Description

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.

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time seasonal Giant Hornet Trapper - Lead position within the Pest Program. This position located in Whatcom County, Washington and is a non-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.

Duties

Include, but not limited to:

• Participate as directed by the Pest Biologists in the detection, delimitation, and eradication of invasive Northern giant hornets, primarily via the deployment and routine inspection of hornet traps.
• Maintain familiarity with various hornet trapping techniques and data collection protocols which are subject to potential changes throughout the season.
• Receive instructions from Pest Biologists regarding the inspection of the construction, placement, and servicing of hornet traps conducted by Agricultural Aide positions.
• Serve as a point of contact and source of information and guidance in regard to hornet trapping operations and data collection to Agricultural Aides.
• Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders as well as property owners to obtain permission to conduct survey activities as well as distribute pest information.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• One year experience in survey, research, or environmental biology.

• CPR/First aid certification or the ability to obtain certification prior to the start of the active survey season.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

• Willingness to work with live stinging and biting insects, around apiaries and active Northern giant hornet nest.

• A bachelor's degree or 4 years' experience involving major study in a biological science or closely related field.
• User-level experience with geospatial data and software.
• Prior experience as a Northern Giant Hornet trapper with the WSDA at the Agricultural Aide level.

Supplemental Information