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.

This announcement will be used to fill 32 non-permanent insect pest trapper positions. 

Apply Early! Applications reviewed weekly. Recruitment will close on 04/30/2024.

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.

The Insect Pest Trapper positions are temporary positions that are expected to last up to four months and begin on June 3rd. Trappers typically work Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Trappers work based out of their home office which is close to or within their survey route. Each trapper will be assigned a route that is reasonably accessible from their home. The home address provided on the submitted application will be the default location for your home office. If you wish to be considered for other locations, you need to indicate on your application which area you are interested in working.
 
 Please note that this is a physical, field-based role. Insect Pest Trappers should be able to:

• Transport up to 20 pounds by hand.
• Drive on all kinds of roads up to 300 miles per day. The ability to get in and out of a vehicle up to 100 times per day.
• Quickly and efficiently navigate to and move to survey sites (50-­100 per day) within a designated route to set, monitor, and remove traps under various weather conditions and terrain.

WSDA is recruiting for 32 non-permanent Insect Pest trapper positions within the Plant Protection Division. These positions are located throughout  Washington, in the following locations:

This is a Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) 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: $18.51 Step I – $19.85 Step L hourly. 

Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
• WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.
• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
• Commute Trip Reduction Program. 

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

This is a role where minimal experience is necessary, and training will be provided.
 Here are some examples of your duties:
 

• Responsible for assembling, placing, monitoring, and removing up to 900 insect traps within a designated area
• Safe and legal operation of their state supplied vehicles 
• Effective placement and servicing of their traps
• Maintaining good public relations.
• Collecting data and maintain electronic databases using a handheld device

Required Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Valid drivers license
• High school Diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completed course in entomology, a biological science or closely related field.
• Experience conduction scientific field work and data collection
• Willingness and ability to work in outdoor settings and drive long distances each day.

How to apply:
  

You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. 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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. 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 or expression, age, status as a protected veteran, genetics, 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.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.

 
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.
     

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. 

 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.