Director Insect Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Opportunity The Plant Protection Division supports the agriculture industry and protects the environment and consumers by protecting agriculture and the environment from insect, weed, and pathogen pests, supporting pollinator and soil health, and testing for proper weights and measures and pesticide use.

The Pest Early Detection and Prevention Program conducts surveys, diagnostics and control activities for pests and diseases of important agricultural commodities throughout Washington State. Pest Early Detection and Prevention 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. This position serves as the State Survey Coordinator (SSC) for the Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey (CAPS) program and has the responsibility of formatting and uploading federally funded survey data to the National Agricultural Pest Information System.

The position oversees the review and selection of invasive insect, terrestrial snail, and disease pest targets that represent the greatest threat to the economic and environmental resources of the state. This includes annual submission and maintenance of the CAPS state survey summary form. The CAPS coordinator is responsible for completion of work plans and financial plans designed to detect, control, and eradicate selected invasive pests and guides professional staff in the design and field implementation of work plans and cooperative agreements.

The CAPS coordinator is the designated point of contact for procurement of federally supplied traps and lures, and the tracking of federal survey budgets. The CAPS Coordinator is also the designated point of contact for exporting of program results to the Pest Program Manager and Assistant Director and works with federal, state, and other agencies to secure funding and implement cooperative agreements. The CAPS coordinator also represents the agency's interests in professional venues and survey/eradication related update, coordination, and research meetings.

The CAPS coordinator works closely with the Pest Program Manager to support responses to newly detected plant pests and diseases. Important Notes WSDA is recruiting for a full-time internal permanent Pest Biologist 4 position within the Plant Protection Division. This position is located in Olympia, Washington.

This is a non-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 for this position is: Range 58 Step A $67,704 - Step L $88,788 annually.

Duties Include, but not limited to: Complex Survey Coordination Serve as Washington State Survey Coordinator (SSC) for the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS). Review and select invasive insect, terrestrial snail, and disease pest targets that represent the greatest threats to the economic and environmental resources of Washington. Attend quarterly SSC calls.

Coordinate, design, and drive agency provided vehicle to implement plant pest surveys with project managers. Provide program results to the Pest Early Detection and Prevention Program Manager, Assistant Director, cooperator, and the general public through regular oral and written reports and as needed. Perform official data entry into NAPIS and other designated survey data repositions.

Order federally provided survey supplies and equipment. Complete, review, and approve work and financial plans for plant pest surveys and responses. Host annual CAPS coordination meeting for all cooperators in Washington.

Coordinate cooperative survey efforts with other states or agencies. Attend Western Plant Board and provide survey results. Serve as Washington SSC representative on National Plant Board committees.

Serve as Department of Agriculture proxy representative for the Washington Invasive Species Counsil as needed. Attend quarterly meetings for the Puget Sount, Portland, and Blaine Pest Risk Committees. Complete Washington Survey Summary form for CAPS.

Recommend survey priority rankings to the State Plant Regulatory Official. Coordinate with the USDA-APHIS Pest Survey Specialist (PSS) on survey design, target selection, and survey locations. Cooperate with PSS to conduct survey quality control/assurance checks.

Research best practices for survey methodology. Attend survey technology transfer meetings like The USDA Interagency Research Forum on Invasive Species. Implement Pest Surveys Design pest responses or detection survey (Including but not limited to CAPS Combined Survey, PPA7721 surveys, emergency pest introduction surveys).

Determine survey period and best survey methods. Determine geographic locations for survey and design survey routes. Hire staff and assign routes to conduct survey.

Train staff on conducting survey. Order and distribute survey supplies and equipment. Perform survey sample identifications, processes survey samples, and records results.

Qualifications Who should apply. Professionals with: A bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental studies, horticulture, plant physiology, plant pathology, entomology, or a closely related natural science, or environmental science. AND Five (5) years of professional experience in plant pest quarantine enforcement, regulatory work, pest survey development and implementation, or nursery stock production and handling.

A master's degree in the applicable science will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience. A Ph.D. in the applicable science will substitute for two (2) years of the required experience

Four (4) years as a Pest Biologist 3 or Environmental Specialist 3. AND Washington State Department of Agriculture pesticide license for agricultural insect & disease control or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment. Two (2) years of experience supervising employees including approval of time and attendance.

Candidate must be able to operate a motor vehicle and possess a valid driver's license. In addition to the above qualifications, the following desired knowledge, skills, and abilities would make your application more competitive: Masters degree in Entomology , Plant Pathology or Horticulture. Five (5) years of professional experience in plant pest survey, pest survey design, or nursery stock production.

Former experience serving as a State Survey Coordinator for any US State or Territory or as a Pest Survey Specialist. Supplemental Information 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.

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: A 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. 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. WSDA uses a I-9 form(Download PDF reader) to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired.

This document is the authorization of an individual's ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. 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. For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.