The Washington State Department of Agriculture services the people of Washington by supporting the agricultural community and promoting consumer and environmental protection.


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. We employ anywhere from 750-1,200 employees in fields like brand inspection, food safety, international marketing, environmental science, and information technology. While we do have offices statewide, this full-time Environmental Specialist 2 position is located in Olympia, WA.
 
As the Municipal Waste Monitoring Specialist, you will be working to help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species that occurs through the transport and deposition of municipal waste by ensuring compliance with state pest and disease quarantine laws regulating the collection, transport and deposition of municipal solid waste and green waste. This project position has an anticipated duration of 6/30/2019, and reports directly to the Pest Program Manager.
 
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.
 
 
Some of what you will be doing:

• Acts as a liaison between WSDA and the solid waste and green waste communities.
• Reviews county solid waste management plans for compliance with state quarantine rules.
• Works with government agencies and private businesses on developing solid waste management plans that are in compliance with state laws governing waste management and pest and disease quarantines.
• Conducts quarterly on-site inspections of transfer stations, landfills and compost facilities for compliance with state quarantine rules.
• Engages in periodic monitoring and data collection of green waste deposition facilities.
• Reviews applications for special permits and works with permitee to ensure compliance with state quarantine regulations.
• Reviews existing special permits, updates and writes special permits for the movement of solid waste and green waste.
• Reviews annual trapping and inspection data as part of state monitoring program for landfills, transfer stations, green waste deposition sites and compost facilities.
• Conducts investigations into possible violations of quarantine rules by conducting interviews and meetings with waste management professionals.
• Makes recommendations to outside agencies and private businesses on waste management procedures and protocols.
• Acts as Pest Program subject matter expert in waste management issues.
• Gives presentations and conducts trainings for waste management professionals on how to comply with pest quarantine rules and regulations.
• Reliable attendance is required, as well as the ability to work extended hours during peak periods to ensure work is completed.

 
What we are looking for:

• *Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, or a closely related field.
• One year of professional experience in environmental analysis, environmental control, or waste management.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated history of reliability, effective time management skills, and the ability to meet deadlines set by supervisors.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with diverse groups.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver presentations of varying scope to the public.
• Valid driver’s license to travel on official agency business which includes field work, presentations, and trainings.

*Relevant professional experience may be substituted, year for year for education.
 
In addition to the above required qualifications, the following preferred qualifications will make an applicant highly desirable:

• Prior experience in the field of waste management, such as the processing and management of municipal green waste, composting, and segregation procedures for municipal solid waste.
• Prior experience in environmental monitoring and data collection using mobile digital technology.
• Familiarity with GIS technology

 
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:
• A letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
 
Please be prepared to bring a resume if selected for an interview.
 
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 your 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 Lyndsey Beaupre, Recruiter, at (360) 902-2020 or jobs@agr.wa.gov. Please include your last name and the position title in the subject line of your email.
 
 
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.
 
This position requires field work which means traveling within the state, tolerating variable weather and temperature conditions, as well as the ability to walk short to long distances in steep or uneven terrain. You also may be required to sit, stand, bend, twist, kneel and reach overhead.
 
Overnight travel may be required several times per year.
 
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