Apple Maggot Trapper
About The Position
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), through its Pest Program, is hiring for multiple Non-Permanent Agricultural Aides. The Pest Program is dedicated to conducting surveys, diagnostics, and control activities for pests and diseases affecting important agricultural commodities across Washington State. Employees in this program survey for various invasive species including Japanese beetle, spongy moth, apple maggot, northern giant hornet, Phytophthora ramorum, Spartina, and noxious weeds. Some roles involve laboratory work in diagnostics, while others focus on control and eradication efforts. The program utilizes advanced technology, scientific methods, and teamwork to safeguard Washington's valuable agricultural crops.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent education/experience.
- The ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience as an Agricultural Aide with the WSDA Pest Program.
- Previous experience working outdoors and traveling long hours.
Responsibilities
- Assemble, place, monitor, and remove up to 650 insect traps within a designated area.
- Safely and legally operate an assigned state vehicle for survey duties.
- Ensure effective placement and servicing of all traps in the area of responsibility.
- Maintain good public relations.
- Conduct field operations for apple maggot and other invasive species survey programs.
- Drive an agency-provided vehicle to install and inspect insect detection traps at required densities according to survey protocols by the program deadline in assigned geographical location.
- Select trap sites for effective trap placement and coverage.
- Collect data points with minimal margin of error.
- Monitor traps and report suspect flies immediately.
- Place additional response traps as directed.
- Remove all traps by program deadline.
- Effectively use technology to efficiently and accurately complete daily tasks.
- Use assigned technology and software applications to plan activities and navigate to survey sites.
- Collect accurate data, collect specimens and site photos when necessary per protocol.
- Communicate project progress, task completion, unexpected complications, travel updates, weather conditions, any unpleasant encounters with people or animals, as well as any safety concerns with the Apple Maggot Field Supervisor and other program staff.
- Complete staff status "check in" and "check out" forms at the beginning and end of each day.
- Submit hours in the PISCES timekeeping system at the end of each day.
Benefits
- A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
- Dependent Care Assistance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Tuition Waiver
- Deferred Compensation
- Employee Recognition Leave
- 12 paid Holidays
- Vacation and Leave Accruals
- All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
