The Washington State Department of Agriculture serves 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 position is located in Prosser, WA.

Within the Plant Protection Division, the Plant Services Program is committed to facilitating agricultural trade and ensuring consumer protection by providing accurate and reliable inspection, testing and certification of agricultural plant products and serving on the front line of defense against the introduction and spread of pests.

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

As a plant pathologist specializing in virus and virus-like diseases of fruit trees, this position supports the project coordinator in implementing activities related to the certification of fruit tree planting stock.  Working under the general direction of the project coordinator, this position carries out lab testing and greenhouse or field biological indexing to detect pathogens in registered and certified fruit trees and researches emerging pest issues that could be detrimental to the program.  These duties have broad potential impact on the health and prosperity of Washington’s tree fruit industry.

This exciting non-permanent position will conduct statewide survey of certified fruit tree rootstocks, under a one year federal grant, though the position may be extended for the right candidate. Using molecular, serological and biological testing procedures, this position will sample and test over 200 miles of stool beds, often working in hot weather, isolated locations and walking uneven ground.  Using priorities set by the project coordinator, this position makes decisions on daily work scheduling, the use of scientific techniques and incorporates new information that affects project outcomes.

• Conduct serological, molecular and biological testing protocols in laboratory, greenhouse and field settings.
• Conduct seasonal sampling of registered fruit tree stool beds in certified nurseries.
• Assist with greenhouse indexing of this material to determine presence of viruses or virus-like pathogens.
• Conduct molecular and serological testing to confirm results of biological indexing.
  • Interpret and analyze test results.
• Conduct surveys of the areas surrounding fruit tree nurseries for the presence of viruses and insect vectors.
• Draw conclusions from field data and make recommendations as to certification status of registered stool beds.
  • Keep written records, write reports and enter computer data.
• Conduct outreach and education to fruit tree nurseries about project progress and outcomes.

A Bachelor’s degree with major study in natural science

AND

Two years professional research work experience in fruit tree virology or other perennial crop virology.

A Master’s degree in the specific specialty field will substitute for the experience.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to write reports and keep written records.

Special Requirements:
Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid driver’s license to travel on agency business.

Preferred/desired qualifications:
Experience in identifying viruses and managing plant disease issues pertinent to Northwest fruit tree growers.

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.

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.