance and Contracts Specialist in the Olympia, WA!
Food Assistance (FA) is part of the Food Safety and Consumer Services Division. FA manages over eight unique federal and state Food Assistance programs, each with a different set of regulations. Our programs help to provide resources, stewardship, and opportunities to support the needs of 500+ hunger-relief organizations across the state with food, funds, grant programs, initiatives, logistics support, technical assistance, emergency management (and more). The WA network of food banks, food pantries, meal programs, community action councils, tribes, and tribal organizations serve food insecure individuals and households - current service estimates are one in six (1:6) households across the state. We also help to support increased economic opportunity for WA farmers and producers engaged in providing food to the hunger-relief community.
The Food Assistance Compliance and Contracts Specialist is an essential role to the Food Assistance Program mission and serves as the Compliance and Contracts Specialist for core and pilot programs such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) and the Farm to Food Pantry Initiative (F2FP) as well as related grants and initiatives. This position provides technical expertise in FA contract development, program risk assessment and compliance monitoring as well as assist with delegating the responsibilities of the FA Compliance Contracts Administrator. This positions interacts with non-profit organizations throughout the state, USDA, the agricultural community, and stakeholders. The FA Compliance and Contracts Specialist assists with research, analysis, and compliance of federal Code of Federal Regulations (CFR's), State Administrative Codes (WAC), and Revised Codes (RCW) including Agency Policies and Procedures to determine new and//or changes to laws, rules, policies.
Position and Salary Information
WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Food Assistance Compliance and Contracts Specialist position within the Food Safety & Consumer Services Division. This is a non-represented position located in Olympia, Washington.
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: $62,568 Step A - $82,056 Step L annually.
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; click here for more information.
- 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
- 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 www.agr.wa.gov.
Duties
Some of what you'll be doing:
- Assist Compliance Contracts Administrator with development and documentation of Food Assistance (FA) policies and procedures related to unit contract development in meeting federal regulations and state law requirements.
- Develop, plan, and monitor technical aspects of FA contract development, contract negotiation and execution.
- Assist with research, analysis, and compliance of federal (CFRs) and state (RCWs/WACs).
- Conduct contracting activities such as drafting and reviewing contract templates in the development of FA Agreements, grants, and other contracting initiatives.
- Work in coordination with unit program staff to identify Special Terms and Conditions in development of FA Agreements, grants, and other contracting initiatives, (as applicable).
- Provide technical assistance, and coordination on the application of Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200) and other related cost principles, including state funding requirements.
- Research complex and conflicting issues surrounding agreement terms and conditions, as well as laws, rules, and agency policies.
- Plan, establish, document procedures and changing priorities throughout contracting process.
- Provide technical training and education to unit staff members regarding contract management.
- Assist Compliance Contracts Administrator with development and documentation of FA policies and procedures related to unit Compliance and required program monitoring to meet federal regulations and state law requirements.
- Plan, develop, and coordinate compliance monitoring activities in coordination with FA program staff.
- Provide FA program staff with guidance in resolving complex issues surrounding compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Work with FA staff to develop policies and document processes, make program improvements.
- Coordinate with FA staff developing procedures manual and procedures manual updates.
- Analyze and review fiscal reports, financial audits, inventory reports, to ensure compliance with audit and program requirements.
- Identify and review complex and conflicting issues and recommend corrective action for Agency non-compliance.
- Create, revise and update various FA forms and publications for program compliance in alignment with Agency communication and publications teams.
- Provide technical training and education to unit staff members regarding FA program Compliance and monitoring.
- Assist Compliance and Contracts Administrator with development and documentation of FA policies and procedures related to risk management of FA programs in alignment with federal regulations and state laws.
- Develop and establish policies and procedures for FA program risk management. Monitor Agency requirements, including developing risk assessment and risk assessment scores.
- Identify and track Agency activities, identifying conflicting issues discovered during period of performance to address post award risk assessment.
- Coordinate with program staff to identify complex issues of non-Compliance and work to mitigate program risk.
- Develop, establish, conduct, document, and maintain FA risk assessment tools and scoring matrix (pre-award and post-award).
- Work with FA Administrative Coordinator to ensure applications, contracts and supporting documentation are saved in appropriate filing location according to FA document filing structure to meet compliance requirements.
Qualifications
Who should apply?
Professionals with:
Required Qualifications:
- A bachelor's degree AND three (3) years of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development or comparable experience in closely related field with a focus on state and federal regulations.
OR
- Seven years total of a combination of higher education and professional experience in community, trade, or economic development or comparable experience in closely related field with a focus on state and federal regulations including 2 CFR 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
A graduate or advanced degree may substitute for one year of the required professional experience.
Professional level experience with WSDA Food Assistance or closely aligned experience (in grant or program management) may substitute year for year of the education requirement.
AND
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Prior experience and or education in agriculture, public administration, business administration or closely related field, including food systems and food security.
- Detailed knowledge of nonprofit sector, risk management, state contracting and procurement, fiscal management, and related work.
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:
• Current 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 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.
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 ret...
