Washington State ESD
Pesticide Compliance Investigator | In-Training
Washington State ESD, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Overview
AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy The Washington State Department of Agriculture has served 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 with farmers and ranchers, and our responsibilities—from ensuring food safety to environmental protection—touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad. The agency includes about 780 employees, with peak seasonal staffing approaching 1,000. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.
The Opportunity
The Agricultural Environmental Services Division protects the agricultural viability, human and environmental health, and natural resources of the people of Washington. The work is statewide and split between regulatory programs and technical assistance in pesticides, dairy nutrient management, cannabis/hemp, and fertilizers, and environmental services focused on science policy, equity and environmental justice, aquaculture and rural policy, commodity commissions, soil health, water quality and quantity, pesticide stewardship and education, and land use. The Pesticide Compliance Investigator is a senior level position requiring in-depth knowledge of the duties and requirements of the position. This role works with other Pesticide Compliance staff to complete inspections and investigations related to the manufacture, distribution, storage, and use of pesticides. In addition to routine inspections, this position investigates and/or consults on high-profile, multi-jurisdictional, media-heavy, politically sensitive, or specialized cases. The position may serve as a lead in inspections, investigations, or a particular subject area, and may assist Area Supervisors or management with mentoring, training, and providing expertise for PRS1 investigators and others in the region. This position is based in the Yakima office and serves Kittitas and Yakima Counties. The Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2 is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).
This is an in-training opportunity and may be hired as Environmental Specialist 3 or Environmental Specialist 4, depending on qualifications.
In-Training Plan
The in-training plan provides an on-the-job opportunity to gain required experience as part of a formal program. Upon successful completion, the incumbent will move to the next job classification listed on the plan where applicable. If hired at Environmental Specialist 3, the incumbent must complete the training plan to reach Environmental Specialist 4. The base pay offered will reflect internal equity and may vary based on candidate knowledge, skills, and experience.
Salary ranges based on qualifications: Environmental Specialist 3 (In-Training): Range 53, Step A $56,880 – Step L $74,724 Annually Environmental Specialist 4: Range 59, Step A $66,012 – Step L $86,712 Annually
Responsibilities
Includes but is not limited to:
Conduct inspections and investigations for compliance with pesticide regulations.
Perform routine and for-cause state and federal inspections of pesticide users, distributors, and producers; initiate inspections or investigations for potential violations.
Investigate allegations involving pesticide use, distribution, storage, disposal, recordkeeping, licensing, and other pesticide law aspects.
Conduct interviews and obtain statements from witnesses and others; document evidence, collect samples, photographs, records, and maintain chain of custody.
Prepare professional inspection and investigation reports; initiate on-site corrective action when necessary; review legal documents for civil actions and provide sworn testimony as needed.
Serve warrants and support public disclosure requests.
Provides education and technical assistance
Develop and deliver public presentations on pesticide issues and laws; provide training for pesticide exams and assist with certification of applicators, dealers, and consultants.
Respond to complex inquiries requiring a strong understanding of pesticide laws and program policies; provide outreach to the public and regulated community.
Coordination with other agencies
Assist and coordinate inspections and investigations with local, state, and federal agencies; identify overlapping jurisdiction; support special projects and collaborations as needed.
Who should apply?
Professionals with:
Environmental Specialist 3 (In-Training):
A Bachelor’s degree in environmental, physical, or natural sciences, environmental planning or related field AND two years of professional experience in environmental analysis or control. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for education. A Ph.D. in these fields also qualifies.
One year of experience as Environmental Specialist 2. A Master’s degree can substitute for one year of required experience.
Environmental Specialist 4:
A Bachelor’s degree in environmental fields with five years of relevant experience, including one year at the Environmental Specialist 3 level or two years at Environmental Specialist 2; or a Master’s degree with required experience; or a Ph.D. with required experience; or two years as Environmental Specialist 3.
Additional qualifying experience may substitute for education.
Special Requirements:
Eligibility to obtain WSDA Public Operator/Consultant Pesticide License with applicable endorsements.
Credentials as a U.S. EPA FIFRA Inspector.
DES WA State Investigator training CORE and ADVANCED.
40-hour Hazardous Materials Training (HAZ MAT) with annual refreshers.
Medical evaluation, training, and fit testing for respirator use.
Desirable knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Experience in natural resources, agricultural/fertilizer or related fields; familiarity with pesticides/fertilizers, their purchase, use, distribution, storage, disposal, recordkeeping, and licensing; ability to read and interpret pesticide labels.
Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to document findings and prepare detailed reports.
Public speaking, data entry, and customer service experience; bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
Employee Benefits Healthy work/life balance, potential for flexible schedules and teleworking.
Comprehensive benefits package; details available with the state. Includes various programs and leave provisions.
12 paid holidays; vacation and leave accruals.
All required PPE provided by the agency.
Commute Trip Reduction program.
For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit www.agr.wa.gov.
How to Apply
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer supplemental questions. In addition to the online application and questions, please attach:
A resume detailing experience and education
A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications
Three professional references
By submitting these materials, you certify that the information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information may result in removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.
Applications with comments in attachments are considered incomplete. If you experience technical difficulties, contact NEOGOV support.
The initial screening will be based on your application contents; information may be verified. E-mail submissions are not accepted in lieu of online applications.
Equity at WSDA
The Department of Agriculture values diversity and inclusion and supports our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) plan, HEAL Act implementation, and a workplace that respects belonging and equal opportunity employment. We hire individuals who reflect the communities we serve and maintain an inclusive environment free from discrimination based on protected characteristics. Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered consistent with laws.
Contact Us
Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to the Human Resource Office. A background check will be conducted prior to appointment. Additional vacancies may be filled from this recruitment for up to six months.
Veteran's Preference: Applicants claiming Veteran's Preference must attach a copy of DD214 or other verification of military service. For more information, click here.
Persons with a disability needing assistance or an alternative format for this announcement may contact us. TTY users should use the Washington Relay Service.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy The Washington State Department of Agriculture has served 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 with farmers and ranchers, and our responsibilities—from ensuring food safety to environmental protection—touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad. The agency includes about 780 employees, with peak seasonal staffing approaching 1,000. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.
The Opportunity
The Agricultural Environmental Services Division protects the agricultural viability, human and environmental health, and natural resources of the people of Washington. The work is statewide and split between regulatory programs and technical assistance in pesticides, dairy nutrient management, cannabis/hemp, and fertilizers, and environmental services focused on science policy, equity and environmental justice, aquaculture and rural policy, commodity commissions, soil health, water quality and quantity, pesticide stewardship and education, and land use. The Pesticide Compliance Investigator is a senior level position requiring in-depth knowledge of the duties and requirements of the position. This role works with other Pesticide Compliance staff to complete inspections and investigations related to the manufacture, distribution, storage, and use of pesticides. In addition to routine inspections, this position investigates and/or consults on high-profile, multi-jurisdictional, media-heavy, politically sensitive, or specialized cases. The position may serve as a lead in inspections, investigations, or a particular subject area, and may assist Area Supervisors or management with mentoring, training, and providing expertise for PRS1 investigators and others in the region. This position is based in the Yakima office and serves Kittitas and Yakima Counties. The Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2 is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).
This is an in-training opportunity and may be hired as Environmental Specialist 3 or Environmental Specialist 4, depending on qualifications.
In-Training Plan
The in-training plan provides an on-the-job opportunity to gain required experience as part of a formal program. Upon successful completion, the incumbent will move to the next job classification listed on the plan where applicable. If hired at Environmental Specialist 3, the incumbent must complete the training plan to reach Environmental Specialist 4. The base pay offered will reflect internal equity and may vary based on candidate knowledge, skills, and experience.
Salary ranges based on qualifications: Environmental Specialist 3 (In-Training): Range 53, Step A $56,880 – Step L $74,724 Annually Environmental Specialist 4: Range 59, Step A $66,012 – Step L $86,712 Annually
Responsibilities
Includes but is not limited to:
Conduct inspections and investigations for compliance with pesticide regulations.
Perform routine and for-cause state and federal inspections of pesticide users, distributors, and producers; initiate inspections or investigations for potential violations.
Investigate allegations involving pesticide use, distribution, storage, disposal, recordkeeping, licensing, and other pesticide law aspects.
Conduct interviews and obtain statements from witnesses and others; document evidence, collect samples, photographs, records, and maintain chain of custody.
Prepare professional inspection and investigation reports; initiate on-site corrective action when necessary; review legal documents for civil actions and provide sworn testimony as needed.
Serve warrants and support public disclosure requests.
Provides education and technical assistance
Develop and deliver public presentations on pesticide issues and laws; provide training for pesticide exams and assist with certification of applicators, dealers, and consultants.
Respond to complex inquiries requiring a strong understanding of pesticide laws and program policies; provide outreach to the public and regulated community.
Coordination with other agencies
Assist and coordinate inspections and investigations with local, state, and federal agencies; identify overlapping jurisdiction; support special projects and collaborations as needed.
Who should apply?
Professionals with:
Environmental Specialist 3 (In-Training):
A Bachelor’s degree in environmental, physical, or natural sciences, environmental planning or related field AND two years of professional experience in environmental analysis or control. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for education. A Ph.D. in these fields also qualifies.
One year of experience as Environmental Specialist 2. A Master’s degree can substitute for one year of required experience.
Environmental Specialist 4:
A Bachelor’s degree in environmental fields with five years of relevant experience, including one year at the Environmental Specialist 3 level or two years at Environmental Specialist 2; or a Master’s degree with required experience; or a Ph.D. with required experience; or two years as Environmental Specialist 3.
Additional qualifying experience may substitute for education.
Special Requirements:
Eligibility to obtain WSDA Public Operator/Consultant Pesticide License with applicable endorsements.
Credentials as a U.S. EPA FIFRA Inspector.
DES WA State Investigator training CORE and ADVANCED.
40-hour Hazardous Materials Training (HAZ MAT) with annual refreshers.
Medical evaluation, training, and fit testing for respirator use.
Desirable knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Experience in natural resources, agricultural/fertilizer or related fields; familiarity with pesticides/fertilizers, their purchase, use, distribution, storage, disposal, recordkeeping, and licensing; ability to read and interpret pesticide labels.
Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to document findings and prepare detailed reports.
Public speaking, data entry, and customer service experience; bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
Employee Benefits Healthy work/life balance, potential for flexible schedules and teleworking.
Comprehensive benefits package; details available with the state. Includes various programs and leave provisions.
12 paid holidays; vacation and leave accruals.
All required PPE provided by the agency.
Commute Trip Reduction program.
For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit www.agr.wa.gov.
How to Apply
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer supplemental questions. In addition to the online application and questions, please attach:
A resume detailing experience and education
A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications
Three professional references
By submitting these materials, you certify that the information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information may result in removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.
Applications with comments in attachments are considered incomplete. If you experience technical difficulties, contact NEOGOV support.
The initial screening will be based on your application contents; information may be verified. E-mail submissions are not accepted in lieu of online applications.
Equity at WSDA
The Department of Agriculture values diversity and inclusion and supports our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) plan, HEAL Act implementation, and a workplace that respects belonging and equal opportunity employment. We hire individuals who reflect the communities we serve and maintain an inclusive environment free from discrimination based on protected characteristics. Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered consistent with laws.
Contact Us
Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to the Human Resource Office. A background check will be conducted prior to appointment. Additional vacancies may be filled from this recruitment for up to six months.
Veteran's Preference: Applicants claiming Veteran's Preference must attach a copy of DD214 or other verification of military service. For more information, click here.
Persons with a disability needing assistance or an alternative format for this announcement may contact us. TTY users should use the Washington Relay Service.
#J-18808-Ljbffr