Japanese Beetle Field Supervisor

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 conducts surveys, diagnostics and control activities for pests and diseases of important agricultural commodities throughout Washington State. Pest Program employees conduct surveys for Japanese beetle, spongy moth, apple maggot, northern giant hornet, 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 Japanese beetle, spongy moth, invasive snails, northern giant hornet, Spartina and knotweed. Regardless of the threat, Pest program employees use cutting edge technology, scientific processes, and teamwork to protect some of Washingtons most valuable agricultural crops.

Conducts and supervises field activities for assigned aspects of invasive species survey projects, with emphasis on the Japanese Beetle in the assigned geographical area.

WSDA is recruiting for a full‑time non‑permanent Agricultural Technologist position within the Plant Protection Division. This position is approved for a home duty station within Benton, Franklin, Yakima, Walla Walla, Skagit, Thurston, Pierce, and King counties of Washington State. The position is expected to begin in April and continue through November, with the possibility to extend the end date if needed to meet program needs.

These positions are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

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 for this position is:
Range $3,581–$4,653 monthly
.

• Conducts and leads field operations of Japanese beetle and other invasive species trapping programs
• Provide field team support.
• Use agency assigned vehicle to monitor traps placed by trappers for quality control.
• Verify that locations of traps are appropriate to meet program goals.
• Verify that traps are constructed and labeled as directed.
• Inspect traps to ensure they are in good condition.
• Report beetle captures immediately.

• Train and supervise temporary personnel in assigned invasive species survey projects.
• Place traps to supplement/support trappers, as needed.
• Use agency assigned vehicle to assist with response grid trap placement as needed.

• A bachelor's degree in entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, botany, agronomy or a closely allied field.
• Equivalent education and/or experience.
• Four (4) months of experience as a supervisor or equivalent leadership, mentorship experience.

• Previous experience as an Agricultural Technologist or Agricultural Aide with the WSDA Pest Program.

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

You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application and supplemental questions, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this…