Produce Safety Field Inspector

The first review of applications is scheduled for the week of January 29
, 2026. In order to be considered, please submit your application on or before January 28, 2025
. The agency reserves the right to make a hire any time after the initial screening date.

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 approximately 780 employees 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.

WSDA Produce Safety Program within the Food Safety & Consumer Services Division encourages the safe production of fruits and vegetables, thereby reducing the public health risks for consumers of Washington produce. Through inspection, enforcement and education, the program promotes understanding of and compliance with the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.

The Produce Safety Field Inspector positions conduct field inspections and investigations, provide technical assistance, assist with/participate in educational and outreach activities. These activities will help protect the public from unsafe or adulterated produce by ensuring compliance with state laws and federal regulations. The Produce Safety Field Inspectors work in collaboration with a wide variety of organizations such as produce growers, local health departments, and federal agencies, as well as commodity commissions and associations.

Continual improvements to the policies, procedures, and practices of the Produce Safety Program will be based on practical experience gained and shared by these positions.

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2 position within the Food Safety & Consumer Services Division. These positions are approved for a home duty station, but must reside in these counties Chelan or Okanogan, WA. This is a non‑represented position.

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 for this position is: $60,132 - $78,912 annually.

• Conduct field inspections supporting Produce Safety Program objectives.
  • Perform field inspections on assigned entities, ensuring adherence to established standards.
  • Conduct thorough review of required sanitation and other required records.
  • Perform a complete inspection of on‑site physical structures and associated grounds for compliance with standards.
  • Document and present inspection and investigation findings:
    • Provide clear, concise written and oral reports of inspections.
    • Effectively convey areas of concern in order of priority.
    • Provide photographic evidence as required to assist in potential regulatory action.
    • Fully document and collect all relevant data and evidence during investigations.
  • Input data into Food Pro database on inspection results and assignments.
• Conduct outreach activities and attend all training events as required.
  • Conduct outreach calls to help growers understand their coverage status, prepare them for an inspection, and/or provide general education.

Professionals with a bachelor’s degree involving major study in business, microbiology, food science, food technology, biochemistry, dairy science, environmental health or a degree in a closely allied field and one (1) year of professional experience in a public health regulatory, food manufacturing environment, or produce or food‑based agriculture industry.

Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education.

• Must have the ability to qualify for and obtain FDA Commissioning as required. FDA Commission qualifications (subject to change,…