Entomologist and WSDAC Curator - Internal

Full Job 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 Opportunity:

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 Japanese beetle, spongy moth, apple maggot, northern giant hornet, 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 Entomology Collection Curator is a critical part of the technical activities and services of the WSDA entomology laboratory. This position maintains databases integrating taxonomy, systematics, field data, and specimen holdings information, allowing accurate and timely reporting on exotic pest surveys and other regional insect knowledge. This position responds to agency and public requests for identification.

This position uses scientific literature and WSDA data to define areas of research and prepare reports for stakeholders, funding agencies, and other scientists, and to author scientific publications for peer-reviewed journals. This position has primary responsibility for maintaining the WSDA arthropod collection (WSDAC) and associated databases, a physical insect specimen collection necessary for the agency’s pest-identification mission and collaboration with other agencies and institutions.

Important Notes:

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 range for this position is: Range 58, Step A $66,372 - Step L $87,048 annually.

Requirements

What to Expect
Some of the various responsibilities within this role:

Analyze data and prepare scientific reports

• Prepare manuscripts on arthropod taxonomy, biogeography, and WSDA field research for submittal to peer-reviewed journals.
• Assess collected data in combination with a thorough literature review to provide results and conclusions for use in manuscripts, reports, and presentations.
• Analyze primary data and metadata using appropriate statistical techniques.
• Interpret scientific research and data analysis to determine potential areas of future research projects.
• Navigate and utilize public biodiversity databases to generate reliable data on phenology and biogeography of target species.
• Develop research projects, outlining the scope and determining the approach and research methods.
• Develop and compose outreach publications and identification resources.

Oversee WSDAC database

• Use database software to independently create and populate the WSDAC database with specimen and survey data.
• Collaborate with WSDA survey staff and others, as necessary, to obtain all necessary data to ensure that records within the WSDAC database are as complete as possible.
• Ensure data quality and resolve contradictions between primary data sources and relational tables, such as locality data provided by WSDA survey staff.
• Use survey and collection data to conduct research on specific questions about insect distribution and phenology, trap and lure effectiveness, and other areas of inquiry as appropriate.
• Maintain the WSDAC database in a searchable, easily accessible format for use by other WSDA staff.
• Use survey and collection data to conduct analyses for federal and state reporting.
• Regularly review scientific literature for changes in insect taxonomy and systematics.
• Ensure the WSDA collection reflects current entomological theory and practice.
• Integrate new specimens into the collection.
• Oversee collection activities, ensure specimens are accounted for and accessible to agency personnel and collaborators.
• Ensure the WSDAC specimens are properly curated, including data labels and taxonomic organization.
• Train temporary employees on proper specimen preparation and preservation techniques.
• Direct and assign temporary employee tasks relating to the collection.
• Coordinate visiting researcher use of collection resources.

Identify arthropods from multiple taxa and in varying physical conditions

• Maintain expert, contemporary knowledge of arthropod taxonomy and systematics necessary for accurate identification, gained through reviewing scientific literature and attending trainings.
• Use expert knowledge and familiarity with current research to determine the resources necessary to accurately identify insect specimens to species, or the lowest taxonomic level possible.
• Perform a wide variety of complex preparation to facilitate identification via morphological or molecular means.
• Integrate ecological, ethological, morphological, and molecular data to accurately identify arthropod specimens.
• Use laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, sonicators, and imaging systems.
• Screen and identify specimens, consulting with subject experts when required.
• Record results of screening.
• Use expert knowledge and scientific literature to highlight any suspect target pests or biologically significant findings.
• Review WSDA public database to identify any potential target pests or biologically significant findings and ensure appropriate program managers are notified of results.

Assist with field experiments and surveys

• Develop scientific approach for survey and research projects.
• Select field sites based on experimental criteria (e.g. forest type, ownership).
• Travel safely to and from field sites.
• Place trap or conduct other activities such as collecting or observing insects in accordance with the experimental design.
• Collaborate with other contributors on the project to ensure that protocols are followed as closely as possible.
• Record data supporting primary objective and record ancillary or unexpected data with potential biological relevance.
• Provide assistance to other lab personnel as needed.

Qualifications

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

• A bachelor’s degree with major study in a natural science.

AND

• Three (3) years-professional research work experience in a specific specialty field (the specialty field is designated for each position).
  • Two (2) years of the three (3) experience in insect identification (may be acquired through a combination of education and work experience).

• A master’s degree or PhD can substitute for two years of the professional work experience, provided the field of major study was in the specific specialty.

OR

• Equivalent education/experience.

• Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license to travel in a state vehicle and conduct agency business.
  

Preferred / Desired Qualifications:

• Experience using relational databases.
• Familiarity with science writing and analysis.

Additional 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 and would be the ideal candidate

· At least two professional or academic 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.