Japanese Beetle Treatment and Yard Waste Coordinator

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 Pest Protection Division supports the agriculture industry and protects the environment and consumers by protecting agriculture and the environment from insect, weed, and pathogen pests, supporting pollinator and soil health, and testing for proper weights and measures and pesticide use. The Pest Program conducts 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 maggot, Phytophthora 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 Washington's most valuable agricultural crops. The Pest Biologist implements, conducts, and supervises control projects for invasive species eradication, with emphasis on the Japanese Beetle in assigned geographical area. This position is responsible for hiring non-permanent employees, regular interactions with contractors, monitoring eradication activates conducted by WSDA personnel and contractors, and project progress reports. The Pest Biologist provides outreach and educations to property owners, contractors, county, and city personnel, and Pest Board personnel on activates related to eradication efforts associated with Japanese beetle. Important Notes: WSDA is recruiting for a full-time project Pest Biologist 2 position within the Plant Protection Division. This position is located in Yakima, Washington . T his position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). 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. The typical starting salary for this position is: Range 51 Step A $4,746 - St ep L $6,229 monthly . Include but are not limited to: Japanese beetle eradication treatment and supervision Utilize state vehicle to direct field activities associated with statewide eradication projects, focusing on Japanese beetle. Supervise temporary and intermittent employees working on Japanese beetle eradication efforts. Identify supplies and equipment needs for assigned activities. Write assigned reports associated with Japanese beetle eradication efforts. Cooperate with other state agencies and Attorney General's office to ensure project compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Advise field staff on proper application of control methods for Japanese beetle eradication. Coordinate weekly Japanese beetle eradication treatments and scheduling with contractors. Coordinate activities at green waste facilities in Japanese beetle quarantine areas to make sure internal quarantine requirements are met. Monitor weekly Japanese beetle eradication efforts to ensure project goals are met. Respond to requests, questions, objections, and concerns from the public regarding Japanese beetle eradication efforts. Respond to Spanish language requests, questions, objections, and concerns from the public regarding Japanese beetle eradication efforts. Coordinate follow-up activities related to requests, questions, objections, and concerns from the public regarding Japanese beetle eradication efforts. Upon request, assists with translating documents into Spanish to support Japanese beetle eradication efforts. Maintain public operator pesticide license with an endorsement in insect and disease control. Eradication data and review maintenance Assist the Eradication & Pest Response Coordinator in the development and implementation of work plans and eradication plans for Japanese beetle. Analyze collected data to evaluate effectiveness of control treatments for Japanese beetle and proposes changes when needed. Utilize state vehicle to determine areas for future eradication efforts for Japanese beetle based on results of previous eradication efforts and survey data. Communications and outreach Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders and property owners to obtain permission to conduct Japanese beetle eradication activities. Distribute pest information to support Japanese beetle eradication efforts. Utilize state vehicle to conduct outreach to support Japanese beetle eradication efforts. Participate in national and regional operational meetings. Represent the department at public meetings, news media events and other meetings. Upon request, assist with translating documents into Spanish to support outreach efforts. Eradication project related material development Work with LID staff to create and improve tools for deployment and tracking of Japanese beetle eradication methods. Create and maintain training materials for Japanese beetle eradication efforts. Develop and maintain Japanese beetle eradication and response protocols. Participates in staffing for non-permanent employees Assist the Eradication & Pest Response Coordinator with position description updates for all Japanese beetle eradication positions. Provide guidance to field supervisors for reference checking and communication with applicants to fill non-permanent positions. Review applications, conduct interviews, select final candidates to move forward for approval to hire. Who should apply? Professionals with: A bachelor's degree involving major study in a biological science or closely related field. AND Four (4) years of experience in detection, survey, control or eradication of pest or invasive species. AND One (1) year of supervisory experience. OR A master's degree in a biological science or closely allied field. AND Two (2) years of experience in detection, survey, control or eradication of pest or invasive species. AND One (1) year of supervisory experience. OR Two (2) years of experience as a Pest Biologist 1. Valid driver's license. Public Applicator Pesticide license. Fluent in English and Spanish languages and possess the ability to read, write, and speak and understand the primary Spanish dialect. 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. 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: <span style="color: rgba(0, 0,