Early Detection/Rapid Response Entomologist

State of Washington • King County - Seattle – Other, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is seeking an Early Detection/Rapid Response Insect Technician for its Plant Protection Division. This full-time, non-permanent position is located in Seattle, Washington. The Plant Protection Division's Pest Program focuses on protecting the state's natural resources by preventing the establishment of high-risk invasive insects, plant diseases, and weeds. This role will conduct field activities for assigned aspects of invasive species prevention and perform scientific and technical duties involved in insect detection.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, botany, agronomy or closely allied field OR Equivalent education and/or experience.
• Driver's License.

Nice To Haves

• Six (6) months experience conducting scientific field work and data collection.
• Previous experience with WSDA Pest Program survey or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific and technical activities to support invasive species management and prevention efforts.
• Assist in the detection, delimitation and eradication of designated non-native survey targets via the deployment and routine inspection of traps.
• Maintain familiarity with various trapping techniques and data collection protocols which are subject to potential changes throughout the season.
• Conduct visual detection surveys for signs and symptoms of designated survey targets.
• Use assigned technology to record daily survey work, including navigation between sites and effective route planning.
• Submit daily timekeeping into Pisces.
• Communicate with stakeholders and property owners to obtain permission to conduct survey activities, as well as distribute pest information.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level