Japanese Beetle Treatment and Yard Waste Coordinator

State of Washington Dept. of Agriculture; Washington; On-site; USD 53,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Agriculture in Yakima is recruiting for a full‑time Pest Biologist 2 to lead state eradication projects targeting Japanese beetle. The role includes supervising non-permanent staff, coordinating with contractors, and reporting progress to the Pest Protection Division.

Qualified applicants will hold at least a bachelor's degree in a biological science, with supervisory experience and state pesticide licenses; bilingual English/Spanish abilities are highly valued to

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree involving major study in a biological science or closely related field.
• Four (4) years of experience in detection, survey, control or eradication of pest or invasive species.
• One (1) year of supervisory experience.
• A master's degree in a biological science or closely allied field.
• Two (2) years of experience in detection, survey, control or eradication of pest or invasive species.
• One (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Two (2) years of experience as a Pest Biologist 1.
• Valid driver's license.
• Public Applicator Pesticide license.
• Fluent in English and Spanish languages and possess the ability to read, write, and speak and understand the primary Spanish dialect.

Responsibilities

• 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 eradication efforts.
• Coordinate follow‑up activities related to requests, questions, objections, and concerns from the public regarding Japanese beetle eradication efforts.
• Upon request, assists with translating documents into Spanish to support Japanese beetle eradication efforts.
• Maintain public operator pesticide license with an endorsement in insect and disease control.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Science

Master's degree in Biological Science

Tools

Public Applicator Pesticide License

Valid driver's license

Job description

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.

Important Notes:

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

Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, 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
• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.

Japanese beetle eradication treatment and supervision

• 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 eradication efforts.
• Coordinate follow‑up activities related to requests, questions, objections, and concerns from the public regarding Japanese beetle eradication efforts.
• Upon request, assists with translating documents into Spanish to support Japanese beetle eradication efforts.
• Maintain public operator pesticide license with an endorsement in insect and disease control.

Eradication data and review maintenance

• Assist the Eradication & Pest Response Coordinator in the development and implementation of work plans and eradication plans for Japanese beetle.
• Analyze collected data to evaluate effectiveness of control treatments for Japanese beetle and proposes changes when needed.
• Utilize state vehicle to determine areas for future eradication efforts for Japanese beetle based on results of previous eradication efforts and survey data.

Communications and outreach

• Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders and property owners to obtain permission to conduct Japanese beetle eradication activities.
• Distribute pest information to support Japanese beetle eradication efforts.
• Utilize state vehicle to conduct outreach to support Japanese beetle eradication efforts.
• Participate in national and regional operational meetings.
• Represent the department at public meetings, news media events and other meetings.
• Upon request, assist with translating documents into Spanish to support outreach efforts.

Eradication project related material development

• Work with LID staff to create and improve tools for deployment and tracking of Japanese beetle eradication methods.
• Create and maintain training materials for Japanese beetle eradication efforts.
• Develop and maintain Japanese beetle eradication and response protocols.

Participates in staffing for non‑permanent employees

• Assist the Eradication & Pest Response Coordinator with position description updates for all Japanese beetle eradication positions.
• Provide guidance to field supervisors for reference checking and communication with applicants to fill non‑permanent positions.
• Review applications, conduct interviews, select final candidates to move forward for approval to hire.

Who should apply?

• A bachelor's degree involving major study in a biological science or closely related field.
• Four (4) years of experience in detection, survey, control or eradication of pest or invasive species.
• One (1) year of supervisory experience.
• A master's degree in a biological science or closely allied field.
• Two (2) years of experience in detection, survey, control or eradication of pest or invasive species.
• One (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Two (2) years of experience as a Pest Biologist 1.
• Valid driver's license.
• Public Applicator Pesticide license.
• Fluent in English and Spanish languages and possess the ability to read, write, and speak and understand the primary Spanish dialect.

Equity at WSDA

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 are 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 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 dog 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.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at [e-mail].

Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free [phone]. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.