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.

Position and Salary Information

WSDA is recruiting for multiple non-permanent  full-time Insect Pest Trapper positions within the Pest Program in the Plant Protection Division. These positions are approved for home duty stations in the following counties – Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Grant, Benton, Franklin,  Walla Walla as well as Yakima. These positions are represented by 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: $16.52  Step D – $19.85 Step L hourly. 

• 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.
• Paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals during current season’s employment.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
• Commute Trip Reduction Program. 

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

Some of what you will do:

• Select trap sites for effective trap placement and coverage.
• Place insect detection traps at required densities and by program deadlines in assigned geographical location.
• Collection of data points with minimal margin of error.
• Efficient monitoring of traps.
• Report suspect insect specimens immediately.
• Remove all traps by program deadlines.
• Contact property owners to inform them of the project goals and objectives and to solicit permission to place traps.
• May work in laboratory to help identify suspect insect specimens using a microscope.
• The use of assigned technology and programs to map and locate trap sites.
• Plan and execute an efficient trap line, collect accurate data, photo document sites, insects, plant hosts & trapping activities.

• Daily completion of “End of Day Reporting” form and submission of hours worked in PISCES.
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• 18 years of age 

•  Valid unrestricted  driver’s license.

• Graduation from high school or GED.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally

• Completed courses in entomology, a biological science, or closely related field.

• Experience conducting scientific field work and data collection. 

• Ability to work collaboratively with others.  
• Willingness to work independently outdoors in rural or semi-rural settings even in inclement weather. 
• Willingness to spend long hours looking through microscopes and photographing insects. 
• Ability to relay and communicate tactfully and confidently technical or scientific information to the public and other stakeholders.
• Must possess gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to manipulate, maneuver, adjust and control small objects with coordination, such as entering data on iPhone and manipulate a computer keyboard.
• Possess sufficient judgement and reasoning skills to recognize and correct errors as they occur.

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.
 
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 contribute 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.