Animal Food Field Inspector - WA

Overview

This recruitment is open until filled.

The first review of applications is scheduled for the week of February 23, 2026
; to be considered, please submit your application on or before February 22, 2026
.

The agency reserves the right to make a hire any time after the initial screening date.

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

We are the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). The agency has served the state for more than 100 years, working with farmers and ranchers to keep agriculture viable and vital while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. Our responsibilities—from ensuring food safety to environmental protection—touch the lives of millions locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes approximately 780 employees and grows close to 1,000 employees at peak seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

We’re hiring a full-time permanent Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2 to join the Animal Feed Program, covering Central Washington. A home office can be located in Kittitas County, Yakima County, Douglas County, Grant County, Benton County, Other Negotiable Central Washington Location, or Pierce County.

Food Safety & Consumer Services (FSCS) Division is one of five divisions in WSDA. It serves consumers and stakeholders by assuring the safety and integrity of the state’s human and animal food supply. The division has approximately 100 full-time employees and includes:
Animal Feed, FSCS Laboratory, Food Safety, Organic, Produce Safety. We also house the Rapid Response Team for food and feed emergency responses.

The Animal Feed Program (AFP) regulates animal food manufacturers, distributors, and guarantors. Our work extends statewide, nationally, and internationally for companies doing business in Washington. We register and review pet and specialty pet food products, license firms, conduct inspections, sampling, investigations, recalls, and provide technical assistance and outreach. AFP has implemented and maintains the Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS).

The Central WA Field Inspector role performs field activities to protect animals and humans from misbranded or adulterated/contaminated animal food or ingredients, and demonstrates working knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and regulations. This position conducts field activities independently, documents observations clearly, collects samples, and may provide testimony for legal actions. It also serves as the primary liaison between industry partners and the AFP for technical assistance and stakeholder outreach.

Important Notes

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Food Safety Compliance Specialist 2 position within the FSCS Division, AFP. The position is approved for a home duty station in Kittitas County, Yakima County, Douglas County, Grant County, Benton County, Other Negotiable Central Washington Location, or Pierce County, but travel statewide for inspections is required.

Some workdays may be outside a typical 8-hour schedule and rarely weekend work may be necessary. The position is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association. The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary range is:
Range 54, Step A $60,132 – Step L $78,912 annually.

Conduct inspections, investigations and compliance/enforcement related to animal food

• Perform independent or joint inspections and investigations under the authority of Washington State and under contract with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and departmental laws, requirements, regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to the Animal Feed Program and WSDA.
• Discern between critical and significant observations indicating patterns or risk during inspection and investigation activities.
• Document inspectional and investigational findings as prescribed by the AFP and/or federal partners.
• Identify adulterated, contaminated, or…