Spongy Moth Field Supervisor | Multiple Positions

Location Type: On-site

 

Salary: $3,581.00 – $4,771.00 Monthly
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2026-00455
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Division: Plant Protection – Pest
Opening Date: 02/12/2026
Closing Date: 3/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
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 Plant Protection Division supports the agriculture industry and protects the environment and consumers by protecting agriculture and the environment from insects, weed, and pathogen pests, supporting pollinator and soil health, and testing for proper weights and measures and pesticide use.
The Pest Program is hiring multiple full time nonpermanent Spongy Moth Field Supervisors!
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, 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 Washington’s most valuable agricultural crops.

Spongy moth is one of the most destructive forest insect pests introduced into North America posing a tremendous threat to the health of Washington’s forest, parks, and even neighborhood trees. Since 1974, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has been monitoring for spongy moth and eradicating introductions of the pest when necessary. Thanks to the efforts of our seasonal survey crew and the cooperation and support of the public, there are currently no established populations of spongy moth in our state.

The Opportunity

The Spongy Moth Field Supervisor provides field support for a team of 4 – 8 insect pest trappers: hiring, training, and managing day-to-day activities. Each trapper will be responsible for assembling, placing, monitoring, and removing up to 1,000 insect traps within a designated area; field supervisors will be monitoring the placement and corresponding data for each trap placed by their team of trappers. A state vehicle is assigned for survey duties. Field supervisors will be responsible for the safe and legal operation of their vehicles, effective placement, and servicing of all traps in their area of responsibility and maintaining good public relations. Some positions may require occasional overnight travel with travel expenses (lodging and meals) being reimbursed.
Duration

The spongy moth field supervisor positions are temporary positions that are expected to last six-seven months and begin April – May depending on geographical locationField supervisors typically work full time Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one-hour break for lunch.

There will be a mandatory two-day orientation for supervisors on the first two days of employment and an additional three-day orientation for trappers the first three days of June. Both events will occur in Thurston County and will be in person. Field supervisors are required to be active participants in both sessions. Employees will be assigned a state vehicle and receive training and supplies at orientation.

These are field based positions located inCowlitz, Kitsap, King, Spokane, Whatcom, and Thurston or Pierce Counties WA. These positions are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.

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 40 Step A $3,581– Step L $4,653 monthly.
Duties
Include but are not limited to:

Conduct field operations for Spongy Moth and other invasive species programs

• Provide team field support.
• Drive assigned agency provided vehicle to install and inspect insect detection traps at required densities accounting to survey protocols by the program deadline in assigned geographical location: select trap sites for effective trap placement and coverage.
• Collection of data points with minimal margin of error.
• Efficiently monitor traps.
• Report suspect moths immediately.
• Place additional response traps as directed.
• Remove all traps by program deadlines.

Participates in the hiring and training of temporary employees

• Train and supervise temporary personnel in assigned invasive moth survey projects.
• Perform quality control according to survey guidelines.

Communicate with stakeholders

• Make contact with property owners to inform them of project goals and objectives and to solicit permission to place traps.
• Maintain a good professional image for the program.

Effective use of technology

• Use of assigned technology and software applications to plan activities and navigate to survey sites
• Collect accurate data, specimens, and site photos when necessary, according to protocol.

Qualifications

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

• A bachelor’s degree in entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, botany, agronomy, or closely allied field.

OR

• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

AND

• Four (4) months’ experience as a supervisor

OR

• Equivalence leadership, mentorship experience

AND

• A valid driver’s license

In addition to the above qualifications, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will make a candidate highly desirable:

• Previous experience as an Agricultural Technologist or Agricultural Aide with the WSDA Pest Program.
• Previous experience conducting scientific field work and data collection.
• Previous experience working outdoors and driving long distances.

Supplemental Information
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.

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

• A letter of interest describing why you would like this job and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.

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 .
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.
Equity at WSDA
The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.
We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at

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 Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
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,

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.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
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To be considered for this position you must attach a letter of interest. Have you attached or included this document to your application?

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Do you have a bachelor’s degree with a major in entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, botany, agronomy or closely allied field?

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Do you have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle while conducting agency business?

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Do you have four (4) months experience as a supervisor or equivalent leadership mentorship experience?

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