Japanese Beetle Treatment and Yard Waste Coordinator

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

The Pest Biologist implements, conducts, and supervises control projects for invasive species eradication, with emphasis on the Japanese Beetle in assigned geographical area. This position is responsible for hiring non-permanent employees, regular interactions with contractors, monitoring eradication activates conducted by WSDA personnel and contractors, and project progress reports. The Pest Biologist provides outreach and educations to property owners, contractors, county, and city personnel, and Pest Board personnel on activates related to eradication efforts associated with Japanese beetle.

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time project Pest Biologist 2 position within the Plant Protection Division. This position is located in Yakima, Washington. This position is 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 51 Step A $4,746 Step L $6,229 monthly.

• Utilize state vehicle to direct field activities associated with statewide eradication projects, focusing on Japanese beetle.
• Supervise temporary and intermittent employees working on Japanese beetle eradication efforts.
• Identify supplies and equipment needs for assigned activities.
• Write assigned reports associated with Japanese beetle eradication efforts.
• Cooperate with other state agencies and Attorney General's office to ensure project compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Advise field staff on proper application of control methods for Japanese beetle eradication.
• Coordinate weekly Japanese beetle eradication treatments and scheduling with contractors.
• Coordinate activities at green waste facilities in Japanese beetle quarantine areas to make sure internal quarantine requirements are met.
• Monitor weekly Japanese beetle eradication efforts to ensure project goals are met.
• Respond to requests, questions, objections, and concerns from the public regarding Japanese beetle eradication efforts.
• Respond to Spanish language requests, questions, objections, and concerns from the public regarding Japanese beetle…