Salary: $2,956.26 – $3,915.00 Monthly
Location: Clark County – Other, WA
Job Type: Seasonal
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Job Number: 2023-04293
Closing: 4/9/2023 12:00 AM Pacific

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 Pest Program is hiring for a Exotic Wood Boring Insect Trapper – Lead! This is a non-permanent seasonal position from April – December!

The Pest Program conducts surveys, diagnostics and control activities for pests and diseases of important agricultural commodities throughout Washington State.  Pest Program employees conduct surveys for Northern giant hornet, Japanese beetle, spongy moth, apple maggot, Phytophthora ramorum, Spartina and other invasive insect pests, diseases, and noxious weeds.  Some employees work in the Plant Pest and Molecular Diagnostics Lab, or the Entomology labs in Olympia or Yakima to provide diagnostics of survey samples.   Others assist with control and eradication efforts for Northern, giant hornet, Japanese beetle, spongy moth, invasive snails, Spartina and knotweed.  Regardless of the threat, Pest program employees use cutting edge technology, scientific processes, and teamwork to protect some of Washington’s most valuable agricultural crops.

The Exotic Wood Boring Insect Trapper – Lead conducts, coordinates, and organizes multiple aspects of invasive species survey projects. This position serves as a trapper for multiple invasive specie surveys and will be responsible for conducting a range of surveys following unique protocols for exotic wood boring insects, Terrestrial Mollusk and other invasive pest. 

Position and Salary Information
WSDA is recruiting for a full-time seasonal Exotic Wood Boring Insect Trapper – Lead position within the Pest Program. This position is approved for a home office in Clark County, Washington but the majority of duties are completed in the field. This is a Washington Federation of State Employee’s represented position. 

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: $16.99 Step A – $21.96 Step L hourly. 

In addition to the salary listed above, incumbents assigned to our Seattle office location receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend. If a position is designated as requiring dual language skills, incumbents will also receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.

Duties
Include, but not limited to: 
Participate as directed in exotic wood boring insect, Terrestrial Mollusk, or other invasive species projects.

• Respond to urgent invasive species introductions and participates in immediate containment operations as directed by Pest Biologists. 
• Conduct surveillance and monitoring surveys for invasive pests with potential regulatory implications.
• Recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and proceed safety in order to minimize risk of injury to yourself and coworkers. 
• Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders as well as property owners to obtain permission to conduct survey activities as well as distribute pest information.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid unrestricted driver’s license. 
• One year experience in survey, research, or biological sciences.
• CPR, AED and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain certification prior the start of the active survey season.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological science or closely allied field.
• Previous experience as an Agricultural Technologist with the Pest Program or equivalent experience.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to conduct field work, including inclement conditions, in various rural and urban settings. This position requires long distance driving and working outdoors in hot and wet conditions. There is a moderate degree of hiking in and around urban forest, parks, private properties and survey areas as 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/3973869/exotic-wood-boring-insect-trapper-lead

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.

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.

Contact Us
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 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.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3973869/exotic-wood-boring-insect-trapper-lead