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.

Please Note: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic this position is currently telework/home-based eligible. However, this position will be required to report to the Olympia, WA office at minimum 1 day per week during the regular work week once the pandemic has ended. 

ABOUT THE POSITION: The Education Specialist, an employee of the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board and reporting to executive secretary, provides statewide education on the noxious weeds of Washington and supplements the educational and outreach efforts of county and regional noxious weed control boards and weed districts and coordinates with neighboring states to promote noxious weed and weed law awareness.

The Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board (WSNWCB) represents local noxious weed control boards and weed districts through five elected members and includes two public interest representatives, three scientific advisors, a representative of the Washington Association of Counties, and the director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)’s representative. The WSDA and the WSNWCB work closely together in developing noxious weed policy for the state. The WSNWCB establishes the state noxious weed list through public hearing and advises the WSDA on the implementation of the state weed law. The WSNWCB, through the Education Specialist, provides statewide education and information pertaining to the state noxious weed list, noxious weed identification, control, and weed law awareness, as well as develops resources and educational materials.

For more information about the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board, visit us at www.nwcb.wa.gov

• Research and develop high quality written reports about proposed additions to the noxious weed list.
• Compiles written findings and distributes to Noxious Weed Committee members, board members and available to the public.
• Creates education materials and presentations to educate board members, coordinators, and the public about proposed changes.
• Creates, develops and updates noxious weed brochures, flyers and outreach materials.
• Develops public presentations regarding noxious weed identification and control, noxious weed list updates, and other educational information and presents information in-person or virtually.
• Responds to phone calls and emails from landowners and agencies regarding the identification of noxious weed species and potential control measures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Weed Science or closely related field (agronomy, horticulture, botany, agricultural science) and 1 year of professional experience involving infestation analysis or control, IMP planning, noxious weed education, community outreach or communication activities OR 5 years of experience in noxious weed control with experience in communications and public relations OR a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or journalism with a minimum of 1 year of professional experience in botany, noxious weed control or weed science.
• Possess or ability to obtain a Valid WA State drivers license within 90 days of employment
• Ability to obtain a Washington Department of Agriculture pesticide public operator’s license within 90 days of employment.

Desired:

• Working knowledge of State and Federal statutes and rules related to the control of noxious weeds, identification and control of noxious weed species in Washington, and Integrated Plant Management.
• Ability to synthesize technical information and communicate it effectively to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to determine the most appropriate methods and techniques to publicize and promote WSNWCB programs and increase public awareness of noxious weeds and noxious weed laws.
• Strong public speaking skills and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in: Microsoft Office Programs, Adobe Creative
• Professional work attitude and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Website design and graphic design experience.

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 as a Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board employee through 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 and Noxious Weed Board celebrate 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.