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. What to Expect Some of the various responsibilities within this role: 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. 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 One (1) year of professional experience involving environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, environmental education, community outreach, or communications activities. 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. 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr