Occupational Safety & Health Specialist 2

State of Washington

  • Olympia, WA
  • 2 days ago
  • $67,704–$91,104 Per Year

Highlights

Schedule, coordinate, and execute statewide First Aid/CPR/AED and Wilderness Remote First Aid trainings through the following practices: oversee administration and policy (program scope, procedure, and SOP); provide training, content, and delivery (emergency response principles, CPR, First Aid, AED instruction, and hands-on practice); maintain equipment and supplies (first aid kits, AED deployment and sustainment, PPE, and necessary training equipment); provide maintenance and evaluation (skills testing, recertification schedule, program review, data tracking, and transparent reporting. 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 Agricultures comprehensive emergency preparedness program, which includes employee security, safety and health.

Numbers & Facts

LocationOlympia, WA
Salary$67,704–$91,104 Per Year

Description

Occupational Safety & Health Specialist 2

Salary

$67,704.00 - $91,104.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-07626

Department

Dept. of Agriculture

Division

Administrative Services - Enterprise Risk Management

Opening Date

09/15/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Description

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washingtons 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 Agricultures 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 candidates 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.

Duties

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 departments policies and the divisions/program emergency procedures.
  • Oversee and sustain a functional Emergency preparedness program.
  • Coordinate and direct the agency ID card 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, evacuations, standard operating procedures and manuals.
  • Anticipate, plan, coordinate, and send out inclement weather and natural disaster notifications to the leadership team and the

department, as needed.

  • Research state and federal rules and regulations.
  • Provide technical assistance, and direction in support of state and local emergency management/preparedness programs.
  • Oversee and coordinate the Washington State Department of Agriculture Emergency Operations Center (EOC), when requested by the department.
  • Serve on campus committees and task teams.
  • Attend and represent the department with external committees, boards, and other federal and State agencies on matters pertaining to emergency management or preparedness operations/events.
  • Advise and work with other state agency emergency management/preparedness professionals to continuously develop plans and prepare for any emergency.
  • Drive agency vehicle throughout the state to perform emergency preparedness operations.

Oversee and ensure compliance with the departments respirator and fit-testing program.

  • Oversee, facilitate, ensure all employees requiring fit-testing certification and recertifications are conducted to ensure compliance with Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-842-11005, federal/local laws and regulations, department policy and procedures, and 3M licensed health care provider.
  • Coordinate core program requirements: administration, policy, written program, medical evaluations, employee training, recordkeeping.
  • Oversee and execute fit-testing specifics: initial and subsequent testing; method Operations; prerequisites, and re-testing.

Oversee, coordinate, and implement agency-wide training for Emergency Preparedness, First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Wilderness Remote First Aid and Evacuation/Concealment Room trainings and certifications.

  • Schedule, coordinate, and execute statewide First Aid/CPR/AED and Wilderness Remote First Aid trainings through the following practices: oversee administration and policy (program scope, procedure, and SOP); provide training, content, and delivery (emergency response principles, CPR, First Aid, AED instruction, and hands-on practice); maintain equipment and supplies (first aid kits, AED deployment and sustainment, PPE, and necessary training equipment); provide maintenance and evaluation (skills testing, recertification schedule, program review, data tracking, and transparent reporting.
  • Develop, deliver, and evaluate emergency preparedness training and educational activities.
  • Coordinate, sustain, and train all Washington State Department of Agricultures evacuation plans, routes, and teams [red hats]. while maintaining plans and overseeing communication (radios).
  • Coordinate and oversee the departments participation in Everbridge WA State Alerts and other emergency notification systems such as: 800MHZ and Motorola radios; department satellite phones; and WSDA EOC employee emergency notification system.
  • Perform operational tests and maintain various telephonies, radio frequency, and internet-based communication and information technology systems.

Qualifications

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

  • Must hold and maintain a valid WA State driver's license.

AND

  • A bachelors degree in occupational safety and health, safety studies, natural science, business or public administration, education or allied field.

AND

  • Three years of professional experience in occupational safety and health programs.

OR

  • A masters degree in occupational safety and health, safety studies, natural science, business or public administration, education or allied field may be substituted for two of the three years of the above professional work experience requirement.

OR

  • Equivalent education/experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Two (2) years experience overseeing a workplace respirator program
  • First Aid/CPR/AED Certified Instructor

Supplemental Information

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.

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:

  • A 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.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

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 states on-line recruitment system.

WSDA uses a I-9 form(Download PDF reader) to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual's ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Equity at WSDA

The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.

We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.

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 applicants 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.

Veterans Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans 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 Veterans Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

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.

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

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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

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

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Your preferred name:

02

Your pronoun(s):

03

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

  • Yes
  • No

04

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?

  • Yes
  • No

05

What was the last new skill you learned or area of knowledge you developed? What difference did it make? Share in your own words (150 words or less, not AI generated).

06

What problems, issues, or barriers have you encountered when helping people access government or other services and what actions have you taken to overcome them? Share in your own words (150 words or less, not AI generated).

07

Please let us know where you learned about this job opportunity.

08

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

  • Yes
  • No

09

Do you have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license?

  • Yes
  • No

10

Which statement below best describes your education/experience?

  • A bachelors degree in occupational safety and health, safety studies, natural science, business or public administration, education or allied field AND three (3) years of professional experience in occupational safety and health programs.
  • A masters degree in occupational safety and health, safety studies, natural science, business or public administration, education or allied field AND one (1) year of professional experience in occupational safety and health programs.
  • I have an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • I do not have any of this education or experience.

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov

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