Japanese Beetle Treatment and Yard Waste Coordinator

State of Washington•Yakima County – Other, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is hiring a full-time project Pest Biologist 2 in the Plant Protection Division, located in Yakima, Washington. The position implements, conducts, and supervises invasive-species eradication projects, with an emphasis on Japanese beetle. It hires and guides non-permanent employees, coordinates regularly with contractors, monitors eradication work performed by agency personnel and contractors, and reports on project progress. The coordinator also provides outreach and education to property owners, contractors, county and city personnel, and Pest Board personnel. The role coordinates Japanese beetle treatment and eradication activities, including treatment scheduling, quarantine-area green waste facility activities, field supervision, public inquiries, data review, communications, and development of training materials and response protocols. The position works with the Eradication & Pest Response Coordinator and other internal and external partners to develop work plans, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and support staffing for non-permanent roles. It requires use of a state vehicle and maintenance of a public operator pesticide license with an insect and disease control endorsement. This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). The typical starting salary is $4,746–$6,229 per month, depending on step. The agency provides required personal protective equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with major study in biological science or a closely related field, plus four years of experience in pest or invasive-species detection, survey, control, or eradication and one year of supervisory experience; or master's degree in biological science or a closely allied field, plus two years of relevant experience and one year of supervisory experience; or two years of experience as a Pest Biologist 1.
Valid driver's license.
Public Applicator Pesticide license.
Ability to maintain a public operator pesticide license with an endorsement in insect and disease control.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in English and Spanish, including the ability to read, write, speak, and understand the primary Spanish dialect.

Responsibilities

Direct field activities for statewide eradication projects, focusing on Japanese beetle, using a state vehicle.
Supervise temporary and intermittent employees working on Japanese beetle eradication efforts.
Identify supply and equipment needs and write reports related to eradication activities.
Coordinate with other state agencies and the Attorney General's Office to support compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Advise field staff on proper application of Japanese beetle control methods.
Coordinate weekly treatments and schedules with contractors.
Coordinate activities at green waste facilities in Japanese beetle quarantine areas to ensure internal quarantine requirements are met.
Monitor weekly eradication efforts to ensure project goals are achieved.
Respond to and coordinate follow-up for public requests, questions, objections, and concerns about eradication efforts.
Maintain a public operator pesticide license with an endorsement in insect and disease control.
Assist the Eradication & Pest Response Coordinator in developing and implementing Japanese beetle work plans and eradication plans.
Analyze collected data to evaluate treatment effectiveness and propose changes when needed.
Use a state vehicle to identify areas for future eradication efforts based on previous results and survey data.
Communicate with internal and external stakeholders and property owners to obtain permission for eradication activities.
Distribute pest information and conduct outreach in support of eradication efforts.
Participate in national and regional operational meetings and represent the department at public meetings, media events, and other meetings.
Work with LID staff to create and improve tools for deploying and tracking eradication methods.
Create and maintain training materials, eradication protocols, and response protocols.
Assist with updates to position descriptions for Japanese beetle eradication positions.
Guide field supervisors on reference checks and applicant communications for non-permanent hiring.
Review applications, conduct interviews, and select final candidates for approval to hire.