What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pear Scout (Agricultural Aide 1) position at Washington State University and Careers?
Pear Scout (Agricultural Aide 1)
WSU’s tree fruit extension lab is seeking an assistant for the 2026 field season. This position will mainly support data collection for a project focused on pear pest management in the Wenatchee valley. They will also assist with fire blight, soil health and replant disease experiments. The assistant will help the project entomologist with outdoor fieldwork and indoor lab work. Join us for a great entry into working with science, Extension and the tree fruit industry!
Time: 40 hrs per week
Salary: $19.64-22 per hour
Period: April 1 to October 1, 2026
Location: WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, 1100 N. Western Ave. Wenatchee WA 98801
Summary of Duties:
- Scouting of pear orchards for beneficial and pest insects.
- Laboratory identification of pear pests and beneficials.
- Travel to field sites in experimental orchards to mark experimental blocks, measure tree variables and collect samples.
- Assist in carrying out experiments in the field including fire blight trials on the efficacy of biopesticides.
- Assist in carrying out experiments in the laboratory (when needed).
Required Qualifications:
- Ability to bend, twist, stoop, carry and lift work materials weighing up to 20 pounds. Ability to walk quickly, bending and reaching to collect field samples in heat and cold
- Willingness to apply pesticides under direction of supervisors.
- Have or be able to obtain at the time of hire a valid driver’s license, and drive to field sites.
- Must be able to communicate and closely follow instructions in English
- Ability to do consecutive hours of laboratory work
- Interest in agriculture and biology
- Interest in learning about tree fruit insects, biology and science
- Positive attitude
Preferred Qualifications:
- BS in horticulture, entomology, plant pathology or other related field.
This position will require early morning departures in order to accomplish goals before the afternoon heat. The assistant will enter commercial pear orchards in the presence of automatic irrigation systems. Appropriate attitude, work boots, and clothing for all weather conditions is necessary. Being comfortable working in agricultural settings is a must. This would a great experience for anyone interested in the fields of tree fruit production, entomology, horticulture, or biology.
Supervisor: Tianna DuPont, Tree Fruit Extension Specialist
If interested: Send resume to elise.woodruff@wsu.edu or call 509-433-4094.
More information about DuPont Lab: http://treefruit.wsu.edu/tianna-dupont/
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $19.64 - $22.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20 - $22