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 Pesticide Management Division within the Department of Agriculture protects the public interest, health, and welfare of the people of the state of Washington by providing cost efficient and effective services for the regulation of pesticides, dairy nutrient management and fertilizers. Within the Pesticide Management Division, the Registration Services Program oversees the registration of fertilizers and pesticides.
The Registration Specialist (Agricultural Chemical Specialist) position serves as a pesticide and fertilizer registration specialist. This position performs technical review and approves or denies applications for pesticides in accordance with FIFRA and State Pesticide Laws and Rules, and fertilizer products based on State Fertilizer Laws and Rules. This position will directly report to the Registration Services Supervisor.
This position is approved for telework and may be located at a home office or at a WSDA regional office.
Why join WSDA?The Department of Agriculture offers:

• 12 Paid Holidays, Leave & Vacation
• A great total compensation and benefits package
• Meaningful work for the State of Washington
• Supported growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, teleworking, and an Infants in the Workplace Program

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.

Include, but not limited to:

• Reviews and approves or denies applications for section 3, adjuvant, and 25(b) pesticides.
• Verifies that product labeling meets appropriate state and federal requirements.
• Reviews data in support of registration requests.
• Enters data into the pesticide registration database. Refers possible violations to the Pesticide Compliance Program.
• Communicates with registrants, EPA, WSU other agencies and stakeholders regarding registration issues.
• Provides expertise related to registration requirements, data needs and similar information to registrants, EPA, WSU, other agencies, and stakeholders regarding registration issues.
• Handles confidential business information.
• Reviews and approves or denies registration applications for fertilizer products.
• Verifies that product labeling meets appropriate state requirements.
• Reviews data in support of registration requests including metals data to ensure that the state metals standards are not exceeded.
• Enters data into the fertilizer registration database.
• Refers possible violations to the Fertilizer Compliance Section or to Ecology for waste derived and micronutrient fertilizer.
• Communicates with registrants, WSU, other agencies, and stakeholders regarding registration issues.
• Provides expertise related to registration requirements, data needs and similar information to registrants, other agencies, and stakeholders regarding registration issues.
• Conducts user acceptance testing.
• Assists with the data migration and data entry of information into WALT&R Fertilizer database.
• Assists with specifications, development, testing, data migration and data entry of information of WALT&R Pesticide database.

Who should apply?
Professionals with:
Associate degree including at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science, AND four (4) years of professional experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulator agency, in the pest management field or fertilizer industry.
OR
Bachelor’s Degree including 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science; AND two (2) years of professional experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulatory agency, in the pest management field, or in the feed or fertilizer industry.
Note: A Master's or Ph.D. Degree in a natural or physical science will substitute for one year of required experience.
AND
Possess and maintain valid driver's license.
In addition to the above qualifications, the following desired knowledge, skills, and abilities will make your application more competitive: 

• Knowledge of Adobe Pro, Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws related to pesticide and fertilizer registration.
• Knowledge of pesticide and fertilizer products.
• Knowledge of pesticide and fertilizer Industry.

How to apply: 
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 position:

· Current resume detailing experience and education

· A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.

· Three professional references 

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.

Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.

Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
 COVID-19 VACCINATION:
 Pursuant to Washington State Governor Inslee’s Proclamation on August 9, 2021, all employees who work for the Washington State Department of Agriculture must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18, 2021. Proof of fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 must be shown to WSDA’s human resource office prior to employment.
  
Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.
Military Spouse Preference: To take advantage of military spouse preference, you will have an opportunity to identify your status in the questionnaire. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences, and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.