Pesticide Assistance Specialist

Environmental Specialist 2

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 Agricultural Environmental Services Division within the Department of Agriculture protects the public interest, health, and welfare of the people of the state of Washington by providing cost efficient and effective services for the regulation of pesticides and fertilizers, supporting scientific analysis that addresses concerns to public health and the environment from agricultural activities, and protecting public health through scientific and regulatory support of the cannabis and dairy industries.

The Pesticide Assistance Specialist facilitates the review, analysis, and processing of all fertilizer and pesticide applications and renewals while ensuring applicants meet all legal requirements. This position independently provides professional level expertise to registrants, staff, and regulatory agencies on complex fertilizer and pesticide registration issues while adhering to state and federal statutes, rules, and division policies. This position also identifies and recommends changes to policies and procedures to improve customer access and agency service.

Additionally, this position consults with their supervisor on multi-dimensional process problems. As a member of the support staff, this position stays apprised, and resolves issues with processing fiscal paperwork related to processing and record keeping.

Some of the various responsibilities within this role include: technical review and support of fertilizer and pesticide registrations; pesticide and fertilizer registration customer service; customer service program support; and performing other duties as required.

Required qualifications include five (5) years providing both technical support and customer service support in an office setting. Preferred/desired experience includes five (5) years of experience working with laws and rules of pesticide and fertilizer regulations.

Employee benefits include a healthy work/life balance, an excellent benefits package, 12 paid holidays & vacation and leave accruals, and all personal protective equipment required will be provided by the agency.