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.

Please Note: This posting is being used to fill multiple positions in multiple locations throughout Eastern Washington.

ABOUT THE POSITION: WSDA Seed program is a unit within the Commodity Inspection Division and conducts pre-harvest field inspections and laboratory testing of agricultural, vegetable, native, range and flower seeds grown under the seed certification and phytosanitary programs. The program is responsible for seed certification, seed testing, phytosanitary inspection, regulatory seed inspection and official seed inspection.

These positions directly support the mission of the program by overseeing quality phytosanitary and certification field inspections, drawing official samples while enforcing federal and state regulations and maintaining positive relations with stakeholders.

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

• Inspections are conducted by trained personnel for crop genetic purity, pests, diseases, noxious weed contamination, and confirmation of truthful and lawful labeling of the marketed seed crop.
• Inspectors will inspect approximately 113,000+ combined acres of seed crops including alfalfa, beans, clover, corn, flax, turf grass, forage and native grasses, peas, rapeseed, woody plants, and numerous other small seeded vegetables.
• Inspectors will certify crops in the field, conduct phytosanitary inspections for specified diseases, may inspect conditioning plants, and conduct seed control inspections according to State and Federal seed production laws.
• Inspectors will capture field observations online via a mobile device to create reports.
• Certification work is entirely outdoors during all weather conditions.
• Field inspectors are expected to complete assigned duties during inclement weather including but not limited to summer heat, rain, and wind.
• Field terrain is sometimes harsh with poor footing on uneven ground with many uncertain obstacles. There is potential to come into direct contact with pests, rodents, wildlife, and domestic animals while performing job duties.
• Seed inspectors make numerous contacts with seed industry stakeholders and must follow established ethical practices to promote good public relations.

Required:

• Experience in agriculture and familiarity with processing, marketing and testing of agricultural commodities.
• Experience in Microsoft Office email and the ability to operate computers and specialized computer programs and mobile devices.
• Experience with online data entry.
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret and comprehend federal directives, notices, rules and regulations, and state policies and internal procedures.
• Valid WA State Drivers License.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Desired:

• Some post-secondary education with an emphasis in Agronomy or closely related field.
• Knowledge of state and federal seed certification regulations, seed law enforcement standards, familiarity with diseases, and weeds found in crops.
• Ability to navigate a GPS and/or atlas.
• Ability to drive an all-wheel [AWD] vehicle across rough terrain.
• Valid First Aid/CPR Card.

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 in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest to describe why you are the best candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education

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.

Applications with comments “see attachments” will be considered incomplete.

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.

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at (360)764-0143 or 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 applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

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.

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.

Military Spouse Preference: To take advantage of military spouse preference, you will have an opportunity to identify your status in the questionnaire. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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.