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Job Details

Program Assistant - Internal

  2026-10-14     State of Washington     all cities,AK  
Description:

Salary : $50,412.00 - $67,704.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Agency Internal - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-08566
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Division: Animal Services - Livestock ID
Opening Date: 10/14/2026
Closing Date: 10/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy
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:
The WSDA Animal Services Division is dedicated to the protection, promotion and enhancement, of animal health, wellness and wellbeing. The Division works to minimize the exposure of the people of Washington State and their animals to harmful animal diseases on a state, national and international level.
The Livestock Identification Program provides asset protection to the livestock industry in Washington State by inspecting cattle and horses for brands or other proof of ownership, recording brands, and licensing public livestock markets and certified feedlots in order to deter theft and deny an outlet for stolen animals.
This position provides higher-level administrative support to the program and coordinates, organizes, and/or directs the operation of major program activities including but not limited to: administering the certified veterinarian and field livestock inspector programs; administering the Electronic Cattle Transaction Reporting (ECTR) System; content editor for the program's webpage on the WSDA website; responsible for payroll timekeeping for all field staff and two administrative staff in the program; serves as the lead for the program's records retention program; and serves as the lead customer service representative for the program. As required, this position supports legislative and rule-making activities for the livestock identification Program and the Animal Services Division. This position reports directly to the Program Manager.
Important Notes

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Internal Data Consultant 2 position within the Animal Services Division. This position is located in Olympia, Washington and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) Union.

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 for this position is: Range 46 Step A $50,412 - Step L $66,072 annually.
Duties

Some of the various responsibilities within this role:

Provides high level administration to program manager

  • Administer the Electronic Cattle Transaction Reporting (ECTR) System.
  • Oversee and maintain Electronic Cattle Transaction Reporting system.
  • Collaborate with Agency IT staff to ensure the system is functional and useful for the general public.
  • Develop desk manual for management of the system that encapsulates all required tasks, processes and procedures.
  • Review and approve new customer accounts.
  • Review and approve customer's request to add their Washington recorded brand to their ECTR account.
  • Audit ECTR transactions and data ensuring documents submitted by customers substantiate proof of ownership for the cattle they are selling or moving out of state. Follow up with compliance program when appropriate.
  • Provide customer service to ECTR account holders and troubleshoot errors.
  • Draft and submit yearly ECTR legislative report.
  • Administer the Certified Veterinarian / Field Livestock Inspector Training Program.
  • Update list of certified inspectors on Program's webpage on a quarterly basis as directed by RCW 16.57.
  • Process, create and mail lifetime horse identification cards sold by certified veterinarians and private field inspectors.
  • Edit and update training manuals, classroom materials and exams on an as-needed basis to ensure course material is in line with current statutes and rules.
  • Prepare all class and training materials for certification courses.
  • Schedule meeting rooms, dates and times for training at multiple locations throughout the state.
  • Serve as the instructor for the training course. Deliver 3-hour training block to new and renewing veterinarians.
  • Grade inspector exams to determine pass / fail and issue certificates to those students who pass.
  • Issue license renewal notices for certified veterinarians.
  • Process and ship all new certified veterinarian and private field livestock inspector startup kits.
  • Perform and review data auditing and analysis.
  • Outline and organize program data for annual reports to the legislature.
  • Develop auditing processes for inspections to ensure data is captured correctly and recorded accurately for the program.
  • Conduct data analysis to track expenses and potential efficiencies in the program.
  • Keep track of trends and statistics in the program such as revenue, headcount and expenses and compares data with previous years to report to stakeholders.
  • Coordinate Records Retention for Program.
  • Maintain annual records archiving in accordance with records retention policy.
  • Scan and save all required program documents for electronic records management
  • Special Projects:
    • Work collaboratively with field staff to troubleshoot inspection system errors or issues.
    • Serve as lead on special projects as delegated by program manager.
    • Assist in rule-making development and provide input to legislative bill review for the livestock identification program.
    • Analyze laws, rules, policies and practices: assist in developing, evaluating, revising and implementing services, policies or procedures.
    • Maintain forms inventory and update any forms used by the program, coordinate for print orders.
    • Audit fleet mileage for program staff versus PISCES daily entries.
    • Oversee hard copy livestock inspection certificate books using book tracker software. Audit returned certificate books from staff and certified veterinarians and work to resolve any errors or questions.
    • Assist compliance program with investigations and violations by providing research and data.
    • Coordinate advancements in ELID and implementation of Sale time.
    • Provide assistance and training to inspectors regarding changes.
    • Represent and communicate on supervisor's behalf at meetings, conferences, etc., and communicates for supervisor on administrative policy matters.
    • Ensure compliance with PEAR and HEAL act requirements and participates in strategic planning.
    • Assist with processing travel and TEMS for field staff and administrative staff in the program.
    • Participate with educational activities to include but not limited to; working with youth, hosting booths, or other community interaction.
Customer Service
  • Answer and retrieve phone messages and email from the Livestock Inspection Program's phone line and email account daily.
  • Process and ship all customer and field staff supply requests for documents, office supplies, etc.
  • Process, catalogs, and forward missing and stolen livestock reports to stakeholders and field staff.
  • Administer Livestock Inspection Program's online website.
  • Maintain and update contact information for field staff.
  • Assist with public records disclosure requests for program.
  • Process special sale permits and coordinate with field supervisors for inspection coverage.
  • Assist clients, customers, and stakeholders by providing agency interpretation on policies, procedures, laws, and rules, and application / licensing processes, provide explanations on program forms, pamphlets, and other materials.
  • Sort incoming program mail and distributes accordingly and mail inspector outgoing mail.
  • Assist in resolving problems that may occur between the program or stakeholders, both internal and external.
Supervises administrative staff
  • Supervise, train and mentor staff to assure that staff are meeting program expectations.
  • Evaluate employee performance, resolve staff issues, discipline and recognize employees, and council employees in work-related activities and career development.
  • Coordinate, assign and oversee all projects assigned to the brand recorder and fiscal specialist. Position is responsible for supervising daily work, scheduling staff to ensure adequate coverage, and prioritizing staff workload.
  • Oversee, instruct and provide guidance and expectations to staff.
  • Ensure staff activities are performed in a safe and legal manner.

Responsible for the program's time and attendance activities and reporting
  • Serve as PISCES timekeeper for all program field staff and two administrative staff.
  • Record, prepare and submit all time and attendance required documents to the payroll office in accordance with all timelines.
  • Calculate all holiday pay, personal leave days and personal holiday hours for livestock inspectors as required.
  • Audit time for discrepancies and corrections. Work closely with field supervisors to ensure corrections are made in timely manner.

Qualifications

Who should apply?
Professionals with:
  • A bachelor's degree including college level course work in statistics and/or mathematics.

AND
  • One (1) year of year experience working as a Data Consultant 1 or equivalent.
OR
  • Equivalent education/experience.
Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies
  • Ability to identify livestock terms and have a basic understanding of the livestock industry.
  • Prior lead or supervisory experience.
  • Knowledge of Animal Services RCW and WAC.
  • One (1) year experience with personal computers with word processing, spreadsheet, database, and email programs (Microsoft Office products such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • High school education or equivalent AND three years of progressively responsible experience in office/ clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative work.

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:

• Current 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
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 state's on-line recruitment system.

WSDA uses a I-9 formto 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
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 applicant's 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.
Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's 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 Veteran's 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. 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 (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 (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 (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 , 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

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

Describe a situation where you had to adapt your usual way of doing things to better serve someone or a group of people with a background different than your own. What did you change, what was the outcome? Share in your own words (150 words or less, not AI generated).
07

Are you currently an employee with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)?
  • Yes
  • No

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

Which statement below best describes your education/experience?
  • A bachelor's degree including college level course work in statistics and/or mathematics AND One (1) year of experience working as a Data Consultant 1 or equivalent.
  • I have an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • I do not have any of this education or experience.

10

Please describe your experience with livestock and/ or knowledge of livestock?
Required Question


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