Emergency Preparedness & Safety Specialist

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

Apply early! First review of applications is scheduled for September 29th! To be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before September 28th, 2026.

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 Opportunity
Within the Administrative Services division of WSDA, Enterprise Risk Management Services programs, and under the general supervision and direction of the Safety Program Assistant Manager, this position coordinates and develops several major statewide components of WSDA Agriculture's comprehensive emergency preparedness program, which includes employee security, safety and health. Complies with federal and state laws, the Department of Labor and Industries Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and the Washington State Industrial Safety Act (WISHA) rules, regulations and codes including emergency preparedness, evacuation plans, policies, hazard mitigation, respirator fit-testing, response and recovery.

Coordinates and facilitates program components, projects, and/or functions with other state and federal agencies, and when necessary local jurisdictions, tribal governments, the private sector, and/or other states. Manages, administers, coordinates, and guarantees statewide emergency preparedness is provided throughout the seven divisions and directors office within 39 counties.

This position ensures the department complies with all applicable emergencies, environmental, safety and health regulations and codes; including developing and implementing emergency preparedness in response to emerging disasters and new regulations.

Important Notes

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Occupational Safety and Health Specialist 2 position within the Enterprise Risk Management Division. This position is located in Olympia, Washington. 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 range for this position is: Range 58 $ 67,704 Step A - $88,788 Step L annually.

What to Expect

Some of the various responsibilities within this role:

Oversees, administers, develops, and coordinates components of the department-wide emergency preparedness program.

• Oversee, implement, and sustain an internal emergency preparedness program by preparing for and mitigating, responding to and recovering from disasters through direction, consultation, and technical expertise for the agency.
• Develop and administer critical emergency preparedness functions by reviewing the department's policies and the divisions/program emergency procedures.
• Oversee and sustain a functional Emergency preparedness program.
• Coordinate and direct the agency  program.
• Provide quality emergency preparedness updates.
• Implement active communication; provide educational materials.
• Ensure a safe workplace exists; and conduct site visits throughout various workplace environments.
• Provide expert advice for personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain department-wide emergency preparedness plans,…