CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST JOB IN WASHINGTON DC

The Washington State Department of Agriculture serves the people of Washington by supporting the agricultural community and promoting consumer and environmental protection.
This is a full-time permanent position located in the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, Washington.  This position works Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This position is part of the Food Safety Program which protects consumer health by safeguarding the food supply through education, technical assistance and enforcement.  The program helps to facilitate the movement of Washington food and agriculture products in domestic and international markets through verification of food safety standards and issuance of export sanitation certificates.

About the position:
This position provides assistance and problem resolution, identifying agency/program processes and procedures and interpreting program related laws, rules, and regulations.  Employee interacts with administrative and other personnel in the agency, other public agencies, the general public and industry we serve.

Employee work includes tasks such as updating spreadsheets, entering inspection information into databases, office and telephone reception, maintaining pending license applications, and preparing approved licenses for food processors, dairies, food storage warehouses, and custom meat facilities.  Employee is responsible for all aspects of the licensing process from initial application to issuing of license and filing of paperwork.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov

Duties

Included but are not limited to:
Responsible for all aspects of the dairy, food processor, warehouse, custom meats and specialty poultry licensing.

• Provide assistance and problem resolution, identifying agency/program processes and procedures and interpreting program related laws, rules and regulation for a variety of complex licenses such as food processors, dairies, food storage warehouses, custom meat facilities and establishments and temporary chicken slaughter permits.

• Review of new license applications, corresponding with field staff regarding initial license approval, issuance of licenses, renewal process and follow-up.

• Maintain files for each licensee and review and track the six month application process.  Ensure license renewal notices are sent six weeks in advance of expiration date.

• Send delinquent renewal notices to the firms.

• Record inspections and update information for the above entities.  Correspond with owners regarding their business as needed.

• Update database as necessary regarding inspections and licensing.'

• Process orders for Beef Tags.

• Provide support and assistance on various certification and registration projects and tasks they arise.

Qualifications

High School graduate or GED equivalent

AND
Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in office/clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative work.

Preferred candidate to have skills in:

• Planning and Organizational skills
• Supporting Others
• Leading and influencing
• Adapting
• Vision of Objectives

Supplemental Information

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile within www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following documents indicated below for this position in order to be considered.  Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying to the on-line profile.

Please attach the following documents indicated below to your profile before completing the on-line application:

• A letter of interest describing how you feel you meet the qualifications of this position.

• A list of three (3) professional references including names, professional titles, current email and telephone information.

Please note:  Failure to provide the following documents indicated above will result in disqualification.  No documents will be accepted separate from the application.

If you are unable to apply on-line, please contact the human resource consultant listed below.  Please include your last name and the position title in the subject line of your email.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, you may call Amber Robertson, HR Consultant at (360) 725-5506 or arobertson@agr.wa.gov 

 
 

The State of Washington actively supports diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who need assistance in the application process or who need this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 725-5506

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 and that your priority is making sure 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. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

 

Insurance Benefits

 

Employees and 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. 

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.

 Vacation (Annual Leave)

 

You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment and are able to take leave after six months of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees as follows:

YEARS	ACCRUAL
During 1st year	12 days
During 2nd year	13 days
During 3rd & 4th years	14 days
During 5th, 6th & 7th years	15 days
During 8th, 9th & 10th years	16 days
During 11th year	17 days
During 12th year	18 days
During 13th year	19 days
During 14th year	20 days
During 15th year	21 days
During 16th year & thereafter	22 days

A maximum of 30 working days (240 hours) may be accumulated.
 
Holidays

 

Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:

HOLIDAY	DATE
New Year's Day	January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday	Third Monday in January
Presidents' Day	Third Monday in February
Memorial Day	Last Monday in May
Independence Day	July 4
Labor Day	First Monday in September
Veterans' Day	November 11
Thanksgiving Day	Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day	December 25
Personal Holiday	Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

 

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.

 

Sick Leave

 

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for the following: illness, injury, preventative health care, exposure to a contagious disease that might endanger others, disability due to pregnancy or childbirth, illness, injury or death of relatives.

 

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