Managing Entomologist

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has been serving the state's agriculture community and the public for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, WSDA supports the viability and vitality of agriculture while protecting consumers, public health and the environment. WSDA serves the people of Washington State by supporting the agricultural community and promoting consumer and environmental protection.
 
The mission of the Pest Program is to protect the agriculture, environment and natural resources of Washington State by preventing the introduction and spread of high risk invasive insects, terrestrial snails, plant diseases and noxious weeds.  As manager of the Entomology Branch, the Managing Entomologists contributes to this mission by supervising programs that prevent the introduction and spread of a select group of highly destructive invasive insects and terrestrial snails. Moreover, this position contributes to the continued export of the state's agriculture, forestry and nursery products by maintaining the pest free areas of the state.  The permanent establishment of these invasive pests would result in; major forest defoliation and mortality, damage to commercial agricultural production, the imposition of costly quarantine restrictions on exports and damage to the environment.
 
We are always searching for the brightest and best to join our team and are committed to fostering employee growth and development. We want to give you the chance to grow at Agriculture! In addition to the amazing career potential, we also offer a generous benefit package which includes 11 paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, retirement and insurance, health, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, training classes, and much more.

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

•  Manages the entomology branch, overseeing 12 to 14 invasive pest programs, over 70 employees and a accumulative budget of approximately $2.8 million a year.
• Supervises four pest biologists, the GIS supervisor, the procurement specialist and the secretary supervisor or administrative assistant.
• Assigns and directs goals, project activities, and resources to entomology branch staff.
• Reviews scientific research and risk analysis on exotic insect and snail pests to inform decisions about program priorities and to select high priority species targets that pose the greatest threat to Washington state and the western U.S.
• Oversees the development of work plans and financial plans for procuring funds for numerous projects that prevent the introduction and spread of a select group of invasive insects and snails.
• Meets project reporting requirements including completion of semi-annual and annual summary reports and public presentations at professional meetings.
• Works with Financial Services to execute cooperative agreements, track project budgets and balance project finances at the end of the fiscal year.
• Serves as primary contact for the entomology branch with other government agencies and industry by participating in meetings discussing management priorities, project development and field operations.
• Reviews the data generated from project activities and makes recommendations to the Pest Program  Manager and the Assistant Director of the Plant Protection Division on future agency operations.
• Oversees compliance with state and federal environmental regulations when conducting eradication and control activities.
• Convenes interview panels for the selection and hiring of key positions within the entomology branch.
• Works with WSDA's communications staff developing outreach materials on project goals and operations. These activities may include; media interviews; written notifications to stakeholders, public officials and the public; supervising public open houses; creation of pamphlets and posters; entomology program web pages; and social media.

 
QUALIFICATIONS:
We are looking for a highly functioning professional who possess the following:

• A Bachelor's degree in a scientific field related to entomology, biology, environmental science or related field.
• Public speaking and writing skills necessary to represent the program or agency on complex or controversial issues.
• Experience in negotiating and resolving conflict.
• Self-motivated and independent.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with groups having disparate interests.
• Ability to develop long-range plans.
• Experience serving as a project manager or technical advisor in a natural resources field, including the development and implementation of significant policies, programs or projects.
• Experience developing and implementing budgets.
• Supervisory and employee development skills, especially involving employees who are geographically dispersed.

The following knowledge and experience is preferred, but not required for this position:

•  An MS or Ph.D. in a scientific field related to entomology, biology, environmental science or related field.

The State of Washington actively supports diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who need assistance in the application process or who need this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-1979 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 800-833-6388.
 
How do I apply?
 
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:
 

• Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position;
• Current resume detailing experience and education.
• Three professional references, including title, email and current phone number.

 
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.
 
To take advantage of Veteran's preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or the NGB-22. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching. Applications with comments such as "see attachments" or "N/A" in the supplemental question responses will be considered incomplete.
 
General suggestions for creating a good application packet:
 

• Read the job posting very carefully. Find out as much as you can about the position.
• Make sure you are very diligent in following all the application instructions.  Include all requested documentation.
• Make sure your application and supplemental question responses address how you meet each of the required and desired qualifications.
• Carefully read each of the supplemental questions and respond completely to each one.  Pay careful attention to each component of the question, providing examples, and thoroughly describing when and where you achieved the proficiency level, and detail the types of work you performed, the work products, etc., to demonstrate 'how'.
• Specifically include all of your work experiences doing the same or similar work, especially if you reference work in these jobs in describing when/where you gained proficiency level skills.
• Make sure your application reflects your best writing.

 
If you are unable to apply on-line, please contact Jamell@agr.wa.gov. Please include your last name and the position title in the subject line of your email.
 
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.

Supplemental Information:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal 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 Resource Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
 
The State of Washington actively supports diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who need assistance in the application process or who need this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2020 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 800-833-6388.