One Fulltime, Temporary Position Available

Title:                                       Biological Weed Control Field Assistant

Date Posted:                          June 25, 2018

Dates of Employment:         Immediately – August 24, 2018

Salary:                                    $16/hour, benefits not available

Hours:                                    40 hours/week. Work schedule may fluctuate with project needs.

Line of Responsibility:

Reports to the WSU Extension, Integrated Weed Control Project (IWCP) Director

Location:

Working location is across Washington State and the office location is based at 2606 W Pioneer, Puyallup WA 98371.

Appointment:

The work associated with this position requires immediate staffing. The appointment for this position will be Washington State Biological Weed Control Field Assistant. The position description below lists general aspects of the position.

General Description and Responsibilities:

The Integrated Weed Control Project is a statewide program that provides invasive weed management support to land managers through education and implementation of weed identification and control techniques. During the field season we focus primarily on supplying biological control agents to land managers across WA, including federal, tribal, state and county agencies, conservation groups and private landowners. To learn more, please visit: http://www.invasives.wsu.edu/.

 

The field assistant will support the project director with organizing and conducting biocontrol collections and releases, monitoring, research and other related activities throughout the field season. Some office-related work such as data entry, mapping and organizational tasks will be required.

Activities will be conducted across Washington with occasional travel to Oregon and Idaho. Field assistants will be required to occasionally work long hours and travel long distances, including some overnight trips.

 

Primary Duties:

The field assistant may be involved in a wide variety of tasks, however, the main duties include:

  • Collecting, processing, and releasing biocontrol
  • Conducting monitoring to evaluate weed/biocontrol
  • Dissecting plant and insect material using a microscope for long
  • Record keeping and data
  • Follow-up, evaluation, and report writing, as needed.

 

Position Specific Minimum Qualifications:

  • At least one year of post high school undergraduate education required in applied, biological, chemical, physical or agricultural sciences OR equivalent education/experience.
  • Demonstrated experience with plant or arthropod
  • Ability to communicate proficiently using oral, written and listening

 

  1. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member, work independently and be self- motivated.
  2. Proficiency in the use of personal computers, smartphones and software, including word processing, applications, spreadsheets and databases. .

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  1. A Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields.
  2. Demonstrated experience with invasive weed management and/or biological control agents.
  3. Knowledge of weeds in WA and their associated biocontrol systems.
  4. Experience in collecting and identifying insects.
  5. Possess a good understanding of scientific methods and processes.

 

Job Expectations:

  • Ability to read maps, aerial maps and measuring tools and GPS equipment.
  • Keep accurate, detailed records, complete timely reports, enter data as needed and regularly communicate with the Project Director.
  • Work flexible hours that may include some evenings.
  • Ability to interact appropriately with a variety of individuals.
  • Ability to complete assigned tasks without direct supervision.
  • Good vision required, including close- and distance-vision, and the ability to adjust focus and distinguish colors.
  • Ability to continually learn and a willingness to readily adjust to rapid and unexpected changes in tasks.
  • Ability to prioritize and arrange job assignments.
  • This position requires active fieldwork and some office work. Long hours outdoors in hot, dry conditions will be required. Driving long distances to reach and return from field sites will also be required. This position requires the ability to perform light to medium lifting of gear and equipment in and out of vehicles.
  • Although the program primarily uses rental vehicles, employees are required to provide their own reliable transportation. Mileage will be reimbursed. While using a private vehicle for official business, employees must have current automobile liability insurance (meeting the requirements described in RCW 46.30.020 and RCW 46.29.090) and possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Understand and carry out the principles and specific requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Affirmative Action Plan, and all pertinent rules and regulations.

Application:

Apply by submitting a brief letter describing how your experience and training support the major responsibility and qualifications for the position. Include a resume and three references. Screening applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.

Send application materials (email preferred) to Jennifer Andreas, WSU Extension, 2606 W Pioneer, Puyallup WA 98371. Phone 253.651.2197 or email jandreas@wsu.edu.

Washington State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action educator and employer. Women, ethnic minorities, Vietnam-era or disabled veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply. WSU employs only US citizens and lawfully authorized non-US citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service. Accommodations for applicants who qualify under the American with Disabilities Act are available upon request.