Crop Mapping and Water Monitoring Specialist in Washington State
SeasonalJob Description
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 Employment Page.
The Natural Resources Assessment Section (NRAS) works at the interface between agricultural production and environmental quality. Research topics include agricultural land use practices, pesticide usage, agricultural chemicals in surface water and groundwater, soil health, and climate change. Collectively, NRAS programs serve to help protect public health and the environment while supporting agricultural viability throughout Washingtons diverse cropping systems. The
Crop Mapping and Water Monitoring Specialist monitors and map’s locations in Eastern WA. where agricultural commodities are grown or where livestock operations exist. This mapping uses GIS methods and photogrammetry for the purposes of determining crop type, field area, crop rotation schedule, irrigation methods and other relevant site-specific information. This position will provide GIS and cartography support to the Section and the agency.
In addition, this position assists in the collection and analysis of water quality data for WSDA’s ambient monitoring program and special water monitoring projects as they arise. This position will assist the pesticide usage lead for the section primarily with planning and gathering information at meetings in Eastern WA. These activities are vital to the NRAS’ s ability to conduct pesticide risk analysis for endangered species, pesticide risk assessment for natural resources and to assist in the investigation of pesticide occurrences in private and public drinking water supply wells per the Statewide Pesticide Management Strategy.
Position and Salary Information
WSDA is recruiting for a Full Time permanent Crop Mapping and Water Monitoring Specialist position within the Natural Resource Assessment Section (NRAS). This position is approved for a telework schedule and will report to the WSDA regional office located in Yakima, WA. The candidate may reside in any of the following counties: Benton, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, and Yakima. This position requires frequent day trips to perform mapping duties throughout the crop growing season. Overnight travel is required on an as needed basis. This position is non-represented.
The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary range for this position is: $45,552.00 – $59,616.00 annually.
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.
Duties
Include, but not limited to:
Conducts systematic windshield surveys and mobile data collection of agricultural commodities, coordinates with landowners to collect data, updates crop database to reflect changes in crop patterns.
Uses GPS enable mobile device, and laptop to collect and record data.
Evaluates photogrammetry of agricultural areas to supplement windshield surveys.
Assists project leader in the quality assurance evaluation of data collected both within the section and as a result of contracted activities such as with Conservation Districts.
Provides support and assistance to Eastern WA water monitoring staff by conducting pesticide water sampling activities as needed throughout the monitoring season from March to September.
Activities associated with the collection of field samples include but are not limited to calibration of equipment, collecting samples, measuring stream flow, collecting stream data using a mobile computer, and collection and recording of weather data from WSDA monitoring stations.
At times this position may be assigned to conduct monitoring activities in support of other divisions within WSDA.
Qualifications
Who should apply? Professionals with: A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in an agricultural related field, environmental, physical, geographic information systems, environmental planning or one of the natural sciences, or other related field AND One (1) year of professional-level experience in agricultural or natural resources related field. (Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education). OR Master’s degree in one of the above fields will substitute for two (2) years of required experience. OR A Ph.D. in one of the above fields. OR One (1) year experience as an Environmental Specialist 1. AND
Professional or educational experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulatory agency, pest management field, or feed/fertilizer industry.
Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
Working knowledge of agricultural crops and crop management in order to correctly identify them for mapping purposes.
Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid driver’s license to travel in a state vehicle and conduct agency business.
In addition to the above qualifications, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will make a candidate highly desirable:
Knowledge and proficient use of ArcGIS software.
Knowledge of water sampling techniques.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Access, Excel, PowerPoint).
History of reliable attendance at work.
Demonstrated history of being self-motivated with a strong work ethic is required.
Supplemental Information
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 support@neogov.com.
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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, status as a protected veteran, genetics, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.
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.
How to Apply
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