Licensing & Recertification Specialist
Job 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.
We are hiring a Bilingual Licensing & Recertification Specialist to join our team!
The Pesticide Management Division within the Department of Agriculture protects the public's interest, health, and welfare of the people of the state of Washington by providing cost efficient and effective services for the regulation of pesticides, dairy nutrient management, and fertilizers.
The Licensing and Recertification Program oversees the licensing and continued certification of pesticide applicators, consultants, dealer managers, and pest inspectors.
The Licensing & Recertification Specialist will serve as the program liaison between the Pesticide Management Division and clients, the general public, and regulatory agencies on pesticide licensing, recertification, and exam development issues. This position will perform routine duties for regulatory, training and outreach functions administered by WSDA.
Position and Salary Information
WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Bilingual Licensing and Recertification Specialist position within the Pesticide Management Division. It's preferred that the candidate resides in one of the following counties: Benton County, Chelan County, Douglas County, Franklin County, Grant County, Klickitat County, or Yakima County. This position is telework-eligible and may occasionally report to the Yakima office. 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: $ 48,156.00 - $ 63,216.00 annually.
In addition to the salary listed above, incumbents assigned to our Seattle office location receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend. If a position is designated as requiring dual language skills, incumbents will also receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.
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.
Include, but not limited to:
Works in partnership with the Washington State University (WSU) Pesticide Safety Education Program and regulated community to develop comprehensive job analysis that accurately define work conducted in the exam categories.- Assists in creation of exam blueprints that reflect findings from job analysis and cover required exam competency standards.
- Assists in development and revision of exam items using established exam development principles that involve interaction with other PMD staff, WSU, and subject matter experts.
- Assists in exam analysis of new and revised exams to ensure exam items are performing as expected.
- Facilitates translation of exams to Spanish.
- Receives, reviews, and processes requests for accreditation for recertification courses from pesticide dealers, organizations, employers, commercial vendors, WSU extension, etc.
- Contacts sponsors to obtain clarification and/or further information regarding specific presentations and determine the best method of attendance verification for the course.
- Facilitates review of course materials in Spanish and auditing/monitoring of Spanish courses to assure compliance with recertification policy.
- Responds to face-to-face, phone, and email inquiries regarding legal requirements associated with pesticide and structural pest inspector licensing.
- Explains complex regulations, policies, procedures, forms, and other informational material related to the recertification requirements to the regulated community and general public.
- Assists in the development and revision of fact sheets, webpages, publications, and other outreach materials related to pesticide licensing and recertification.
- Recommends licensing and recertification regulatory changes to Program Manager and lead Licensing and Recertification Specialist and assists with planning and implementation.
Who should apply?
Professionals with:
A Bachelor's degree, which includes at least 25 semester, or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science AND two (2) years of professional experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulatory agency in the pest management field, or in the feed or fertilizer industry.- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English and Spanish.
- Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Desired:
- Experience with pesticide use practices in agricultural and non-agricultural environments, hazards of pesticides to humans, animals, plants, and the environment, and federal and state laws and rules relating to the production, distribution use, handling, and disposal of pesticides.
- Experience with exam development.
- Possess licenses or certifications pertaining to pests or pesticide use (e.g., state, or federal pesticide licensing, Certified Crop Adviser, International Association of Arborists, ACE, etc.).
- Knowledge of pesticide/structural pest inspector licensing and recertification regulatory requirements.
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
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
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.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes and should be requested a minimum of (7) seven days prior to the first day of employment. Accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
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.
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