Spongy Moth Projects Coordinator

Industry: Dept. of Agriculture; Plant Protection – Pest

Company: State of Washington

Salary : $59,844.00 – $80,460.00 Annually

Location : Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

Job Type: Full Time – Permanent

Job Number: 2024-11229

Department: Dept. of Agriculture

Division: Plant Protection – Pest

Opening Date: 10/11/2024

Closing Date: 11/24/2024 12:00 AM 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.

The Plant Protection Division is hiring a Spongy Moth Projects Coordinator in their Pest Program!

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 northern giant hornet, Japanese beetle, spongy moth, apple maggot, 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, 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.

The Spongy Moth Projects Coordinator is responsible for the coordination and management of the statewide Spongy Moth and Asian Defoliator Projects. This position uses science-based phenology modeling to forecast seasonal fluctuations in invasive defoliator activity in the State of Washington. Scientific research and modeling data is analyzed and applied to the development and coordination of all aspects of field-based surveys to support the detection and eradication of invasive spongy moths, Asian defoliators, and other invasive insects of concern. The Spongy Moth Projects Coordinator travels to infested sites to assess and evaluate pest populations and recommends control and survey options. This position serves as an expert for communication of invasive moth projects to stakeholders, other states, and federal partners. This position coordinates seasonal work force recruitment activities and assists other Entomology Program project managers with recruitment of seasonal staff. The Spongy Moth Projects Coordinator is a Washington Federation of State Employees represented position.

Note – This position is required to report to the WSDA Lab in Tumwater, WA and must be within a reasonable commuting distance.
Duties

Pest Project Management & Coordination

• Develop survey proposals, work plans, financial plans, accomplishment reports, technical reports, and other documents as required for all spongy moth projects and Asian defoliator surveys.
• Oversee state and federal program budgets. Create spending plan, approve purchases, review expenditures, review federal tracking, direct fund code allocations for timekeeping.
• Forecast invasive moth threats based on trapping results and designs detection response based on national program standards.
• Make recommendations to Eradication Coordinator, Managing Entomologist, and Pest Program Manager for control and eradication activities based on research and annual survey results.
• Evaluate techniques and technologies and serves as primary interpreter of scientific research for implementation in spongy moth projects.
• Run and analyze degree day phenology models to determine appropriate biological timing to conduct a successful eradication project.
• Assess feasibility of spongy moth eradication projects and assists with coordination of ground activities.
• Travel to infested sites to assess and evaluate pest populations and recommend control and survey options.

Seasonal Recruitment & Training

• Coordinate Seasonal work-force recruitment for entire Pest Program, including training of other Pest Program project managers on procedures, deadlines, and candidate evaluation.
• Hire and train new staff on agency and program processes and procedures. Including supervising permanent and non-permanent employees involved in conducting invasive moth field surveys and data reporting.
• Analyze results and make project recommendations.

Public & Stakeholder Communications

• Act as agency expert on invasive moth projects or issues.
• Develop informational material and web content to support invasive moth project goals and activities.
• Representative of WSDA Spongy Moth Program at the Spongy Moth Managers meetings, the Annual Lymantria Dispar Review, and other inter-agency meetings. Provide program activity updates to other state, provincial, and federal cooperators.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree involving a major study in a biological science or closely allied field.

AND

• Four years experience in the design and implementation of survey protocols for the detection and management of pests and/or invasive species.
• One year of supervisory experience.
• Valid Driver license required.

OR

• A Master’s degree in a biological science or closely allied field.
• Two years experience in detection, survey, control or eradication of pest or invasive species.

OR

• Equivalent education/experience.

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Working knowledge of GIS (Geographic information systems), Field Maps, Survey123, and National Agricultural Pest Information System (NAPIS)/or similar federal data reporting systems.
• Ability to conduct work using Microsoft Office programs such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to interpret scientific protocols.
• Ability to work and make decisions independently in the field.
• Ability to act safely and decisively in the field.
• Ability to adapt to challenges to complete project objectives.
• Ability to encourage and maintain team cohesiveness.
• Ability to perform a variety of outdoor work in inclement weather.
• Ability to relay technical/scientific information to the public.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, duties, or qualifications, please reach out to Tiffany Pahs at T.Pahs@agr.wa.gov and reference job #2024-11229.

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:

• 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 .

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, click here.

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, are entitled to three (3) 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 12-31-2022

01

To be considered for this position you must attach a resume and cover letter. Have you attached or included these documents to your application?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a Bachelor of Science degree involving a major study in a biological science or closely allied field?

• Yes
• I have a Master’s degree or higher in a biological science or closely allied field.
• No
• No, but I have 4 years or more of equivalent experience.

03

How many years of professional experience do you have in the design and implementation of protocols for the detection and management of pests and/or invasive species?

• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 years
• 6 years
• 7 years
• 8+ years

04

Do you have one year of supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license prior to the first day of employment?

• Yes
• No

Required Question