Temporary Ant Farm 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 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 Program conducts surveys, diagnostics and control activities for pests and diseases of important agricultural commodities throughout Washington State. Pest Program employees conduct surveys for Spotted Lantefly, 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 Opportunity: The Spotted Lanternfly Survey Trapper is responsible for assembling, deploying, monitoring, and removing up to 300 traps within assigned areas.

In addition, the trapper will collect ant samples for environmental DNA analysis at potential spotted lanternfly honeydew sites and conduct visual surveys of tree-of-heaven and grape vineyards to monitor for spotted lanternfly presence. A state vehicle will be provided for survey activities, and the trapper is expected to operate the vehicle safely and in compliance with all applicable laws. In addition, the trapper is responsible for the proper placement and maintenance of all traps within their assigned area, as well as fostering positive and professional interactions with the public.

Some positions may require occasional overnight travel, with approved expenses for lodging and meals reimbursed. Duration The Spotted Lanternfly Survey Trapper position is a temporary position that is expected to last up to three months ending on September 30th. Trappers typically work Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m

to 5:00 p.m. Trapper's work based out of their home office which is close to or within their survey route. Each trapper will be assigned a route that is reasonably accessible from their home

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. Important Notes: WSDA is recruiting for a full-time non-permanent Agricultural Aide position within the Plant Protection Division.

This position is located in Vancouver, Washington. This is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) Union. 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 34, Step A $18.00 - Step L $23.14 hourly. Duties What to Expect Some of the various responsibilities within this role include: Conduct field operations for Spotted Lanternfly Survey and other invasive species survey programs Operate an assigned agency-provided vehicle to install and inspect insect detection traps and collect plant tissue samples at required densities, following survey protocols and program deadlines within the assigned geographic area. Select trap sites to ensure effective placement and coverage

Communicate with Spotted Lanternfly Field Technologist instead, and other program staff. Record data points accurately with minimal margin of error. Monitor and maintain traps throughout the survey period.

Install additional response traps as directed. Collect Ants off of Tree of Heaven for eDNA anyalsis. Conduct visual inspections of Tree of Heaven (walking around the tree, checking leaf canopy with a insect sweep net for any SLF life stage).

Remove all traps by the program deadline. Effectively use technology to efficiently and acurately complete daily tasks Use assigned technology and software applications to plan activities and navigate to survey sites. Collect accurate data, collect specimens and site photos when nessecary per protocol.

Complete staff status "check in" and "check out" forms at the beginning and end of each day. Submit hours in PISCES timekeeping system at the end of each day. Qualifications Required Qualifications: Graduation from High School or GED or equivalent education/experience.

AND Driver's License. Preferred/Desired: Previous experience working outdoors and driving long distances. Previous experience as an Agricultural Aide with the WSDA Pest Program.

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

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.