Pesticide Assistance Specialist

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 Agricultural Environmental Services Division within the Department of Agriculture protects the public interest health and welfare of the people of the state of Washington by providing cost efficient and effective services for the regulation of pesticides and fertilizers supporting scientific analysis that addresses concerns to public health and the environment from agricultural activities and protecting public health through scientific and regulatory support of the cannabis and dairy industries.

What to Expect

Some of the various responsibilities within this role:

Technical review and support of fertilizer and pesticide registrations

• Review all pesticide and fertilizer applications and renewals Section 18 applications Special Local Needs (SLN) registrations and experimental use permits.
• Work directly with applicants to complete complex applications and ensures all documents meet applicable laws rules and agency policies.
• Update and maintain all registration databases (including database testing) spreadsheets SharePoint and any other data management files or systems related to the registration programs.
• Determine pre-registration application status and regulatory notices as necessary which include notices regarding legal denial of a renewal or new application that is incomplete.
• Monitor and update the status of fertilizer and pesticide applications and renewals in the old data systems and the new WALT&R and WAPRS data systems.
• Review chemistry reports for accuracy related to fertilizer registration regulatory requirements and issues related to administrative actions as needed.
• Review Department of Ecology requirements for waste derived and micronutrient fertilizer applications prior to forwarding complete applications to fertilizer registration staff.

• Assist plan coordinate and execute annual Pesticide Registration renewal notification preparation and mail out.
• Manage records related to: Notice of Incomplete Applications Pesticide and Fertilizer Failure to Renew notices and any additional administrative actions related to Registration applications independently.
• Serve as the first point of contact for pesticide and fertilizer application questions laws and rules on pesticides and fertilizers.
• Generate annual fertilizer analysis reports for WSDA website under RCW 15.54.430.
  

• Mentor and train lower level or new staff in aspects of client/customer relations and pesticide and fertilizer knowledge.
• Independently review and approve fiscal documents associated with Pesticide and Fertilizer Registration.
• Create update and maintain all forms and electronic files in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Schedule team meetings and/or attend meetings as a program representative.
  

• Other duties as assigned.
  

Required Qualifications:

• Five (5) years providing both technical support and customer service support in an office setting.

• One (1) year experience as an Environmental Specialist 1 or in the in-training position will also meet the experience requirements above.

• Associates degree or other formal training involving major study in environmental physical or one of the natural sciences environmental planning or other allied field and three (3) years of professional experience

• Bachelors degree involving major study in environmental physical or one of the natural sciences environmental planning or other allied field and one (1) year of professional experience.

• Five (5) years of experience working with laws and rules of pesticide and fertilizer regulations.

Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance which mayinclude 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.

How to apply

You must complete your profile and answer the supplemental 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.

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.

If you are having technical difficulties creating accessing or completing your application please call NEOGOV toll-free at or 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 e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the states 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.

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 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 . TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture visit us at.