Salary: $45,552.00 – $61,056.00 Annually
Location: Multiple Locations – Central Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Closing Date: 9/12/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

The Natural Resources Assessment Section (NRAS) 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.

The Crop Mapping and Water Monitoring Specialist monitors and map’s locations in Eastern WA. where agricultural commodities are grown or where livestock operations exist. This mapping uses GIS methods and photogrammetry for the purposes of determining crop type, field area, crop rotation schedule, irrigation methods and other relevant site-specific information. This position will provide GIS and cartography support to the Section and the agency.

In addition, this position assists in the collection and analysis of water quality data for WSDA’s ambient monitoring program and special water monitoring projects as they arise. This position will assist the pesticide usage lead for the section primarily with planning and gathering information at meetings in Eastern WA. These activities are vital to the NRAS’ s ability to conduct pesticide risk analysis for endangered species, pesticide risk assessment for natural resources and to assist in the investigation of pesticide occurrences in private and public drinking water supply wells per the Statewide Pesticide Management Strategy.

Position and Salary Information

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Crop Mapping and Water Monitoring Specialist position within the Natural Resource Assessment Section (NRAS). This position is approved for a telework schedule and will report to the WSDA regional office located in Yakima, WA. The candidate may reside in any of the following counties: Benton, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, and Yakima. This position requires frequent day trips to perform mapping duties throughout the crop growing season. Overnight travel is required on an as needed basis. This position is non-represented.

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary range for this position is: $45,552.00 – $59,616.00 annually.

Duties
Include, but not limited to:

  • Conducts systematic windshield surveys and mobile data collection of agricultural commodities, coordinates with landowners to collect data, updates crop database to reflect changes in crop patterns.
  • Uses GPS enable mobile device, and laptop to collect and record data.
  • Evaluates photogrammetry of agricultural areas to supplement windshield surveys.
  • Assists project leader in the quality assurance evaluation of data collected both within the section and as a result of contracted activities such as with Conservation Districts.
  • Provides support and assistance to Eastern WA water monitoring staff by conducting pesticide water sampling activities as needed throughout the monitoring season from March to September.
  • Activities associated with the collection of field samples include but are not limited to calibration of equipment, collecting samples, measuring stream flow, collecting stream data using a mobile computer, and collection and recording of weather data from WSDA monitoring stations.
  • At times this position may be assigned to conduct monitoring activities in support of other divisions within WSDA.

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in an agricultural related field, 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.
(Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education).

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

OR
A Ph.D. in one of the above fields.

OR
One (1) year experience as an Environmental Specialist 1.

AND

  • 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 driver’s license to travel in a state vehicle and conduct agency business.

In addition to the above qualifications, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will make a candidate highly desirable:

  • Knowledge and proficient use of ArcGIS software.
  • Knowledge of water sampling techniques.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Access, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • History of reliable attendance at work.
  • Demonstrated history of being self-motivated with a strong work ethic is required.

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 

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4171059/crop-mapping-and-water-monitoring-specialist

 

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