Salary: $2,957.00 – $3,915.00 Monthly
Location: Yakima County – Yakima, WA
Job Type: Seasonal
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Job Number: 2023-04976
Closing: 5/1/2023 3:09 PM 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 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. For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov

Description
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 Pest Survey Field Supervisor conducts, coordinates, and organizes assigned aspects of invasive species survey projects. This position will be responsible for supervising up to eight insect trappers. This is a full-time seasonal position from Mid May – September 28th 2023. Field Supervisors will typically work Monday-Thursday, four-10 hour shifts per week. 

Position and Salary Information
WSDA is recruiting for multiple Seasonal full-time Pest Survey Field Supervisor positions within the Pest Program in the Plant Protection Division. These positions are located in Yakima, Washington, and 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 these positions is: $16.99 Step A – $21.96  Step L hourly.

Duties
Some of what you will do:

• Participate as directed in apple maggot or other invasive species projects.
• Respond to urgent invasive species introductions and participates in immediate containment operations as directed by the Pest Biologists.

• Conduct surveillance and monitoring surveys for invasive pests with potential regulatory implications.

• Train and supervise temporary personnel in assigned invasive pest survey projects.

• Ensure daily completion of own and Agricultural Aides “End of Day Reporting” form and submission of hours worked in PISCES.

• Assist management in writing evaluations of temporary personnel. 

• Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders and individual property owners to obtain permission to conduct survey activities as well as distribute pest information.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• Two years experience in detection, survey, control or eradication of pest or invasive species; supervisory or management experience can substitute for one year of survey experience.

• CPR/First aid certification or the ability to obtain certification prior to the start of the active survey season.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

• A valid, unrestricted driver’s license.

Preferred / Desired Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in a biological science or closely related field.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors:

• Ability to work collaboratively with others.  
• Willingness to work independently outdoors in rural or semi-rural settings even in inclement weather. 
• Willingness to spend long hours looking through microscopes and photographing insects. 
• Ability to relay and communicate tactfully and confidently technical or scientific information to the public and other stakeholders.
• Must have reliable attendance.
• Must possess gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to manipulate, maneuver, adjust and control small objects with coordination, such as entering data on iPhone and manipulate a computer keyboard.
• Possess sufficient judgement and reasoning skills to recognize and correct errors as they occur.

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.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3994362/pest-survey-field-supervisor-apple-maggot

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.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3994362/pest-survey-field-supervisor-apple-maggot