Japanese Beetle Field Supervisor

Description

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

 

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 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 Japanese beetle, spongy moth, apple maggot, northern giant hornet, 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 Japanese beetle, spongy moth, invasive snails, northern giant hornet, Spartina and knotweed. Regardless of the threat, Pest program employees use cutting edge technology, scientific processes, and teamwork to protect some of Washingtons most valuable agricultural crops. 

The Japanese Beetle Field Supervisor conducts and supervises field activities for assigned aspects of invasive species survey projects, with emphasis on the Japanese Beetle in the assign geographical area. 

Important Notes:

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time non-permanent Agricultural Technologist position within the Plant Protection Division. This position is approved for a home duty station within Benton, Franklin, Yakima, Walla Walla, Skagit, Thurston, Pierce, and King, Counties of Washington State. This position is expected to begin in April and continue through November, with the possibility to extend the end date if needed to meet program needs. These positions are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

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 for this position is: Range 40 $3,581 - Step L $4,653 monthly. 

Duties

Include but are not limited to:

Conducts and leads field operations of Japanese beetle and other invasive species trapping programs 

• Provide field team support.
• Use agency assigned vehicle to monitor traps placed by trappers for quality control.
• Verify that locations of traps are appropriate to meet program goals.
• Verifies that traps constructed and labeled as directed.
• Inspect traps to ensure they are in good condition.
• Report beetle captures immediately.

Supports Invasive Trappers

• Train and supervise temporary personnel in assigned invasive species survey projects.
• Place traps to supplement/support trappers, as needed.
• Use agency assigned vehicle to assist with response grid trap placement as need.
  
  

Qualifications

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• A bachelor's degree in entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, botany, agronomy or closely allied field.

• Equivalent education and/or experience. 

• Four (4) months of experience as a supervisor.

• Equivalent leadership, mentorship experience.

Preferred / Desired Qualifications:

• Previous experience as an Agricultural Technologist or Agricultural Aide with the WSDA Pest Program.

Supplemental Information

Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
• 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 atwww.agr.wa.gov.

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

· At least two professional or academic references

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 emailsupport@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.

Equity at WSDA

The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.

We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

 
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.