This recruitment is open until filled. 

The first review of applications is scheduled for the week of July 25, 2025. In order to be considered, please submit your application on or before July 24, 2025. The agency reserves the right to make a hire any time after the initial screening date.

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.

The Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences (NRAS) program works at the interface between agricultural production and environmental quality. Our mission is to provide evidence-based programming to support Washington’s agricultural production, public well-being, and ecological health. Research topics include agricultural land use practices, pesticide usage, agricultural chemicals in surface water and groundwater, soil health, water availability 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.

The Environmental Specialist 2 supports NRAS’s regional groundwater monitoring program through field work and data management. This position conducts groundwater field campaigns under the direction of the project lead and will also provide support to the surface water monitoring program and conducts groundwater field campaigns under the direction of the project lead. The Environmental Specialists works directly with direction of the project lead. The Environmental Specialists works directly with the public, soliciting permission from residents to sample wells, prepares field schedules, organizes and prepares field equipment, and collects groundwater samples. Additionally, this position reviews well logs and evaluates suitability based on program selection criteria, compiles background literature for project development, prepares letters to study participants with analytical results, develops written summaries of water quality analysis, imports field data into WSDA databases, reviews data for technical accuracy, and makes recommendations to senior level staff.

Includes but not limited to – 

Conduct routine field sampling to assist in the implementation of the regional groundwater monitoring program.

• Conducts sampling for pesticides, nutrients, common ions, metals, and isotopes in groundwater throughout the state.
• Assists senior staff with field preparation including reviewing well logs and preparing field schedule.
• Seeks permission for WSDA to sample residential wells in select study areas.
• Collects field samples for laboratory analysis. Data on field forms and handheld computers.
• Assists senior staff with water quality sensor routine maintenance and calibrations following standardized procedures.

Conduct data management for the implementation of the regional groundwater monitoring program.

• Reviews field data and check for errors.
• Assists senior staff in quality control and quality assurance review procedures.
• Develops written and oral summaries of water sampling results.
• Supports senior staff in preparation of letters to study participants sharing analytical results.
• Imports field and laboratory data into internal WSDA databases.
• Develops and maintains geospatial data associated with the program.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field AND and one (1) year of professional experience.

• Associate’s degree in one of the above areas of study AND three (3) years of professional experience.

• Five (5) years providing both technical support and customer service support in an office setting.

• One (1) year experience as an Environmental Specialist 1, or in the in-training position, will also meet the experience requirements above. 

• Water sample collection for laboratory analysis
• Use of water quality meters
• Groundwater well log review
• Field campaign outreach to the public

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.