Spongy Moth Field Supervisor | Multiple Positions

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 Plant Protection Division supports the agriculture industry and protects the environment and consumers by protecting agriculture and the environment from insects, 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 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, northern giant hornet, 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.

Spongy moth is one of the most destructive forest insect pests introduced into North America posing a tremendous threat to the health of Washington's forest, parks, and even neighborhood trees. Since 1974, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has been monitoring for spongy moth and eradicating introductions of the pest when necessary. Thanks to the efforts of our seasonal survey crew and the cooperation and support of the public, there are currently no established populations of spongy moth in our state.

The Opportunity

The Spongy Moth Field Supervisor provides field support for a team of 4 - 8 insect pest trappers: hiring, training, and managing day-to-day activities. Each trapper will be responsible for assembling, placing, monitoring, and removing up to 1,000 insect traps within a designated area; field supervisors will be monitoring the placement and corresponding data for each trap placed by their team of trappers. A state vehicle is assigned for survey duties. Field supervisors will be responsible for the safe and legal operation of their vehicles, effective placement, and servicing of all traps in their area of responsibility and maintaining good public relations. Some positions may require occasional overnight travel with travel expenses (lodging and meals) being reimbursed.


Duration

The spongy moth field supervisor positions are temporary positions that are expected to last six-seven months and begin April - May depending on geographical location. Field supervisors typically work full time Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one-hour break for lunch.

There will be a mandatory two-day orientation for supervisors on the first two days of employment and an additional three-day orientation for trappers the first three days of June. Both events will occur in Thurston County and will be in person. Field supervisors are required to be active participants in both sessions. Employees will be assigned a state vehicle and receive training and supplies at orientation.

These are field based positions located in Cowlitz, Kitsap, King, Spokane, Whatcom, and Thurston or Pierce Counties WA. These positions are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.

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 40 Step A $3,581 - Step L $4,653 monthly.

Requirements

Include but are not limited to:

Conduct field operations for Spongy Moth and other invasive species programs

• Provide team field support.
• Drive assigned agency provided vehicle to install and inspect insect detection traps at required densities accounting to survey protocols by the program deadline in assigned geographical location: select trap sites for effective trap placement and coverage.
• Collection of data points with minimal margin of error.
• Efficiently monitor traps.
• Report suspect moths immediately.
• Place additional response traps as directed.
• Remove all traps by program deadlines.

Participates in the hiring and training of temporary employees

• Train and supervise temporary personnel in assigned invasive moth survey projects.
• Perform quality control according to survey guidelines.

Communicate with stakeholders

• Make contact with property owners to inform them of project goals and objectives and to solicit permission to place traps.
• Maintain a good professional image for the program.

Effective use of technology

• Use of assigned technology and software applications to plan activities and navigate to survey sites
• Collect accurate data, specimens, and site photos when necessary, according to protocol.

Qualifications

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• A bachelor's degree in entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, botany, agronomy, or closely allied field.

OR

• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

AND

• Four (4) months' experience as a supervisor

OR

• Equivalence leadership, mentorship experience
  

AND

• A valid driver's license

In addition to the above qualifications, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will make a candidate highly desirable:

• Previous experience as an Agricultural Technologist or Agricultural Aide with the WSDA Pest Program.
• Previous experience conducting scientific field work and data collection.
• Previous experience working outdoors and driving long distances.

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:

• A letter of interest describing why you would like this job and 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.

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.