Nursery and Export Specialist - Environmental Specialist 3

Nursery and Export Specialist

• Environmental Specialist 3 3.4 3.4 out of 5 stars Bellingham, WA $58,584
• $78,912 a year
• Full-time State of Washington Dept. of Agriculture 399 reviews $58,584
• $78,912 a year
• Full-time Description

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 Plant Services Program ensures environmental, consumer, and stakeholder protection by independently conducting accurate and reliable inspections, testing, and certification of raw plant products and serves on the front line of defense against the introduction and spread of exotic plant pests and diseases. Through regulatory enforcement, export certification and planting stock certification programs, Plant Services ensures a consistent source of value added agricultural products are available to our trading partners in domestic and foreign markets. The activity of this position contributes to the export of agricultural goods from Washington State in excess of $1 Billion annually. The Nursery & Export Specialist independently performs phytosanitary inspections to facilitate the trade of nursery stock, cut greens, Christmas trees, logs, lumber, seed and other plant products from Washington State. This position supports the programs mission by enforcing state and federal quarantines to protect against the introduction and spread of harmful plant pests within Whatcom, Island, & San Juan counties.

Important Notes:

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Environmental Specialist 3 position within the Plant Protection Division. This position is located in Bellingham, Washington. This is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) Union. 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 53, Step A $58,584

• Step L $76,968 annually.

Duties What to Expect As a Nursery & Export Specialist (Environmental Specialist 3) you will be traveling to licensed nurseries, greenhouses, markets and florist shops throughout Whatcom, Island and San Juan Counties to conduct inspections and enforce quarantines on nursery stock, sod or cut plant material. As an Authorized Certifying Official (ACO) licensed by the USDA, you will inspect and certify a wide variety of plants or plant products for export to foreign countries. You will work out of the Plant Services Bellingham field office. You can expect daily travel to a variety of destinations including warehouses, log yards, lumber mills, greenhouses, nurseries and open planting fields. You will assist stakeholders and other Environmental Specialists by conducting inspections on plant material enrolled in WSDA plant certification programs. We are seeking someone with education and experience in an environmental science field who has the technical skills to get the job done, and the work ethic to do quality work with minimal supervision. Some of the various responsibilities within this role include: Operate under Federal/State Memorandum of Understanding, and act as an Authorized Certifying Official (ACO) licensed by USDA, determine the eligibility of phytosanitary certification requests, and make final certifying decision.

Base decision on:

independent interpretation of complex foreign regulations, and make final certifying decision.

Base decision on:

independent interpretation of complex foreign import policies and requirements, a strong technical scientific background, an understanding of environmental and plant pest risks, and federal regulations and international trade agreements. Act as liaison between federal agencies (USDA, Fish & Wildlife, and Customs & Border Protection) and industry for international trade issue resolution. Act as intermediary between these Federal Agencies and stakeholders. Audit PExD federal export database for accuracy; troubleshoot and recommend clarifications, corrections, or improvements. Train stakeholders in the use of this database. Review stakeholder applications for technical accuracy and compliance with federal and state regulatory policy. Identify foreign import requirements utilizing databases, import permits or other supporting documents to determine certification, re-certification, and/or processed product eligibility for export certification. Investigate crop history and/or processed product eligibility for export certification. Investigate crop history and/or production practices for pest free area qualification to determine any mitigation requirements. Monitor and verify chemical fumigations or other treatments of product for compliance with importing country requirements. Maintain safety training as required by WSDA. Conduct sampling based on scientific protocols/procedures at appropriate times and at appropriate levels as per production acreage, product quantity or otherwise specified by regulation. Prepare samples utilizing prescribed methods, to maintain integrity of the sample. Produce sample record that provides required information for laboratory assay to determine freedom from pests of concern to importing country. Conduct inspection and other investigations that may require reconditioning or audits every 30 days. Verify contents of shipment and product safeguarding from infection. Maintain inspection records and/or test results and issue certification documents electronically or manually. Conduct certification services to seed potato growers. This includes preparing an action plan and conducting pre and post-harvest inspections. Driving to facilities in a state issued vehicle to conduct inspections, sampling requests, and other surveillance inspections. Manage state compliance agreements, audit-based certification programs and planting stock virus certification standards. Function under application for certification agreement between WSDA and the applicant by coordination, or assisting with one or more of eight specific certification programs (fruit tree, grapevine, seed potato, hops, seed garkic, mint, caneberry and strawberry). Conduct investigation of growing site locations and conduct onsite inspection to ascertain compliance of primary conditions. Conduct multiple growing season field inspections and post-harvest inspection/evaluation of planting stock entered for certification to ascertain freedom from infestation of pests of concern. Produce inspection records and maintain an active file on current plant material entered for certification. Issue final reports, certificates, tags/labels and /or other means of certification identification. Driving to facilities in a state issued vehicle to conduct inspections, sampling requests, and other surveillance inspections. Review application for state audit and inspection-based programs, such as Washington Weed Free Hay and Mulch (WWHAM) and additional domestic market-based compliance agreements. Review technical site plans, audit records, conducts inspection, and/or sampling. Observe processes and procedures to verify compliance with requirements. Issues final reports, certificates, tags/labels, and/or other means of certification identification. Interpret and enforce state and federal plant quarantines to safeguard Washington's diverse agriculture markets, consumers and our state's environmental and natural resources from introduction of harmful exotic pests. Enforce laws and take quarantine actions under Chapters 15.13 RCW, 15.14 RCW, 15.15 RCW 15.19 RCW, 17.24 RCW, with 21 associated Washington Administrative Codes (plant quarantines). Conduct field and/or facility inspections at agriculture related establishments as well as conduct investigation and inspection of out of state domestic and foreign plant shipments to verify compliance with Federal and State codes of law and for pest exclusion. Has authority to impose onsite enforcement action as necessary; to include placing plant material on hold from sale, require treatment, require return to source, or destruction of plant material found to be in violation of established codes of law. Conduct follow-up inspections to ensure corrective action is implemented. Analyze pest risk, identify critical control points and recommend best management practices or other course of action to resolve freedom from pest issues. Conduct inspection, sampling and/or trapping surveys and issue quarantine compliance certification for domestic commence. Conduct pest surveillance to protect the environment from exotic pest introduction using science based technical matrix. Baiting, maintaining and surveillance of traps over entire flight period based on degree day models. Make recommendations to senior staff regarding new or modified sampling and analytical testing methods, best management practices, and technical operating procedures related to sites in their territory. Work in conjunction with Washington State University agents and researchers assisting with research evaluations and the dissemination of information on best management practices and the identification and exclusion of pests of concern. Driving to facilities in a state issued vehicle to conduct inspections, trainings sampling requests, and other surveillance inspections. Communicate with industry members and stakeholders within designated field office. Perform clerical duties in support of program operations. Responds to inquiries from industry, stakeholders, and the public; provide referrals as required. Order and maintain inventory of office supplies. Submit invoices and telephone records for office expenses. Issue statements of services rendered. Receive and mail correspondence. Check state vehicle for safety and maintenance scheduling. Report mileage monthly. Produce detailed reports summarizing monthly activities. Assist with development, testing and trouble-shooting the PISCES program database and instruct stakeholders in its use. Maintain due diligence with cyber security of State and Federal electronic systems with yearly accreditation required. Directs and/or assists with training new employees and cross training staff in individual territory responsibilities. Represents agency at public meetings, hearings, and workshops promoting pest exclusion, agricultural stewardship, and safeguarding consumers, domestic, and international commerce habitats, and ecosystems. Qualifications Who should apply?

Professionals with:

A Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field AND two (2) years of professional level experience in environmental analysis or control or environmental planning. OR A Master's degree in one of the above fields will substitute for one (1) year of the required experience. OR A Ph.D. in one of the above fields. OR One (1) year of experience as an Environmental Specialist 2. Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for education. AND Driver's License AND Current designation as an ACO (Authorized Certifying Official) by

USDA-APHIS

under the Federal-State export certification program to issue federal phytosanitary certificates. Must become a designated ACO (Authorized Certifying Official) under the

USDA-APHIS

Federal-State export certification program in order to issue phytosanitary certificates within one year. Training provided upon employment.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Ability to safely navigate various environments in all types of weather. 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: A resume detailing experience and education A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position 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 (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. 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 (Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader) 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 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 Recruitment@agr.wa.gov. 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 (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 www.agr.wa.gov.