Office Manager/Technician

Franklin County • Franklin County Courthouse Campus - Pasco WA, WA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Horticultural Pest & Disease Technician / Office Manager supports the Board's mission to control and prevent the spread of horticultural pests and diseases pursuant to RCW 15.09.060. The position combines hands-on orchard and community field work with the administrative, fiscal, recordkeeping, and public-service functions needed to operate the program effectively. Field inspection, pest monitoring, orchard scouting, travel, and direct public contact are central responsibilities of the position.

Requirements

• General knowledge of horticulture, fruit-tree care, basic gardening principles, and pests and diseases affecting commercial orchards and residential fruit trees.
• Ability to learn pest and disease identification, insect trapping protocols, inspection procedures, applicable laws, and program policies.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to keep complete, accurate field, fiscal, and administrative records.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to use GIS/Field Maps, GPS and navigation tools, databases, internet research, and County business systems.
• Ability to organize and prioritize changing field and office assignments, meet deadlines, solve problems, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate technical or program information clearly and respectfully to growers, residents, coworkers, officials, agencies, vendors, and the public.
• Ability to remain calm and use sound judgment in challenging field situations, including encounters with dogs, snakes, biting or stinging insects, hazardous plants, and upset or uncooperative property owners.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Ability to obtain a Washington State Pesticide Operator License within six months of hire, if required by assigned duties.
• Employment at Franklin County is contingent upon the results of a background check.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree in business management, horticulture, agriculture, natural resources, or a related field, and progressively responsible office, customer-service, agriculture, or field experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience working in a commercial orchard, agricultural, horticultural, regulatory, or public-sector environment.
• Knowledge of Franklin and Walla Walla Counties and the local tree-fruit industry.
• Customer-service and public outreach experience.
• Bilingual skills, particularly English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Travel routinely throughout Franklin County and other assigned service areas to inspect fruit-bearing trees on commercial orchards and residential properties
• Place, monitor, maintain, and manage insect traps; collect, label, and document field observations and trap findings accurately.
• Scout fruit trees and orchards for signs and symptoms of regulated or economically significant pests and diseases; research and assist with identification as needed.
• Identify and document residential fruit-bearing trees for tracking, follow-up, and program planning.
• Communicate with orchardists, property owners, nurseries, merchants, agency partners, and the public about pest and disease concerns, program requirements, and recommended next steps.
• Provide practical guidance and assistance to residents on fruit tree care, pest prevention, and available Board programs, when appropriate.
• Use GPS, Field Maps, navigation applications, databases, and field notes to locate sites and maintain accurate inspection and monitoring records.
• Safely operate and maintain County vehicles and field equipment; occasionally operate an ATV for scouting when trained and authorized.
• Promote the Good Neighbor Program and participate in public education and outreach activities, including garden shows, fairs, grower events, and community presentations.
• Work independently outdoors in varying weather and terrain while following County safety practices and established program procedures and policies.
• Coordinate day-to-day office operations and provide responsive customer service by telephone, email, written correspondence, and in person.
• Assist with budget planning; prepare expenditures for payment, process payroll, coordinate board meetings, draft meeting minutes, and maintain fiscal records in accordance with County standards and Board priorities.
• Create, maintain, and improve program files, lists, logs, forms, workflows, databases, and employee or operational records using computerized and manual systems.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, notices, educational materials, meeting materials, and other program documents; maintain accurate and timely records.
• Monitor and communicate relevant changes to federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures affecting assigned responsibilities.
• Assist with scheduling, supply and equipment coordination, public outreach, special projects, and seasonal staff workload needs.
• Participate in staff recruitment and related personnel processes and provide recommendations when requested.
• Pursue continuing education to maintain and expand knowledge of horticultural pests and diseases, field methods, technology, public service, and office administration.

Benefits

• Background checks may include personal and professional references, social security verification, education and professional licensing verification, financial history, and criminal history.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree