Pesticide Compliance Investigator In-Training
Pesticide Compliance Investigator In-Training
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$ 56880 - 82512
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Description
AGRICULTURE A Cornerstone of Washingtons 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 1000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings please visit our Employment Page.
The OpportunityThe 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 journeylevel position requiring an indepth 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 multijurisdictional 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 PRS2s 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 intraining opportunity and may be hired as Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1 or Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2 depending on qualifications.
What is an intraining plan The intraining is intended to provide an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal intraining plan. Upon successful completion of an intraining program the incumbent will move up to the next job classification that is listed on the intraining 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 candidates jobrelated knowledge skills and experience.
Based on qualifications the monthly salary range:
If hired as a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1 InTraining:Range 53 Step A $56880 Step L $76608Annually
If hired as a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2:
Range 56 Step A $61404 Step L $82512Annually
Duties
Include but are not limited to:
Conduct inspections and investigations for compliance with pesticide regulations- Conduct routine and forcause 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 onsite 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 followup 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 overlapping 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 (InTraining):- Associate degree including at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science ANDfour 4 years of professional experience in a natural resource environmental or health regulator agency in the pest management field or fertilizer industry.
OR
- Bachelors Degree including 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science ANDtwo 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 professionallevel 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 bachelors degree which must include at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science ANDfour 4 years of professionallevel 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- Masters degree in one of the above fields AND two 2 years of professionallevel 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 professionallevel 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.
40hour Hazardous Materials Training (HAZ MAT) certification with annual 8hour 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 herefor 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.
How to Apply:You must complete your careers.wa 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 tollfree ator email.
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 email will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the states online 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 ProEquity AntiRacist (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. 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 applicants 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.Veterans Preference:Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans 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 Veterans Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligibleclick here.
Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format may callor toll free. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
Employment Type
Full-Time
