Hop Chemistry Lab Assistant | Non

Hop Chemistry Lab Assistant

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is recruiting for a full-time, non‑permanent Laboratory Assistant 1 position within the Plant Protection Division’s Chemical and Hop Laboratory. This position is located in Yakima, Washington and is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).

Typical starting salary: $20.03–$25.96 per hour (Step A–Step L, 38 steps).

The 2026 hop season starts in mid‑August and typically continues through the middle of October, depending on the crop.

• Hop sample preparation
• Receive/collect samples from the Hop Inspection Lab.
• Grind hop samples to prepare them for analysis.
• Assist in labeling, weighing, extracting, and storing hop samples.

• Cleaning hop lab glassware
• Clean and store hop lab glassware and other laboratory equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Assist in general upkeep and cleanliness of the hop laboratory, including surfaces, floors, cabinets, and storage areas.

• Completion of Chemistry or Biology class or equivalent education/experience.

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Experience performing laboratory or technical tasks.
• Experience with agricultural or plant‑based samples.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and compliance.

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules and teleworking.
• WSDA provides an extensive benefits package beyond traditional benefits, including dependent care assistance, flexible spending accounts, public service loan forgiveness, tuition waiver, deferred compensation, and employee recognition leave.
• 12 paid holidays and vacation and leave accruals.
• All personal protective equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.

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 remain 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, gender 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 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.