What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pesticide Compliance Investigator | In-Training 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 Opportunity
The Agricultural Environmental Services Division protects the agricultural viability, human and environmental health, and natural resources of the people of the State of Washington. The work in this division is statewide and is split between regulatory programs and technical assistance in pesticides, dairy nutrient management, cannabis/hemp, and fertilizers, and environmental services focused on science policy, equity and environmental justice, aquaculture and rural policy, commodity commissions, soil health, water quality and quantity, pesticide stewardship and education, and land use.
The Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2 within the Pesticide Compliance Program is a journey-level position requiring an in-depth knowledge of the duties and requirements of the position. This position may specialize in one or more program areas. In addition to routine inspections and investigations, this position investigates and/or consults on cases that are high profile, multi-jurisdictional, have extensive media coverage, are politically sensitive, or require particular expertise. This position is independently adept at conducting pesticide inspections, investigations and/or a particular subject area, and may assist the Area Supervisors or other management levels with mentoring, training, leading, and providing expertise for PRS1 investigators and others within their assigned region. Depending on the PRS2’s expertise, sharing of that expertise with Pesticide Compliance staff in other regions may be requested on occasions. This position is located in E. Wenatchee, Washington and is union represented by Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).
The Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2 within the Pesticide Compliance Program is a journey-level position requiring an in-depth knowledge of the duties and requirements of the position. This position may specialize in one or more program areas. In addition to routine inspections and investigations, this position investigates and/or consults on cases that are high profile, multi-jurisdictional, have extensive media coverage, are politically sensitive, or require particular expertise. This position is independently adept at conducting pesticide inspections, investigations and/or a particular subject area, and may assist the Area Supervisors or other management levels with mentoring, training, leading, and providing expertise for PRS1 investigators and others within their assigned region. Depending on the PRS2’s expertise, sharing of that expertise with Pesticide Compliance staff in other regions may be requested on occasions. This position is located in E. Wenatchee, Washington and is union represented by Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).
This is an in-training opportunity and may be hired as Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1 or Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2, depending on qualifications.
What is an in-training plan? The in-training is intended to provide an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan. Upon successful completion of an in-training program, the incumbent will move up to the next job classification that is listed on the in-training plan if applicable.
If hired at the Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1 level, the incumbent will be required to successfully complete the training plan to reach the goal class of Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2. 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.
Based on qualifications the monthly salary range:
If hired as a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1 - In-Training:
Range 53, Step A $56,880 - Step L $76,608 Annually
If hired as a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2:
Range 56, Step A $61,404 - Step L $82,512 Annually
Duties
Include but are not limited to:
Conduct inspections and investigations for compliance with pesticide regulations
- Conduct routine and for-cause state and federal inspections of pesticide users, distributors, and producers.
- Initiate an inspection or investigation when potential violations are observed.
- Investigate allegations of violations involving pesticide use, distribution, storage, disposal, recordkeeping, licensing and other aspects of the pesticide laws and rules.
-
Conduct personal interviews and take statements from witnesses and other parties in conjunction with an investigation or inspection.
- Survey area to determine source of damage or exposure.
- Document other applicable evidence as observed or discovered.
- Collect samples, photographs, records and other evidence to determine whether a violation has occurred.
- Maintain proper chain of custody with samples and other evidence.
- Track actions and supporting evidence in applicable program databases.
- Create maps of sites, sampling locations, etc. using a variety of computer programs, including GPS.
- Determine legal description of site using Lat/Long, Section of Township/Range, Irrigation Block and Farm Unit, street address or other information.
- Research current and previous cropping history and pesticide use on target site and surrounding areas.
-
Follow WSDA Agricultural Environmental Services Division protocol for right of entry and obtains administrative warrants when access is denied.
- Conduct field surveillance when necessary or as directed by the Area Supervisor. Interpret pesticide labels to determine whether a product use was consistent with the label.
-
Inspections may involve the following:
- Aerial, ground, greenhouse, pest control official (PCO) and chemigation pesticide application equipment and pesticide storage areas
- Worker Protection Standards
- Pesticide containers in the chain of distribution for compliance with pesticide regulations.
- Safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) for compliance with label requirements
- Bulk pesticide secondary containment and temporary field storage.
- Operational area containment at pesticide mix/load sites.
-
Write professional, complete, and accurate inspection and investigation reports that are defensible in an administrative hearing
- Initiate on-site corrective action when necessary
- Review legal documents related to investigative work for accuracy prior to the initiation of civil penalty action. Give sworn testimony at depositions, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings.
- Serve warrants and present follow-up documents to court. Assist with public disclosure requests.
- Develop and deliver public presentations on pesticide related issues and pesticide laws and rules.
- Monitor and evaluate presentations that have recertification credit awarded.
- Provide training for individuals that will be taking pesticide exams. Conduct exam sessions and assists with certification of pesticide applicators, dealers and consultants.
- Respond to complex inquiries or requests for technical assistance requiring a very sound understanding of the pesticide laws/rules and program policies.
- Provide technical assistance and educational outreach to the public and regulated community on pesticides and pesticide laws and rules.
- Assist and coordinate inspection and investigation activities with local, state, and federal agencies, as needed
- Identify and confer with other agencies that may have over-lapping jurisdiction.
- Assist with other program review, special projects or collaboration needs including but not limited to exam review for compliance perspective, registration and Technical Services and Education (TSEP) assistance, Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences (NRAS)/other agencies or partners if requested to collect samples, etc.
Qualifications
Who should apply?
Professionals with:
Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1 (In-Training):
Professionals with:
Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1 (In-Training):
- Associate degree including at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science AND four (4) years of professional experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulator agency, in the pest management field or fertilizer industry.
OR
- Bachelor’s Degree including 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science AND two (2) years of professional experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulatory agency, in the pest management field, or in the feed or fertilizer industry.
- Six (6) years of professional-level experience in a natural resource, agricultural, environmental or health regulatory agency or in the fertilizer, pesticide, or pest management field industry.
Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2:
- A bachelor’s degree which must include at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science AND four (4) years of professional-level experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulatory agency, or in the feed, fertilizer or pest management industry which includes two (2) years equal to a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1.
OR
- Master’s degree in one of the above fields AND two (2) years of professional-level experience as required above which includes one (1) year equal to a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1.
- Ph.D. in the above field will substitute for one (1) year professional experience as required above and one (1) year as a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist.
OR
- Two years of experience as a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1.
- Eight (8) years of professional-level experience in a natural resource, agricultural, environmental or health regulatory agency or in the fertilizer, pesticide, or pest management field industry.
Special Requirement:
Must be eligible for and able to obtain upon hire:
- WSDA Public Operator / Consultant Pesticide License with applicable endorsements.
- U.S. EPA Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Inspector Credentials.
- DES WA State Investigator training CORE and ADVANCED.
- 40-hour Hazardous Materials Training (HAZ MAT) certification with annual 8-hour Refresher courses.
- Medical evaluation, training, and fit testing for respirator use.
In addition to the above qualifications, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will make a candidate highly desirable:
- Two (2) years professional experience in natural resources, agricultural/fertilizer or related industries, pest management, landscape pesticide market, or health regulatory field is desired.
- Two (2) years professional experience working with pesticides or fertilizers, including their purchase, use, distribution, storage, disposal, recordkeeping, and/or licensing.
- Two (2) years demonstrated experience in reading and interpreting pesticide labels.
- Fluent in English and Spanish languages. Possess the ability to read, write, and speak and understand the primary Spanish dialect.
Supplemental Information
Employee Benefits
- A healthy work/life balance, whichmayinclude 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 paidHolidays & 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 atwww.agr.wa.gov.
How to Apply:
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:
A 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 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.
Salary : $76,608 - $82,512
Assistant in Training
Buckle -
EAST WENATCHEE, WA
Leader In Training
Buckle -
EAST WENATCHEE, WA
Finance and Compliance Manager
Broadband Development LTD -
Roslyn, WA
