Location: Yakima County – Yakima, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Job Number: 2022-18042
Salary: Depends on Qualifications
- Agricultural Chemical Specialist In-Training: $40.812.00 – $53,100.00 (annually)
- Agricultural Chemical Specialist: $48,156.00 – $63,216.00 (annually)
Description
We are hiring a Bilingual Pesticide Education Specialists (In-Training) within the Technical Services & Education Program.
The Technical Services and Education Program within Pesticide Management Division is committed to supporting and maintaining the vitality and health of Washington’s agriculture by providing quality technical services and education about pesticide laws and rules, and waste disposal to ensure agriculture producers have the necessary information to make sure food, the environment and the workforce are safe.
The Bilingual Pesticide Education Specialist (Agricultural Chemical Specialist) position collaborate with other Pesticide Education Specialists, including supervisors, to conduct a variety of content relevant pesticide safety training to individuals at all levels of agricultural operations. The team partners with the agriculture industry to deliver training to maximize program resources and reach as many individuals in need of training as possible. The action of these positions directly supports the agency’s mission of protecting people and the environment and ensuring the economic vitality of the agricultural industry.
This is an in-training opportunity and may be hired as Agricultural Chemical Specialist In-Training or an Agricultural Chemical Specialist, depending on qualifications.
If hired at the Agricultural Chemical Specialist In-Training level, the incumbent will be required to successfully complete the training plan to reach the goal class of Agricultural Chemical Specialist.
Salary ranges for these levels are:
Agricultural Chemical Specialist In-Training: $40.812.00 – $53,100.00 annually
Agricultural Chemical Specialist: $48,156.00 – $63,216.00 annually
In addition to the base salary, the incumbent will receive 5% assignment pay for bilingual duties.
Why join WSDA?
The Department of Agriculture offers:
12 Paid Holidays, Leave & Vacation
A great total compensation and benefits package
Provide meaningful work for the State of Washington
Supported growth and development opportunities
A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, teleworking, and an Infants in the Workplace Program
Duties
Training delivery:
Works with other Technical Services and Education Program (TSEP) staff to conduct mostly Spanish Language training at all levels of agricultural operations and in cooperation with the agricultural community.
Most of the training is focused on unlicensed pesticide handlers and is conducted using hands-on and other interactive training methods. In order to conduct relevant training, the position must constantly update technical knowledge and trainings skills.
This position will work primarily in the Air blast Sprayer Calibration and Best Management Practice (BMPs) Program, while supporting other program staff conducting Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Train-the-Trainer courses to farm owners, managers, and supervisors.
May plan and conduct a variety of other training programs including, pesticide handler, pre-license, and recertification training.
Curriculum development and revision (English-Spanish translations as assigned):
Works in collaboration with other TSEP staff to develop and revise training curriculum for a variety of pesticide safety training courses including WPS fieldworker and Handler Training, Train-the-Trainer, Pre-License and Recertification.
Curriculum changes are driven by course evaluations, WPS inspection findings, L&I workplace evaluations and areas requiring additional focus because of changes to laws, pesticide labels and industry practices.
Works collaboratively with team members to translate exams, forms, fact sheets and other publications for the Pesticide Licensing & Recertification Program.
Provides verbal translation services for Pesticide Compliance staff when needed. Provides translation services for other divisional and agency staff as time allows.
Provide assistance to waste pesticide disposal and Worker Protection Standard technical assistance services:
Works in collaboration with the Waste Pesticide Program to assist growers and others dispose of on-farm waste pesticides.
Under instructions of the Waste Pesticide Program Manager; assists with waste pesticide collection activities.
With guidance from the Program Manager or Unit Supervisor, assists other program staff with WPS outreach and technical assistance.
Coordinating training:
Develops and nurtures relationships with community organizations, agencies, universities, and the agricultural community to improve the quantity, quality, and scope of pesticide safety training to all levels of the agricultural industry but particularly to Spanish speaking farm employees who work with or around pesticides.
Develops and conducts presentations on safe and legal pesticide use at courses sponsored by other agencies and organizations.
Qualifications
Agricultural Chemical Specialist In-Training Level to Agricultural Chemical Specialist Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree which includes at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science.
-OR-
Three (3) years of professional experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulatory agency, in the pest management field, or in the feed or fertilizer industry.
Agricultural Chemical Specialist Level Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree AND two (2) years of professional experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulatory agency, in the pest management field, or in the feed or fertilizer industry.
-OR-
An Associate’s degree AND four years of professional experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulatory agency, in the pest management field, or in the feed or fertilizer industry. Degree must include at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science.
-AND-
Fluent in both Spanish and English, including the ability to read, write, speak, and understand the primary dialect of the audience.
At least two (2) years of experience with public speaking.
Ability to effectively communicate with personnel at all levels of an agricultural establishment.
Special Requirements for either level:
Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license within 30 days of hire to operate state motor pool or own transportation to travel on behalf of the agency.
Must be able to acquire and maintain a Pesticide License within 30 days of employment.
Preferred/Desired:
Practical experience working in the agricultural industry, particularly in tree fruit or viticulture, with proficient knowledge of the Worker Protection Standard.
A working knowledge of pesticide application equipment and personal protective equipment.
A working knowledge of Microsoft Office software programs to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Experience handling and working with Hazardous materials.
Supplemental Information
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.
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.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes and should be requested a minimum of (7) seven days prior to the first day of employment. Accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
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.
