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 Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences (NRAS) program works at the interface between agricultural production and environmental quality. Research topics include agricultural land use practices, pesticide usage, agricultural chemicals in surface water and groundwater, soil health, and climate change. Collectively, NRAS programs serve to help protect public health and the environment while supporting agricultural viability throughout Washington’s diverse cropping systems.

What to Expect
Some of the various responsibilities within this role:

• Conduct systematic windshield survey and mobile data collection of agricultural commodities, coordinate with landowners to collect data, updating crop database to reflect changes to cropping patterns. 
• Use GPS enabled mobile device and laptop to collect and record data. 
• Assist project supervisor in the quality assurance evaluation of data collected both within NRAS and as a result to contracted activities such as with Conservation Districts. 
• Provide support and assistance to Eastern Washington monitoring staff by conducting ground and surface pesticide water sampling activities as needed throughout the monitoring season from March to September.
• Perform activities associated with the collection of water samples including calibrate equipment, collect samples, measure stream flow, collect and record weather data and using a mobile device to record data. 
• Review scientific, agricultural and programmatic documents.
• Provide technical assistance to WSDA related to agricultural and commodities grown in Washington State. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in an agricultural, environmental, physical, geographic information systems, environmental planning or one of the natural sciences, or other related field AND one (1) year of professional level experience in agricultural or natural resources related field.

• A Master’s degree in one of the above fields will substitute for two (2) years of required experience.

• One year experience as an Environmental Specialist 1.

• Professional or educational experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulatory agency, pest management field or feed/fertilizer industry.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Working knowledge of agricultural crops and crop management in order to correctly identify them for mapping purposes.
• Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license to travel in a state vehicle and conduct agency business.

• Knowledge and proficient use ArcGIS software strongly desired.
• A background relating to agricultural practices, pesticides and pesticide use.
• Independent driving experience in remote and/or rural areas.
• Knowledge of water sampling techniques.
• Demonstrated history of being self-motivated with a strong work ethic is required.

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.
• Commute Trip Reduction Program. 

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

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.
  
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.

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 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.