The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) 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.

ABOUT THE POSITION: The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is seeking individuals interested in becoming temporary field gypsy moth/plant disease surveyors for the 2021 survey season to assist in the prevention and monitoring of gypsy moth and invasive plant diseases in Eastern Washington.

This announcement will be used to fill 2 nonpermanent positions.

Surveyors work based out of their home office which is close to or within their assigned survey area. 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.

Duration
The pest surveyor temporary positions are expected to last up to four months and begin on June 1. Surveyors typically work full-­time Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one hour break for lunch. Work load may fluctuate throughout the season between 32 – 40 hours per week depending on pest activity and weather conditions. Work assignments will be reviewed weekly with the regional supervisor.

Employees will be ­issued a vehicle, training, and supplies during their first week of work. Details will be provided during the interview process.

Location
Counties: Benton, Chelan, Kittitas, Okanogan, Yakima

Pest surveyors will be responsible for setting insect traps and collecting plant samples. Each surveyor will be responsible for assembling, placing, monitoring, and removing up to 1,000 insect traps within a designated area; and collecting plant samples to be submitted to the Plant Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory for disease testing. A state vehicle is provided for survey duties. Surveyors will be responsible for the safe and legal operation of their vehicles, effective placement and servicing of all traps in their area of responsibility, and maintaining good public relations. Positions may require significant overnight travel with travel expenses (lodging and meals) being reimbursed.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to transport up to 40 pounds by hand.
• The ability to drive for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to 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.
• Ability to quickly and efficiently navigate to survey traps /sample sites (50­100 per day) within a designated route to set, monitor, and remove traps under various weather conditions.
• Ability to twist, stoop, and bend, walk and hike up to a full shift on uneven or steep under various weather conditions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• One year experience in research, detection, survey, control, or eradication of invasive species; or one year experience in environmental biology or natural resource management.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Ability to cold call/visit private property owners to obtain permission to place traps and take plant samples.
• Ability to properly identify plant by common and/or botanical names with reference materials.
• Ability to set goals and meet deadlines. Possess good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to use assigned technical equipment and programs (iOS devices, iForm, Collector for ArcGIS, Maps.Me) – training provided.
• Have a valid Washington State driver’s license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Desirable Qualifications:

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

How to Apply:
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions.
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.

Contact
If you have questions about the positions, contact Tiffany Pahs at tpahs@agr.wa.gov or Nathan Chambers at nchambers@agr.wa.gov or call the Pest Program hotline at (800) 443­6684.

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 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 celebrates 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.