Pest Biologist 1
Pest Biologist 1
Employer Active
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Share
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
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.
ThePest Programconducts 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 maggotPhytophthora 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 Washingtons most valuable agricultural crops.
The Pest Biologist 1serves as the primary screening taxonomist for assigned projects which is critical for successful detection of survey targets WSDAs Exotic Wood Boring Insect and Bark Beetle Survey. This survey utilizes traps and visual detection surveys to facilitate early detection of nonnative insects generally associated with wood packing materials and other forest products. The Pest Biologist I position also assists with detection and delimitation surveys of nonnative terrestrial molluscs (land snails and slugs) of regulatory concern. This position supports the programs mission by supervising nonpermanent field staff to accomplish the goal of the project during survey season.
During the field season work is conducted at the assigned duty station and in the field. Inclement weather extreme heat exposure to wildfire smoke and exposure to chemical compounds in insect lures are common hazards in the field. Field work often occurs in urban and industrial landscapes associated with high priority points of entry and transportation such as marine ports railyards and distribution centers. Much of the time will be spent in the state assigned vehicle traveling to survey sites and meeting with employees and stakeholders. During the winter months work is conducted mostly at the assigned duty station with the option to telework for certain tasks with supervisor approval.
The Pest Biologist 1 position is located in Tumwater WA and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.Duties
Include but not limited to:
Taxonomic screening and data management- Perform screening and identification of trap captures of wood boring insects and other survey targets (Cerambycidae Buprestidae Siricidae Scolytinae and Platypodinae).
- Identify local and survey target species of land snail and slug from specimen photographs and/or dissections.
- Enter trap capture data into a shared database accurately and organizationally.
- Submit suspect target specimens to national identifying services.
- Communicate with Pest Biologist 2 and Managing Entomologist promptly regarding the identification of suspect survey targets during screening.
- Develop a working understanding of the natural histories of survey target specimens and regional nontarget species encountered during trapping.
- Enter manage and maintain accurate and organized field data and specimen collections using Microsoft Office GIS software and field collection apps such as Field Maps and Survey123.
- Establish and maintain trap sites according to specified protocols within assigned areas during the field season.
- Conduct visual surveys for target species in highlikelihood areas of introduction and corridors of spread for survey target species.
- Collect and maintain accurate field records and specimen collections.
- Train nonpermanent field staff in trapping visual survey and data collection duties.
- Ensure staff are maintaining appropriate protocols for trapping visual survey data collection and other assigned activities.
Qualifications
Who should apply
Professionals with:- A Bachelors degree involving major study in a biological science or closely allied field.
- Two 2 years of experience in detection survey control or eradication of pest or invasive species
OR- Equivalent education and/or experience.
- Valid drivers license necessary to operate a motor vehicle while conducting agency business.
- Current TWIC authorization and WSDA Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to receive these certifications upon hire is required).
- Professional taxonomy experience with wood boring insects and terrestrial mollusks or other invertebrates including the use of dichotomous keys.
- Experience conducting insect trapping and/or forest health surveys.
- The ability to identify regional trees in both natural and urban forest settings.
- Experience using Microsoft Office and GIS software.
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 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 at.
How to apply:
You must complete your 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 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
