Outreach Specialist

Community Outreach And Environmental Education Specialist 2

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 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

Some of the various responsibilities within this role:

• 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
• 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.

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.

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.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io.

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.

WSDA uses a I-9 form to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual's ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

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