Environmental Specialist

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 Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences (NRAS) program works at the interface between agricultural production and environmental quality. Research topics include agricultural land use practices, pesticide usage, agricultural chemicals in surface water and groundwater, soil health, and climate change. Collectively, NRAS programs serve to help protect public health and the environment while supporting agricultural viability throughout Washington’s diverse cropping systems.

The Environmental Specialist supports NRAS monitoring activities through field work and data management. This includes surface water monitoring in urban and agricultural areas, groundwater monitoring, and agricultural land use mapping.

This position reports to the Yakima WSDA Office and completes work in both the field and an office setting. Field work includes working in and around moving water and on uneven terrain. This is a non-permanent position that is not union represented and is expected to last from March 2026 through September 2026. There is some flexibility in start and end dates.

Range 40, Step A $42,972 - Step L $55,836 annually.

• Conduct sampling for pesticides and nutrients in surface waters.
• Collect field samples for laboratory analysis.
• Prepare chain of custody documents and bottle labels as well as organize field and stock equipment.
• Collect and organize field and laboratory data for senior staff.
• Review field data and check for errors and completeness.

• Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field.

• Associate’s degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field and two (2) years of paid or unpaid work experience.

• Four (4) years of paid or unpaid work experience providing technical support, customer service or manual labor in an office or outdoor setting.

Previous experience collecting data on one or more of the following parameters:

• Water chemistry
• Physical instream attributes
• GIS data
• Collecting environmental samples or conducting laboratory analysis on environmental samples

• 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;  for more information.
• 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 .wa.gov.

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
• A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Three professional references

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful…