Japanese Beetle Eradication Field Technologist - Yakima

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 approximately 780 employees 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 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 Agricultural Technologist conducts field activities for assigned aspects of invasive species eradication, with emphasis on Japanese beetle.

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time non-permanent Agricultural Technologist position within the Plant Protection Division. This position is approved for a home duty station within Yakima, Benton, Franklin, King Counties of WA State. This position is expected to begin in March and continue until June, with the possibility to extend the end date if needed to meet program needs. These positions are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Typical starting salary for this position is:
Range $3,581 - Step L $4,653 monthly
.

• Use agency supplied vehicle to monitor waste collection sites while utilizing various applications and data collection devices.
• Monitor treatment blocks during and after applications by contractor.
• Respond to urgent invasive species introductions and participate in immediate containment operations as directed by the Pest Biologist 2.
• Conduct monitoring surveys with potential regulatory implications, as needed.
• Communicate with contractor staff to facilitate progress of project eradication activities.

• Communicate with contractor staff to facilitate progress of project eradication activities.
• Communicate with members of the public within the project area to achieve eradication goals and encourage resident participation.
• Coordinate with local businesses to distribute pest information and educate public about eradication activities.
• Answer inquiries from the public involving eradication activities.
• Attend public meetings to educate stakeholders about eradication activities.

• Use agency supplied vehicle to visit property parcels to determine eligibility for treatment, assess environmental factors, and determine property ownership.
• Use ArcGIS online Field Maps app and Microsoft office products to enter and manage data.

• A bachelor's degree in entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, botany, agronomy or closely allied field.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A valid driver's license.

• Fluent in both the Spanish and English language, including the ability to read, write, speak and understand the primary dialect of the target audience.

• Previous…