What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pesticide Compliance Investigator 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 Pesticide Compliance Program is currently seeking to fill a full time permanent Pesticide Compliance Investigator in Eastern, WA!
The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s (WSDA) Pesticide Compliance Program investigates all complaints of alleged pesticide misuse including human and animal exposure, pesticide drift, and plant damage. Pesticide compliance investigators respond to complaints related to possible misuse, improper storage, sales, distribution, and alleged pesticide licensing violations. Investigators conduct routine inspections of pesticide application businesses, marketplaces, distributors, importers, and manufacturers and monitor pesticide applications.
The Pesticide Compliance Investigator works with other Pesticide Compliance staff to complete high quality inspections and investigations relating to the manufacture, distribution, storage, and use of pesticides. This position may specialize in one or more program areas and may coordinate inspections, investigations and/or a particular subject area. The Compliance Investigator provides education and technical assistance to the pesticide industry and general public by developing and delivering public presentations on pesticide related issues, pesticide laws, and rules.
Pesticide Compliance Investigator – Eastern Washington: This position is to cover primarily Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan Counties and other E WA counties as needed. The position is based out of the E. Wenatchee Office and is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association.
Note: These positions are eligible for compressed work schedules, telework, and/or a hybrid schedule. These positions will have regular daytime travel with occasional overnight travel.
This position is designated as requiring dual language skills, incumbents will also receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.
Duties
Some of what you’ll be doing:
- Conduct investigations and inspections for compliance with pesticide regulations.
- 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 takes statements from witnesses.
- Document other applicable evidence as observed or discovered. Collects 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.
- Follow WSDA Pesticide Management Division protocol for right of entry and obtains administrative warrants when access is denied.
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Conducts field surveillance when necessary or as directed by the Area Supervisor.
- Interpret pesticide labels to determine whether a product was used consistent with the label.
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Inspection may involve the following:
- Aerial, ground, greenhouse, PCO and chemical pesticide application equipment and pesticide storage areas.
- Pesticide containers in the chain of distribution for compliance with pesticide regulations.
- Safety equipment and personal protective (PPE) gear 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.
- Initiates on-site corrective action when necessary.
- Review legal documents related to investigative work for accuracy prior to the initiation of civil penalty action. Gives sworn testimony at depositions, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings.
- Serve warrants and presents follow-up documents to court.
- Assist with public disclosure requests.
- Develop and deliver public presentations on pesticide related issues and pesticide laws and rules.
- Provide training for individuals that will be taking pesticide exams. Conducts exam sessions and assists with certification of pesticide applicators, dealers, and consultants.
- Under general direction, respond to complex inquiries or requests for technical assistance requiring a very sound understanding of the pesticide laws/rules and program policies.
- Assist and coordinate inspection and investigation activities with local, state, and federal agencies as needed.
Qualifications
Who should apply?
This is a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2 (PRS2) position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level, Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1 (PRS1), depending on qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.
Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1 In-Training Qualifications:
- Associate degree including at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science.
- 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 at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science.
- Two (2) years of professional experience in a natural resource, agricultural, environmental or health regulatory position, in the pest management field, or in the pesticide or fertilizer industry.
OR
- Six (6) years of total 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:
- Bachelor’s degree which must include at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science.
- Four (4) years of professional experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulator agency in the pest management field or fertilizer industry, which includes two (2) years equal to a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1.
OR
- Master’s degree in one of the above fields in a natural or physical science.
- Two (2) years of professional experience in a natural resource, agricultural, environmental or health regulatory position, in the pest management field, or in the pesticide or fertilizer industry, which includes one (1) year equal to a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1.
OR
- Ph.D. in one of the above fields will substitute for one (1) year professional experience as required above and one (1) year as a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1.
OR
- Two (2) years of experience as a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1.
OR
- Eight (8) years of total experience in a natural resource, agricultural, environmental or health regulatory agency or in the fertilizer, pesticide, or pest management field industry.
AND
- Ability to acquire and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Fluent in English and Spanish languages. Possess the ability to read, write, and speak and understand the primary Spanish dialect.
Additionally, you must be eligible for and able to obtain the following upon hire:
- WSDA Public Operator / Consultant Pesticide License with applicable endorsements
- EPA FIFRA Inspector Credentials
- DES WA State Investigator training CORE and ADVANCED
- 40-Hour Hazardous Materials Training (HAZMAT) certification with annual 8-hour refresher courses
- Medical evaluation, training and fit testing for respirator use
In addition to the above qualifications, the following desired knowledge, skills, and abilities would make your application more competitive:
- Professional experience in natural resources, agricultural/fertilizer or related industries, pest management, landscape pesticide market, or health regulatory field is desired.
- Experience working with pesticides or fertilizers, including their purchase, use, distribution, storage, disposal, recordkeeping, and/or licensing.
- Demonstrated experience in reading and interpreting pesticide labels.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to document inspection and investigative findings, and create detailed professional reports.
- Experience providing great customer service.
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. 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:
Current 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
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov. 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 (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
