Working Conditions

Work Setting, including hazards: 

• Work is performed both indoor and outdoor in industrial and agricultural settings, noisy environments, temperature fluctuations from hot to cold environments, and may include walking on different surfaces or rough terrain. 
• Must be able to walk, climb stairs and ladders, sit, stand, bend and reach, when necessary, load and unload seed samples from a vehicle, as well as lifting and carrying heavy items up to 50 pounds.

• Frequent driving and travel from location to location is an expectation.

• Vehicle and Office equipment such as an iPad is provided by WSDA to perform the duties assigned.

What to Expect

• Reads, interprets, and follows inspection instructions and methodology outlined in policy, procedure, directives, notices, rules, and regulations relating to the position and industry.
• Provides accurate, timely and unbiased inspections for field certification and maintains accurate records and field notes.
• Attends internal training classes and at company locations to learn field techniques and personal protection equipment (PPE) requirements for field activities.
• Works closely with other inspectors and program staff, Supervisor, and the Seed Program Manager to deliver contracted inspections.
• Provides accurate, timely and unbiased inspections for field phytosanitary inspection.
• Inspects various seed crop fields for numerous diseases and/or pests’ infections that may be present.
• Identifies crop and possible contaminations, crop disease presence according to federal phytosanitary certificates, and state phytosanitary certificates declaring presence or absence of disease and/or pests.
• Collects samples from the field location using proper protocol, sampling intensity and sanitary techniques.
• Bags and stores products for analysis in a manner to maintain the biological integrity.
• Delivers samples to the Seed Program for processing and coordinates pick-up of samples from other inspectors as needed.
• Assists with transporting the processed samples to local laboratory testing facilities.
• Ensures samples are kept at correct temperature, secure from cross contamination and that packaging is maintained for labeling and delivered timely from analysis.

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

• High School Diploma OR GED equivalent.
• Six (6) months of experience in a WSDA inspection program OR Six (6) months inspecting, grading, and certifying seed, plants, or fields. 
• Valid Driver’s License.

• One (1) year experience as an Agriculture Inspector 1 OR One (1) year experience in an agriculture related field.
• Familiarity with seed crop diseases.
• Capacity to distinguish crop, possible contamination and/or pest presence according to state and federal Phytosanitary certificate standards.
• Two (2) year degree with a major study in agronomy or closely related field of study.
• A strong agronomic background including experience as a crop consultant intern or closely allied field.

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. You must complete the application to its entirety to be considered for this position.

By submitting the application, 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 state’s on-line recruitment system.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. 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 or expression, age, status as a protected veteran, genetics, 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.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contributes 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.

 
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.
    

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.