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.

ABOUT THE POSITION: Within the Plant Protection Division, the Pest Program’s mission is to protect the state’s natural resources by preventing the establishment of high-risk invasive insects, plant diseases, and weeds. Under the supervision of a Pest Biologist, the Agricultural Technologist conducts, coordinates, and organizes assigned aspects of invasive species survey projects. This position will be responsible to work in a two-person team, place stinging insect traps, handle live stinging insects, and locate and destroy stinging insect nests.

DURATION: This position is anticipated to last from June 1st -December 15th.

• Supervises and Conducts field operations of Asian Giant Hornet and other invasive species
  trapping programs.
• Participates as directed in Asian Giant Hornet or other invasive species projects.
• Responds to urgent invasive species introductions and participates in immediate containment operations as directed by the Pest Biologist 2 or other Pest Biologist.
• Conducts surveillance and monitoring surveys for invasive pests with potential regulatory implications.
• Trains and supervises temporary personnel in assigned invasive pest survey projects. Assists
  management in writing evaluations of temporary personnel.
• Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders and individual property owners to obtain survey permission.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, botany, agronomy or closely allied field OR equivalent education/experience. (Experience in survey, research or environmental biology may substitute on a year for year basis)
• CPR, AED and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain certification prior the start of the active survey season.
• Valid WA State Driver’s License.

Preferred:

• Previous experience as an Agricultural Technologist with the pest program or equivalent experience.
• Washington Pesticide license or reciprocal state pesticide license.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for short to long periods of time, walk and hike short to long distances, bend, stoop, traverse uneven and/or steep terrain, work in inclement weather, have good visual acuity and left between 5 to 60 pounds.
• Willingness to work with live stinging and biting insects, around apiaries and, hornet nests.

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 in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest to describe why you are the best candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education

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.

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at (360) 902- 2020 or 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 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.

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.

Military Spouse Preference: To take advantage of military spouse preference, you will have an opportunity to identify your status in the questionnaire. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences and 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 diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, 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.

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.