Japanese Beetle Trapper

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 approximately 780 employees 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 multiple full time nonpermanent Japanese Beetle Trapper!

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 Northern giant hornet, Japanese beetle, spongy moth, invasive snails, 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 Japanese Beetle Trapper follows scientific protocols to conduct surveys for target pest species found in Washington commodity crops in an assigned geographical area.

The Japanese Beetle Trapper positions are temporary positions that are expected to last up to six months and begin on May 1st. Trappers typically work Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Trapper’s work is based out of their home office which is close to or within their survey route. Each trapper will be assigned a route that is reasonably accessible from their home.

The home address provided on the submitted application will be the default location for your home office. If you wish to be considered for other locations, you need to indicate on your application which area you are interested in working.

These are field‑based positions located in Benton, Chelan, Clark, Franklin, King, Skagit, Spokane, Thurston, Walla Walla, and Yakima Counties, WA. 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 34 Step A $18.00 – Step L $23.14 monthly.

• Place and select trap sites for effective trap placement and coverage at required densities and by program deadline.
• Collection of data points with minimal margin of error.
• Manage and monitor traps.
• Report suspect insect specimens immediately.
• Place additional response traps as directed and remove all traps by program deadlines.

• Communicate with stakeholders and property owners to obtain permission to place traps.

• Plan and execute trap line.
• Collect accurate data.
• Submit daily timekeeping into Pisces.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Equivalent education/experience.
• Driver’s License.
• Previous experience as an Agricultural Aide with the WSDA Program (highly desirable).

• 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…