Outreach Specialist

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 Opportunity The Plant Protection Division supports the agriculture industry and protects the environment and consumers by protecting agriculture and the environment from insect, weed, and pathogen pests, supporting pollinator and soil health, and testing for proper weights and measures and pesticide use. The Pest Program conducts surveys, diagnostics and control activities for pests and diseases of important agricultural commodities throughout Washington State. Pest Program employees conduct surveys for Japanese beetle, spongy moth, apple maggot, northern giant hornet, Phytophthora ramorum, Spartina and other invasive insect pests, diseases, and noxious weeds. Some employees work in the Plant Pest and Molecular Diagnostics Lab, or the Entomology labs in Olympia or Yakima to provide diagnostics of survey samples. Others assist with control and eradication efforts for Japanese beetle, spongy moth, invasive snails, northern giant hornet, Spartina and knotweed. Regardless of the threat, Pest program employees use cutting edge technology, scientific processes, and teamwork to protect some of Washington's most valuable agriculture crops. The Outreach Specialist prioritizes needs of the Pest Program projects to coordinate, plan, and deliver outreach plans, activities, and materials to targeted audiences, communities, and the general public to help reach project success. They research and engage through partners, events, newsletters, mailings, and various communication strategies. Activities and materials will be researched and evaluated for effectiveness. This position will assist with responding to invasive pest reports. They will support administration of outreach grants. Collaborating with the Communications Office to develop and distribute clear and concise outreach materials, online content; articles; reports; graphic representations of data; and other materials. Important Notes WSDA is recruiting for a full-time non-permanent Community Outreach and Environmental Education Specialist 2 position within the Plant Protection Division. The Outreach Specialist position is approved for a home duty station in Pierce, King, Thurston, Yakima, Grant, Douglas, Kittitas County, WA. This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) Union. Will be required to manage time to travel and work evenings and weekends. 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 for this position is: Range 46, Step A $50,412 - Step L $66,072 annually. Duties What To Expect Deliver project information to engage targeted audiences, communities, the public, and staff Research, conduct, recommend, attend, and evaluate outreach opportunities. Coordinate and execute logistics for events. Implement outreach program by workshop, exhibition, recordings, and presentation. Fulfill logistics delivery and tracking during outreach material distribution. Explain information in plain talk verbally and in writing. Create stakeholder and partner relations. Gather content for subscriber updates. Gather and utilize feedback to enhance engagement experience. Work independently to resolve issues within area of responsibility. Represent WSDA's Pest Program. Drive to deliver materials and information. Review, update, and assist in developing outreach plans for projects Contribute to outreach plan timeline. Work with subject matter experts to develop, review, and update outreach materials. Make recommendations and determine timelines for outreach materials. Track progress and delivers outreach reports. Manage stakeholder and partner list. Ensure conformity to quality standards. Present issues to staff with possible solutions and provides updates to supervisor. Attend meetings as representation of Pest Program Outreach. Responds to inquiries about invasive pests Respond to and directs invasive pest reports. Administers outreach grants Assist in developing outreach work plans and budgets. Make recommendations for revised outreach procedures. Qualifications Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, education, communications or closely related field or equivalent education and/or experience AND One (1) year of professional experience involving environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, environmental education, community outreach, or communications activities. AND Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license prior to employment to conduct agency business as required. Preferred/Desired Experience facilitating groups and/or interacting with a variety of individuals and groups, and ability to function and tolerate public interactions without becoming personally involved or taking public comments personally. Strong oral and written communication skills, and ability to communicate with various organizations. Fluent in English and Spanish languages and possess the ability to read, write, and speak and understand the primary Spanish dialect. Supplemental Information 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. Equity at WSDA The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement. We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Contact Us Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at View email address on click.appcast.io. 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service. For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read About Our Benefits The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement And Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave, and paid holiday. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026 01 Your Preferred Name 02 Your Pronoun(s) 03 Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? Yes No 04 Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status? Yes No 05 What was the last new skill you learned or area of knowledge you developed? What difference did it make? Share in your own words (150 words or less, not AI generated). 06 Describe a situation where you had to adapt your usual way of doing things to better serve someone or a group of people with a background different than your own. What did you change, what was the outcome? Share in your own words (150 words or less, not AI generated). 07 Please let us know where you learned about this job opportunity. 08 To be considered for this position you must attach a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. Have you attached or included these documents to your application? Yes No 09 Which statement best describes your level of education and/or experience: I have a bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, education, communications or closely related field. I have the equivalent education and/or experience to substitute required education year-for-year. I do not have this experience. 10 Do you have One (1) year of professional experience involving environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, environmental education, community outreach, or communications activities. Yes No Required Question #J-18808-Ljbffr