Description

We are looking for the perfect fit for the important role of our statewide Agricultural Safety Technical Specialist within the Standards, Technical and Laboratory Services program in the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). They must be familiar with all appropriate DOSH, OSHA, NIOSH, CDC and other standards related to agriculture, pesticide use, tractors, temporary worker housing, and general safety issues that occur in agricultural operations and processes.

Reporting to the Technical Services Safety Program Manager they will provide technical assistance on the agriculture industry to internal DOSH and L&I staff, employers, employees, employer associations, employee associations, and other stakeholder groups.

They will work primarily with employers in the agriculture industry but will also work with employers in other industries providing recommendations for updating existing Safety and Health Policies for the Agriculture Industry and conduct research on emerging hazards to develop new policies. While maintaining a courteous professional demeanor at all times they will help employers understand the process and their responsibilities in achieving the ultimate goal of workplace safety through; safety programs, employee training, hazard abatement, reducing claims, and safely managing their workforce.

They will also attend and represent the Department and DOSH at National and Regional Conferences, the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, and the State Legislature.

If this feels like the perfect fit for YOU, APPLY NOW!!

We value our employees and their work-life balance by encouraging flexible schedules. This position can be offered with a flexible schedule (4/10’s, 9/80’s, 5/8’s etc.) after probationary/trial period.

This position can be located at any of our statewide L&I locations!
See all of our current L&I DOSH position openings here: Current L&I DOSH open positions

Duties

Some of what you’ll do:

• 
  Develop, implement and improve Enforcement Policies for the Agriculture Industry.
• Conduct research to gather information necessary to amend current or issue new Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Policy.
• Research Federal Regulations or other governing regulatory rules to make sure existing DOSH rules are at least as effective as rules enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• Organize, write, and edit comprehensive technical materials and report.
• Answer technical questions about Occupational Safety and Health Rules from DOSH Compliance and Consultation staff, employer and employee groups, other state agencies, industry associations and the general public.
• Provide specialized technical expertise to industry, labor organizations and representatives, company officials, civic groups, governmental agencies and other interested in Industrial Safety and Health.
• Research emerging hazards and new technologies and makes action recommendations to management.
• Support the appeals process; review files prior to hearing for completeness, testify as a state’s witness during appeals actions, give legal depositions as an expert witness, advise the Assistant Attorney General’s Hearing Officers and other in the preparation for hearings, conferences, and settlements.
• Statewide responsibility to assist complex enforcement inspections of employer workplace and determine whether employers are complying with Safety and Health Standards.
• Provide internal and external training in the application of safety and health principles and regulations.
• Work with industry associations (labor and management) to ensure adequacy of external training.
• Provide outreach services to both English and Spanish speaking communities.
• Conduct professional presentations, radio interviews, etc., as necessary, for Spanish speaking communities.
• Schedule and conduct temporary worker housing inspections to ensure housing meets code requirements and is safe for workers to occupy.
• And much more!

Qualifications

REQUIRED*:

• 
  Four years as a Labor and Industries Safety and Health Specialist or Industrial Hygienist

OR

• A Bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, biology, physiology, statistics, mathematics, computer science, engineering mechanics, industrial processes, industrial hygiene and toxicology, design of engineering hazard controls, fire protections, ergonomics, system and process safety, safety and health program management, accident investigation and analysis, construction safety or other environmental safety and health topic and four years of experience as a safety and health manager, occupational safety consultant, occupational safety inspector, or related experience.

OR

• A Master’s Degree in management business administration engineering education physical and social sciences and two years of experience as a safety and health manager occupational safety consultant, occupational safety inspector, or related experience.

OR

• Four years of full-time journey level experience in one or more of the following industries: logging, construction, manufacturing, fishing, agriculture, health/medical service industry or related experience and four years of experience as a safety and health manager, occupational safety consultant, occupational safety inspector, or related experience.

AND

• Must possess a valid unrestricted driver license and may not have convictions for driving under the influence or driving offenses that endangered or harmed others within the past 7 years.

• College-level education will substitute year for year for up to four years of non-safety and health experience.
• Additional safety and health qualifying experience will substitute year for year for education.

DESIRED:

• Current certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
• Bilingual Spanish
  • If hired as bilingual, our top applicant will be required to pass an assessment of your ability to write and speak Spanish fluently. We do not use translating software.
  • Employees with bilingual responsibilities receive a 5% increase in pay.

Supplemental Information

Things You Need To Know
State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career. Click on the “Benefits” tab to learn more.

At L&I, your voice matters. In addition, L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3.3 million workers. Take a look at this brief video and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.

Per Governor Inslee’s Directive 22-13.1, state employees must be fully vaccinated effective November 4, 2022. Providing proof of being fully vaccinated is a condition of employment and your vaccine status will be verified by Human Resources prior to your first day of employment. Please contact Lori Hensin (she/her/hers) at lori.hensin@lni.wa.gov if you need information on medical or religious accommodation.

For this position, telework is permitted on occasion. The assigned duty station for this position is any statewide L&I location, Washington.

For positions where in-office work is necessary, the frequency of telework will be discussed with the supervisor of the position at the time of offer.

Application process
We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because we base the selection on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described in the announcement.

Please include the following documents with your application:

• 
  A cover letter describing specific qualifications.
• A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
• A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Please DO NOT attach or place any medical information (vaccination status included), including listing the governor’s mandate as a reason for leaving employment, within the application, resume, or cover letter. If you do, we will have to reject your application to safeguard others from receiving your confidential information. You will have to remove the confidential information before you can apply again.

Other information

• A job offer is contingent upon completion of a background check that includes a criminal record review.
• For positions requiring travel, you must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
• Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• The Department of Labor & Industries complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
• Please note: L&I may use this announcement to fill multiple permanent and/or non-permanent positions.

Did You Know?
Washington is America's Top State to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.

In addition to offering a positive balance between life and work, L&I provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We also believe your voice matters. We value our employees and their work-life balance by encouraging flexible schedules. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3 million workers.

Veterans Preference
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact L&I’s Jobs@lni.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

For more Information
If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact the recruiter, Lori Hensin (she/her/hers) at lori.hensin@lni.wa.gov.