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.

Special Notes: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic this position currently operates in a 100% telework capacity. This position will be required to report to the Olympia office in the future with some telework optional.

First Review Period:  First review of applications will take place January 18th, 2021.

ABOUT THE POSITION: The mission of the Natural Resource Assessment Section is to assess the effects of pesticides, nutrients and agriculture practices on natural resources and the environment and to work with agriculture to protect the states natural resources through management practices and education. The position works as the agency senior scientist to lead the Washington State Soil Health Initiative, develop and manage the state soil health program and implementation, and create soil health research strategies and metrics. The position will lead cooperative initiative partners, research and implementation teams, and lead collaborative program efforts with Washington State University (WSU), Washington State Conversation Commission (WSCC), Conservation Districts, USDA NRCS, non-governmental organizations, and agricultural commodity and grower groups, and provide reports, presentations, and summaries the WSDA Director, WSU, Commission, and the Legislature.

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

• Provide technical science and strategic design and planning to create the Soil Health Initiative statewide and within regional and local agriculture and food system projects with partners located throughout Washington.
• Design and promote comprehensive research and implementation strategies to deliver scientific and defensible  soil health programs and conservation benefits in cropping systems and major agricultural landscapes in Washington State.
• Create and implement comprehensive scientific, information and data management systems, and reporting systems for the Soil Health Initiative.
• Provide lead support for the WSCC Sustainable Farms and Fields Program.
• Designs and coordinates soil health research for the determination of the “state of the soils” baseline assessment.
• Work with partners to identify data gaps in soil health and crop system dynamics, create and utilize research grants and diverse funding to enhance partner research.
• Coordinate soil health research and program implementation with WSU, WSCC and other partners to establish a network of long-term research and extension demonstration sites.
• Develop, publish and distribute outreach and education materials.
• Designs and submit grants, research proposals, partnership grant applications and carry out grant management duties.
• Manage and track grants, budgets, and expenditures for the Soil Health Initiative program.
• Serve in support role to WSDA’s director office in all things related to soil health.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in soil science, soil chemistry, geochemistry, agronomy, plant sciences, soil health and/or natural sciences.
• Six years of experience in a professional position researching and reporting on soil science, soil and geochemistry, agro ecology, agronomy, natural resources and environmental impacts. Completion of a Master’s of Science in a similar field may account for two of those years of experience, a PHD may account for four.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of time
• Experience in the use of Microsoft products such as Word, Power Point, Excel and Access
• Valid WA state driver’s license or the ability to obtain within 90 days of employment.

Desired:

• Ability to obtain professional soil science and/or crop science certifications such as Certified Professional Soil Scientist from the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) and Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) and Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg) programs from the American Society of Agronomy.
• Experience working with local government, state, and/or federal agencies  on soil science, soil health, geochemistry, agronomy, agricultural management and technical issues.

Supplemental Information

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 in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest to describe why you are the best candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education

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.

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at (360) 902- 2020 or 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 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.