Animal Food Safety Analyst - Management Analyst 3

Animal Food Safety Analyst - Management Analyst 3

Salary

$61,332.00 - $82,440.00 Annually

Location

Lincoln County - Other, WA

Job Type

Agency Internal - Project

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-06938

Department

Dept. of Agriculture

Division

Food Safety and Consumer Services - Animal Feed

Opening Date

08/20/2026

Closing Date

8/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washingtons 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 Safety & Consumer Services (FSCS) Division is one of the seven divisions in the Washington State Department of Agriculture. The FSCS Division serves consumers and stakeholders in the state of Washington by assuring the availability, safety, and integrity of the states human and animal food supply. The division is made up of approximately 100+ FTEs through five statewide programs, including: Animal Feed, FSCS Laboratory, Food Safety, Organic, and Produce Safety. We also house the Rapid Response Team that manages food and feed emergency responses.

The Opportunity

The Animal Feed Program (AFP) within the Food Safety & Consumer Services Division serves the people and animals of Washington and beyond by regulating the safety and integrity of animal food, to protect animal and public health and ensure market fairness. WSDA AFP regulates any entity that manufactures, transloads, processes, packs, or holds animal food in Washington State and any entity that distributes in or into Washington State or is a guarantor (responsible for) on the label of an animal food product. Therefore, regulation is not only statewide but nationally and internationally for those companies that do business in Washington. We license firms, register and review pet and specialty pet food products, collect tonnage information and fees, conduct field activities such as inspections, sampling, investigations, recalls and technical assistance and provide outreach and education. WSDA AFP has implemented and is maintaining the Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS), which is a set of eleven standards utilized to improve animal food regulatory programs as well as implement preventive controls regulatory activities, and to encourage domestic mutual reliance amongst animal food regulatory agencies and an integrated food safety system.

The Animal Food Safety Analyst will support animals, consumers, industry, and the program by analyzing animal food adulteration/outbreak data and peer reviewed scientific journals to develop and formulate recommendations and work products for industry best practices, resources, tools, trainings, outreach, and strategies to improve the awareness and education of animal food safety and integrity and the prevention of animal food adulteration and misbranding. This position will also coordinate animal food complaint investigations, compliance and enforcement, and will act as a backup field trainer and auditor. This position provides at least journey level analyses to management, staff, and customers. This position also provides consultation to resolve a variety of management issues.

Important Notes

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time project Management Analyst 3 position within the Food Safety and Consumer Services Division. This position is located in Davenport, Washington. This is a non-represented position.

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidates job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary range for this position is: Range 54 Step A $61,332 - Step L $80,496 annually.

Duties

What to Expect

Some of the various responsibilities within this role:

Research, analyze, develop and maintain procedures and resources related to animal food safety and integrity.

• Research for and identify, draft, and assist with the implementation and maintenance of policies, education, and tools that would increase prevention of animal food borne illness or deaths and misbranding.
• Coordinate and assist animal food inspectors and firms in conducting root cause analyses.
• Research peer reviewed scientific literature and identifies national or international safety or advisory limits.
• Compile data for species and life stage, type of product or ingredient, units of measure for contaminants, adulterants or nutritional levels for animal food.
• Review and analyze applicable laws, regulations, rules and existing policies and procedures to determine areas of improvement.
• Analyze, draft, and consult with partners and assist with the implementation and maintenance on biosecurity protocols and

natural disaster impact prevention and resiliency.

Research, analyze, consult, develop and maintain procedures and resources related to AFP compliance and enforcement.

• Research similar compliance and enforcement programs of other internal programs and external animal feed programs through the

AFRPS network.

• Draft improvements and needed procedures, instructions, templates, or resources.
• Assist the AFRPS Coordinator and other staff in their implementation and maintenance.
• Provide recommendations for program compliance and enforcement alignment and expansion.
• Provide consultation to AFP-Program Manager regarding areas requiring a meeting with assigned Assistant Attorney General

(AAG) or during the Feed Advisory meetings. Reviews and may issue compliance or enforcement notices.

• Meet with regulated parties, review plans, implement actions, and maintain thorough documentation and organization.
• Help to ensure program-wide compliance and enforcement efforts are harmonized, fair, and are fully in compliance with laws, rules,

policies, and procedures.

Coordinates animal food recalls and complaints.

• Prioritize and lead recall and complaint coordination for the AFP, working in harmony with field staff, management and all affected staff.
• Provide internal and external technical assistance for animal food recalls and internal technical assistance for animal food complaints.
• Update recall tool on agency website.
• Prepare, track, maintain, and ensure closure of animal food recall and complaint documentation.
• Plan, coordinate, and may complete recall effectiveness checks.
• Analyze, develop, maintain, and improve the AFP's recall and complaint processes/procedures, templates, industry resources, and tools.
• Analyze complaints and recalls after closure, identifies, and implements improvement.

Qualifications

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution involving major study in agriculture, animal science/nutrition, public or environmental health, food science or technology, public administration, business, law, or similar field OR related experience may substitute on a year for year basis

• Three (3) years of experience in the public health regulation or animal/human food, agriculture, or other related field/industry, conducting research, or analyzing policies, laws, rules or regulations

• Must have the ability to qualify for and obtain FDA Commissioning as required. FDA Commission qualifications (subject to change, discretion, and further inquiry by FDA):

• Meets qualification for FSCS position duties.

• Citizen of the United States of America.

• No felonies/misdemeanors (excluding minor traffic offenses) or pending trials/investigations for such.

• Drivers License

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Experience - knowledge Specialized knowledge of radiological, chemical, physical, and microbiological hazards in animal food
• Experience in building programs, systems and projects from scratch in pursuit of accomplishing long-term goals and continuous improvement.
• Experience with state/federal cooperative agreements, grants or contracts, successfully producing deliverables and reporting requirements.
• Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary teams successfully completed a goal.
• Experience researching peer reviewed literature and analyzing data.

Supplemental Information

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.

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

Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.

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.

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 states on-line recruitment system.

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 applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Work Authorization

• Candidates who are offered a job with WSDA must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future;
• WSDA complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
• WSDA does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
• Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Equity at WSDA

The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.

We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Veterans Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans 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 Veterans Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

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.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.

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

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

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. Thats 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-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Your preferred name:

02

Your pronoun(s):

03

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

04

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?

• Yes
• No

05

What was the last new skill you learned or area of knowledge you developed? What difference did it make? Share in your own words (150 words or less, not AI generated).

06

Describe a time you learned of the needs of a colleague or customer and took initiative to address them. What was the situation, what did you do, and what was the result? Share in your own words (150 words or less, not AI generated).

07

How did you hear about this opportunity?

08

To be considered for this position you must attach a resume. Have you attached or included this document to your application?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have a bachelors degree from an accredited institution involving major study in agriculture, animal science/nutrition, public or environmental health, food science or technology, public administration, business, law, or similar field OR related experience (may substitute on a year for year basis)?

• Yes
• No
• No, but I have related experience

10

Do you have three (3) years of experience in the public health regulation or animal/human food, agriculture, or other related field/industry, conducting research, or analyzing policies, laws, rules or regulations?

• Yes
• No

11

Do you have the ability to qualify for and obtain FDA Commissioning as required. FDA Commission qualifications (subject to change, discretion, and further inquiry by FDA): • Meets qualification for FSCS position duties. • Citizen of the United States of America. • No felonies/misdemeanors (excluding minor traffic offenses) or pending trials/investigations for such.

• Yes
• No

12

Do you have the ability obtain and maintain a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov