Brand Inspector Supervisor

Salary: $18.93 – $25.20 Hourly

Location : Multiple Locations – Central Washington, WA

Job Type: Part Time – Permanent

Job Number: 2023-10435

Department: Dept. of Agriculture

Division: Animal Services

Opening Date: 08/18/2023

Closing Date: Continuous

Description

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.

We’re seeking to hire a Brand Inspector Supervisor to join the Livestock Identification Program!

This position will remain open until filled, with an initial screening date of September 1st, 2023. In order to be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before August 31st, 2023.

The WSDA Animal Services Division is dedicated to protecting the health and economic vitality of our livestock industry.TheLivestock Identification Program aids in that mission by providing asset protection for the livestock industry by recording brands, licensing feedlots and public livestock markets, and by conducting surveillance and inspection of livestock at time of sale and upon out of state movement.

As a Brand Inspector Field Supervisor this position reports to the Livestock Identification Program Manager and is a member of the program’s management team. With an emphasis on field supervision, this position supports the manager in the implementation of the program, performance of the program’s fiscal and accountabiltiy compliance, and problem resolution resulting in creation or change of policy to ensure goals and strategies of the program are met and accounted for. This position will primarily be supporting and supervising staff at the Toppenish Livestock Market in Toppenish, WA.

Position and Salary Information
WSDA is recruiting for a part-time permanent Brand Inspector Supervisor position within the Animal Services Division. This position is approved for a home duty station residing in Yakima, Kittitas, or Klickitat County to ensure excellent service delivery to the local livestock community. This position is represented by Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

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: $18.93 – $24.61 hourly.

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
include, but are not limited to:

• Utilize independent judgment to make decisions dealing with urgent or short notice issues and redirect personnel to meet needs for high priority activity.
• Communicate with field staff and program manager concerning program and industry issues.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the livestock Inspection Regulations.
• Respond to and provide information to the public, co-workers, other agencies, etc. in a timely, professional and easy to understand manner.
• Monitor employee assigned vehicle mileage, ensure state vehicles are up to date on scheduled services and repairs.
• Supervise all field staff within designated geographic area to include:
  • Oversee training and professional development of all field staff in designated area to ensure expertise and capability to execute field objectives successfully.
  • Address performance issues relating to submission of records and revenue. Audit employee time records/ travel vouchers, ensure staff follow the policies, and procedures of the program, division. and agency.
  • Conduct yearly evaluations of staff and set expectations for staff, monitor work schedules, and make assignments to keep overtime at a minimum.
• Perform ownership inspections of cattle and horses being presented for inspection at livestock markets, slaughter plants, feedlots, and other locations as required.
• Responsibilities include visually inspecting the animal(s), validating ownership and the right of possession claims, researching brand recordings, inspection records, and issuing certificates to document or transfer title of the animal.
• Assist in the preparation and editing of correspondence, newsletters, reports and publication for the program.
• Assist the program manager with developing a strategic plan, developing policy and procedures relating to the program and its field activities, and assist with special projects assigned to the program.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience including overseeing geographically dispersed employees and conflict management.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Demonstrated proficiency and skill in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, with little direct supervision.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Two (2) years experience or knowledge of the livestock industry; includes experience handling livestock or experience working in an animal related industry (such as a dairy, feedlot, or veterinary office).
• Two (2) years experience in law enforcement, military service or work involving direct public contact.
• Two (2) years experience as a Brand Inspector 1.

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 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 (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 (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 , 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, are entitled to three (3) 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

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

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

Updated 12-31-2022

01

To be considered for this position you must have attached a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. Have you included or attached the required documents to the application?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a valid driver’s license, or able to obtain one prior to employment?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have two (2) or more years of supervisory experience including overseeing geographically dispersed employees and conflict management?

• Yes
• No

05

Please describe your experience with supervising geographically dispersed employees. If you do not have this experience please type, “N/A” below.

06

Please describe your experience with livestock and/ or knowledge of livestock. If you do not have this experience and/or knowledge please type “N/A” below.

07

Please describe your management style and how you motivate team members. If you do not have this experience please type, “N/A” below.

08

Which one of the following best describes your proficiency using database software (such as Microsoft Excel)? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below.
• BASIC: Create basic worksheets; create basic formulas; use basic functions; modify and format a worksheet; print workbooks.
• INTERMEDIATE: Use advanced formulas; organize tables and worksheets; create and modify charts; analyze data using Pivot tables and Pivot Charts; insert and modify graphic objects in a worksheet; find and replace data.
• ADVANCED: Create and edit macros; conditional formatting; able to protect, share and merge files; trace cells and troubleshoot formula errors; uses data list outline; consolidate data and link workbooks; export and import text files and XML data; import data from the Web and create Web queries; use templates, styles, and autoformats.
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Excel functions listed above and uses advanced formulas, functions and arrays; uses information, date and time functions; uses advanced editing and formatting; advanced chart formatting; runs solver models and reports; embed and link information; set up customization including automation; apply data validation criteria.

Required Question