What are the responsibilities and job description for the Insect Pest Trapper - Apple Maggot - Yakima position at State of Washington Dept. of Agriculture?
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 Program is hiring for multiple Non-Permanent Agricultural Aids!
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 Opportunity
The Insect Pest Trappers primary role is to protect the state's natural resources by preventing the establishment of the high-risk invasive Apple Maggot. Under the supervision of the assigned supervisor you will follow scientific protocols to conduct assigned aspects of invasive species surveys and eradication projects. These positions typically work from June until the end of September depending on the season. Insect Pest Trappers will typically work Monday-Thursday, 6:00am- 5:00pm shifts each week.
This position is a full-time non-permanent position that is approved for a home duty station in Yakima County, Washington. This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.
Duties
Include but are not limited to:
Conduct field operations for Apple Maggot and other invasive species programs
- Select trap sites for effective trap placement and geographical coverage.
- Place insect detection traps at required densities and by program deadlines in assigned geographical location.
- Collect and record the presence/absence of invasive pests, including apple maggots, in a on-line database..
- Efficiently monitor traps and report suspect insect specimens immediately.
- Remove all traps by program deadlines.
- Harvest infested fruit by hand or with harvest aids at traps sites, as needed.
- Communicate regularly with stakeholders and property owners to obtain permission to conduct survey activities and distributes pest information.
- Use assigned technology and programs to locate and map trap sites.
- Plan and execute an efficient trap line.
- Conduct Insect and host plant photography.
- Complete "End of Day Reporting" form and submission of hours worked in PISCES daily.
Qualifications
Who should apply?
Required Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent
- The ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Documented interest (including completed courses) in entomology, a biological science, or closely related field.
- Experience conducting scientific field work and data collection.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Supplemental Information
Employee Benefits
- 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; click here 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 at www.agr.wa.gov.
How to apply:
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions to be considered for this position.
By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.
Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.
The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.
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
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 (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
