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 Pesticide Management Division, the Technical Services & Education Program (TSEP) exists to educate the agricultural community on pesticide safety, licensing and usage requirements. The Bilingual Pesticide EducationSpecialist position collaborates with other Pesticide Education Specialists, including a supervisor, to conduct a variety of content relevant pesticide safety training to individuals at all levels of agricultural operations. The team partners with the agricultural industry to deliver training in order to maximize program resources and reach as many individuals in need of training as possible. The actions of this position directly supports the agency’s mission of protecting people and the environment and ensuring the economic vitality of the agricultural industry.

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

• Collaborates with other TSEP staff to conduct Spanish language training at all levels of agricultural operations and in cooperation with the agricultural community.
• Develop , revise and follow training curriculums for a variety of pesticide safety training courses.
• Provide assistance to the Waste Pesticide Disposal and Worker Protection Standard technical assistance services.
• Develop and nurture relationships with community organizations, agencies, universities and the agriculture community to improve the quantity, quality and scope of pesticide safety training to all levels of the agricultural industry but particularly the Spanish speaking community.
• Serve as a resource for the Pesticide Licensing and Recertification Programs by providing information and answers  to customers.
• Successfully deliver public presentations or training to a wide variety of audiences in both English and Spanish languages.
• Translate training materials and other documents from English to Spanish.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agriculture Education, Environmental Science, Weed Science, Plant Pathology or closely allied field OR Associate’s degree with at least four years’ experience in the agricultural industry and/or education.
• Two years of technical experience with pesticide application or pest management field.
• Fluent in both Spanish and English, including the ability to read, write, speak, and understand the primary dialect of the audience.
• Two years of experience public speaking.
• Ability to effectively communicate with personnel at all levels of an agricultural.

Special Requirements:

• Possess or ability to possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s license within 30 days of hire.
• Must be able to acquire and maintain a Pesticide License within 30 days of employment.
• Must be willing to travel statewide to deliver trainings and work flexible schedules.
• Ability to tow trailers with training props and materials
•  Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software programs to include: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Must be able to calmly and effectively deal with angry or frustrated custumers.

Desired:

• Practical experience working in the agricultural industry, particularly in tree fruits or viticulture, with proficient knowledge of the Worker Protection Standard.
• Working knowledge of pesticide application equipment and personal protective equipment.
• Experience handling and working with hazardous materials.

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 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.