Washington State Department of Agriculture

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.

The Pest Program is hiring for a Agricultural Technologist ! This is a non-permanent position from April – October!

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 Agricultural Technologist carries out multiple aspects of invasive species survey projects, primarily in field settings. This position is part of a statewide detection survey for non-native wood boring insects and defoliators of pines, including but not limited to Asian and Citrus longhorned beetles, Spruce bark beetle, Emerald ash borer, and many others. This work is accomplished by visual surveys for tree damage as well as the placement and routine servicing of several species-specific insect traps. This position also conducts visual detection surveys for non-native terrestrial mollusks. Each member of the team is responsible for conducting these activities in several assigned counties, and a typical workday involves travel to and from sites in an agency-provided vehicle.

Agricultural Technologists typically work full time Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one hour break for lunch.
Position and Salary Information

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time Non-permanent Agricultural Technologist position within the Pest Program. This position is approved for a home duty station in one of the following counties – Benton, Franklin, Kittitas or Yakima County. This is a Washington Federation of State Employees represented position.

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 this position is: $17.67 Step A – $22.84 Step L hourly.

Employee Benefits

A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
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.
12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
Commute Trip Reduction Program.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $17.67 – $23.40 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule: