Salary : $55,224.00 - $80,112.00 Annually Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: 2024-05438 Department: Dept. of Agriculture Division: Pesticide Management - Registration & Licensing Opening Date: 05/03/2024 Closing Date: Continuous Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step Description Apply Early! This recruitment will remain open until filled. The first review of applications is scheduled the week of May 15th! 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 for One (1) Full-Time Permanent Registration Specialist to join our team! The Agricultural Environmental Services Division protects the agricultural viability, human and environmental health, and natural resources of the people of the State of Washington. The work in this division is statewide and is 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. This division consists of seven programs: Pesticide Compliance, Dairy Nutrient Management, Pesticide Registration, Licensing and Certification, Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, Technical Services and Education, Environmental Services, and Cannabis. Offices are located in Olympia, Yakima, Moses Lake, Wenatchee, Bellingham and Spokane. The Registration Specialist (Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2) registers pesticides and fertilizers for distribution in Washington State. This position protects consumers from unsafe and ineffective products as well as protects human health and the environment through accurate and legal labeling that supports the economic vitality for local pesticide and fertilizer industries. The Registration Specialist performs technical review and approves or denies applications for pesticides in accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and State Pesticide Laws & Rules and fertilizer products based on State Fertilizer Laws and Rules. Position and Salary Information WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Registration Specialist in-training position within the Agricultural Environmental Services Division. This position is located in Olympia, WA and is Washington Public Employees Association represented. This is an in-training opportunity and may be hired as Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1 or Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2 , depending on qualifications. What is an in-training plan? The in-training is intended to provide an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan. Upon successful completion of an in-training program, the incumbent will move up to the next job classification that is listed on the in-training plan if applicable. If hired at the Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1 level, the incumbent will be required to successfully complete the training plan to reach the goal class of Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2. 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. Based on qualifications the monthly salary range: If hired as a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1 (In-Training): Range 53, Step A $ 55,224 - Step L $ 72,552 Annually If hired as a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2: Range 56, Step A $ 59,616 - Step L $ 78,120 Annually Duties Some of what you do include: Review and approve or deny applications for section 3, adjuvant, and 25(b) pesticides. Verify that product labeling meets appropriate state and federal requirements. Reviews data in support of registration requests. Enter data into the pesticide registration database and refer possible violations to the Pesticide Compliance Program. Review and approve or deny registration applications for fertilizer products. Verify that product labeling meets appropriate state requirements. Review data in support of registration requests including heavy metals data to ensure that the state heavy metals standards are not exceeded. Enter data into the fertilizer registration database. Refer possible violations to the Fertilizer Compliance Section or to Ecology for waste derived and micronutrient fertilizer. Qualifications Required Qualifications : Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1 (In-Training): An associate degree including at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science. Four (4) years of professional experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulator agency, in the pest management field or fertilizer industry. OR A bachelor's Degree including 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science. 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. May require: Complete EPA Office of Pesticide Programs label review training within one year. Obtain pesticide public operator/consultant license with one or more applicable endorsements within one year. Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 2: A bachelor's degree which must include at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science. Four years of professional-level experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulatory agency, or in the feed, fertilizer or pest management industry which includes two years equal to a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1. OR Master's degree in one of the above fields and two years of professional-level experience as required above which includes one year equal to a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1. OR Ph.D. in the above field will substitute for one-year professional experience as required above and one year as a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist. OR Two years of experience as a Pesticide Regulatory Specialist 1. Preferred Qualifications : Advanced degree in Agriculture, Natural Resource, Environmental Sciences or related field. Professional experience in natural resources, agricultural/fertilizer or related industries, pest management, landscape pesticide market, or health regulatory field is desired. Experience in working with pesticides or fertilizers, including their purchase, use, distribution, storage, disposal, recordkeeping, and / or licensing. Demonstrated experience in reading and interpreting pesticide labels. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to document inspection and investigative findings, and create detailed professional reports. Must be comfortable with typing, database input, and public speaking. Experience providing good customer service. 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; 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. 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 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 The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, status as a protected veteran, genetics, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. 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 Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at . Prior to a new appointment in 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, 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. 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. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 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. Note: 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 (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 (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. As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 12-31-2022 01 How did you hear about this opportunity? 02 To be considered for this position you must have attached a letter of interest, resume, and include three professional references. Have you attached the required documents to the application? Yes No 03 What is your highest level of education? Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Ph.D Degree None of the above 04 How many 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 do you have? 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5+ years None of the Above 05 Are you comfortable with typing, database input, and public speaking? Yes No 06 Do you have the experience in working with pesticides or fertilizers, including their purchase, use, distribution, storage, disposal, recordkeeping, and / or licensing? Yes No Required Question