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.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s (WSDA) Pesticide Compliance Program investigates all complaints of alleged pesticide misuse including human and animal exposure, pesticide drift, and plant damage. Pesticide compliance investigators respond to complaints related to possible misuse, improper storage, sales, distribution, and alleged pesticide licensing violations. Investigators conduct routine inspections of pesticide application businesses, marketplaces, distributors, importers, and manufacturers and monitor pesticide applications.

The Pesticide Compliance Investigator works with other Pesticide Compliance staff to complete high quality inspections and investigations relating to the manufacture, distribution, storage, and use of pesticides. This position may specialize in one or more program areas and may coordinate inspections, investigations and/or a particular subject area. The Compliance Investigator provides education and technical assistance to the pesticide industry and general public by developing and delivering public presentations on pesticide related issues, pesticide laws, and rules.

Pesticide Compliance Investigator – Western Washington: This position is to cover primarily Island, San Juan, North King County, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom Counties and other W WA counties as needed. The position may be based out of the Bellingham Office or the Olympia WSDA office depending on the candidate.

Note: These positions are eligible for compressed work schedules, telework, and/or a hybrid schedule. These positions will have regular daytime travel with occasional overnight travel.

Position and Salary Information

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Pesticide Compliance Investigator position within the Pesticide Management Division. This position is approved for a home duty station and may report to either the Bellingham or Olympia Office. This is not a union 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: $55,224 Step A – $72,552  Step L annually.   

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.

Some of what you’ll be doing:

• Conduct investigations and inspections for compliance with pesticide regulations.
• Initiate an inspection or investigation when potential violations are observed.
• Investigate allegations of violations involving pesticide use, distribution, storage, disposal, recordkeeping, licensing and other aspects of the pesticide laws and rules.
• Conduct personal interviews and takes statements from witnesses.
• Document other applicable evidence as observed or discovered. Collects samples, photographs, records, and other evidence to determine whether a violation has occurred.
• Maintain proper chain of custody with samples and other evidence.
• Track actions and supporting evidence in applicable program databases.
• Follow WSDA Pesticide Management Division protocol for right of entry and obtains administrative warrants when access is denied.
• Conducts field surveillance when necessary or as directed by the Area Supervisor.
• Interpret pesticide labels to determine whether a product was used consistent with the label. 
• Inspection may involve the following:
  • Aerial, ground, greenhouse, PCO and chemical pesticide application equipment and pesticide storage areas.
  • Pesticide containers in the chain of distribution for compliance with pesticide regulations.
  • Safety equipment and personal protective (PPE) gear for compliance with label requirements.
  • Bulk pesticide secondary containment and temporary field storage.
  • Operational area containment at pesticide mix/load sites.
• Write professional, complete, and accurate inspection and investigation reports that are defensible in an administrative hearing. 
• Initiates on-site corrective action when necessary.
• Review legal documents related to investigative work for accuracy prior to the initiation of civil penalty action. Gives sworn testimony at depositions, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings.
• Serve warrants and presents follow-up documents to court. 
• Assist with public disclosure requests.
• Develop and deliver public presentations on pesticide related issues and pesticide laws and rules.
• Provide training for individuals that will be taking pesticide exams. Conducts exam sessions and assists with certification of pesticide applicators, dealers, and consultants.
• Under general direction, respond to complex inquiries or requests for technical assistance requiring a very sound understanding of the pesticide laws/rules and program policies.
• Assist and coordinate inspection and investigation activities with local, state, and federal agencies as needed.

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• Associate degree including at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science. 
• Four (4) years of professional experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulator agency in the pest management field or fertilizer industry. 

• Bachelor’s degree including at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in a natural resource, agricultural, environmental or health regulatory position, in the pest management field, or in the pesticide or fertilizer industry.

• Ability to acquire and maintain a valid state driver’s license.

• WSDA Public Operator / Consultant Pesticide License with applicable endorsements 
• EPA FIFRA Inspector Credentials
• DES WA State Investigator training CORE and ADVANCED
• 40-Hour Hazardous Materials Training (HAZMAT) certification with annual 8-hour refresher courses
• Medical evaluation, training and fit testing for respirator use

• Two (2) years working with pesticides or fertilizers, including their purchase, use, distribution, storage, disposal, recordkeeping, licensing, including experience in reading and interpreting pesticide labels.
• Two (2) years experience providing excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to document inspection and investigation findings, and create detailed professional reports.
• Two (2) years experience and comfortable with typing, database input, and public speaking. 
• Two (2) years experience providing great customer service.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

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.

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.

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.