Fruit Tree Certification Molecular Lab Supervisor

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 approximately 780 employees 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 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.

As a Fruit Tree Certification Molecular Lab Supervisor specializing in virus and virus-like diseases of fruit trees, this position supports the project coordinator in implementing activities related to the certification of fruit tree planting stock. Working under the administrative direction of the project coordinator, this position carries out lab testing and greenhouse or field biological indexing to detect disease pathogens in registered and certified fruit trees and research emerging pest issues that could be detrimental to the program. These duties have broad potential impact on the health and prosperity of Washington's tree fruit industry. This position is located in Prosser, WA and is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.

• Conduct seasonal sampling of registered trees in certified nurseries. Assist with greenhouse indexing of this material to determine the presence of viruses or virus-like pathogens.
• Conduct surveys of the areas surrounding fruit tree nurseries for the presence of viruses and insect vectors. Using visual inspection and laboratory analysis, survey and identify weeds growing in and around fruit tree nurseries that could serve as a reservoir for viruses.
• Draw conclusions from field data and make recommendations regarding the certification status of registered trees. Keep written records, write reports, and enter data using Microsoft Office programs and other database software.
• Conduct appropriate serological, molecular, and biological testing protocols in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings, making final determinations of results.
• Read and comprehend technical and professional materials, accurately follow oral and written instructions to independently perform laboratory tests.
• Manage state compliance agreements, audit-based certification programs, and planting stock virus certification standards. Make updates to the program database when new registered mother trees enter the program and verify that certified or registered fruit trees found to be infected with a pathogen are removed from the participating nursery and the database is updated accordingly.
• Visually identify virus symptoms on fruit trees and indicator plants and distinguish those from physiological or nutritional disorders.
• Implement special projects involving registered tree RFID tagging, utilization of drones for remote detection of pests, development of new diagnostic technology in the lab, and standard operating procedures for testing and database record keeping.
• Develop the use of new technologies for program efficacy.
• Conduct outreach education to fruit tree nurseries and tree fruit growers.
• Attend scientific training and conferences.
• Evaluate research needs pertaining to fruit tree pests and diseases in Washington.
• Seek out grant opportunities. Write and submit grant proposals, conduct the stated research activities, and submit reports. Present findings to other researchers, fruit tree nurseries, and growers.
• Provide guidance and direction to assist with workloads in the lab and carry out administrative duties for the Program in Prosser. Oversee trainings to ensure expertise and capability. Recognize good performance and conduct annual performance reviews. Provide guidance and correction as needed.
• Assist in supervising seasonal field or greenhouse staff.

The incumbent must have the ability to walk short to long distances, twist, and bend, lift up to 40 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation. This position will work in a laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments and traverse uneven and steep terrain.

Professionals with:

• A Bachelor's degree with major study in a natural science AND
• Three (3) years of professional research work experience in fruit tree/plant virology.

• Six (6) years of professional research work experience in a specific specialty field.

Note:

• A Master's or PhD degree in this specific specialty field will substitute for the experience.

• Experience in identifying viruses and managing plant disease issues pertinent to Northwest fruit tree growers.

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.
• Commute Trip Reduction Program.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.

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 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 online recruitment system.

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.