Salary: $2,764.00 – $3,401.00 Monthly
Location: Clark County – Other, WA
Job Type: Seasonal
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Job Number: 2023-04985
Closing: 5/7/2023 12:00 AM Pacific

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

Description
The Pest Program conducts surveys, diagnostics and control activities for pests and diseases of important agricultural commodities throughout Washington State.  Pest Program employees conduct surveys for northern giant hornet, Japanese beetle, spongy moth, apple maggot, Phytophthora ramorum, Spartina and other invasive insect pests, diseases, and noxious weeds.  Some employees work in the Plant Pest and Molecular Diagnostics Lab, or the Entomology labs in Olympia or Yakima to provide diagnostics of survey samples.   Others assist with control and eradication efforts for northern, giant hornet, Japanese beetle, spongy moth, invasive snails, Spartina and knotweed.  Regardless of the threat, Pest program employees use cutting edge technology, scientific processes, and teamwork to protect some of Washington’s most valuable agricultural crops.

The Agricultural Aide will follow scientific protocols to conduct various aspects of the invasive species survey project as assigned under the supervision of the Pest Biologist. This is a full-time seasonal position from June – September 28th 2023. Agricultural Aides will typically work Monday-Thursday, 6:00am- 4:00pm shifts each week. 

Position and Salary Information
WSDA is recruiting for a Seasonal full-time Agricultural Aide position within the Pest Program in the Plant Protection Division. This position is approved for a home duty station located in Clark County, Washington and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.

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 range for these positions is: $15.89  Step D – $19.09 Step L hourly. 

Duties
Some of what you will do:

  • Participate as directed in Japanese Beetle and/or other invasive species projects. 
  • Respond to urgent Japanese Beetle and/or other invasive species introductions.
  • Conduct surveillance and monitoring surveys for invasive pests with potential regulatory implications.
  • Collection of data points with minimal margin of error.
  • Efficient monitoring of traps.
  • Communicate with external stakeholders and individual property owners to obtain permission to conduct survey activities, as well as distribute pest information.
  • The use of assigned technology and programs to locate and map trap sites.
  • Daily completion of assigned forms and submission of hours into PISCES.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

  • One year experience in survey, eradication, research, or environmental biology.

  •  Valid unrestricted  driver’s license.

  • Graduation from high school or GED.

Preferred / Desired Qualifications: 

  • Education involving major study in biological science, or closely related field.

  • Two (2) years’ experience in detection, survey, control or eradication of pest or invasive species. 

  • Certified in CPR/First Aid. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors

  • Reliable, willingness to learn and courteous to the public and fellow employees. 
  • Posses sufficient judgement and reasoning skills to recognize and correct errors as they occur. 
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally. 
  • Must be able to travel frequently and timely within assigned geographic region. 
  • Must be able to work 40 hours per week. 

How to apply
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. 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.

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 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.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3996101/agricultural-aide-clark-countyAn image without description