Northern Giant Hornet Trapper

Olympia, Washington
State of Washington
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. For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at The Plant Protection Division is hiring a non-permanent Northern Giant Hornet Trappers in the Pest Program! 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 Northern Giant Hornet Trapper will follow scientific protocols to conduct various aspects of the invasive species survey project as assigned under the supervision of the Pest Biologist. This is a full-time seasonal position from mid June – mid December 2023. Trappers will typically work Monday-Thursday, 6:00am- 5:00pm with a one hour lunch. Position and Salary Information WSDA is recruiting for a non-permanent full-time Northern Giant Hornet Trapper position within the Pest Program in the Plant Protection Division. This position is located in Whatcom County, Washington and is 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 range for these positions is: $16.52 Step B – $19.85 Step L hourly. Employees who voluntarily provide proof of up-to-date COVID-19 booster vaccination, which must include any recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at the time proof is provided to the employer, between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, will receive a one-time lump sum payment of $1,000 to be paid no earlier than July 25, 2023. Employee Benefits A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules. 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. Paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals. All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency. For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at . Some of what you will do: Place stinging insect detection traps at required densities and by program deadlines in assigned geographical location and select sites for effective trap placement and coverage. Collect data points with minimal margin of error. Monitor stinging insect traps and report suspect insects immediately. Remove all traps by program deadlines. Communicate with internal and external stakeholders and individual property owners to obtain permission to conduct survey activities as well as distribute pest information. Use assigned technology and programs to plan and execute trap line, collect accurate data, and communicate with supervisor and other program staff. Daily completion of assigned forms and submission of hours in PISCES. Required Qualifications: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally. Valid driver’s license. Graduation from high school or GED. Preferred / Desired Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree involving major study in a biological science or closely related field. Prior experience in detection, survey, control or eradication of pest or invasive species. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors Reliable, willingness to learn and courteous to the public and fellow employees. Posses sufficient judgement and reasoning skills to recognize and correct errors as they occur. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally. Must be able to travel frequently and timely within assigned geographic region. Must be able to work 40 hours per week. How to apply: You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. 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 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 state’s on-line recruitment system. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, status as a protected veteran, genetics, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone. 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 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 or toll free . TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.