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The first review of applications is scheduled for the week of June 17th, 2024. In order to be considered, please submit your application on or before June 16th, 2024. 

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 .

The Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences (NRAS) program works at the interface between agricultural production and environmental quality. Research topics include agricultural land use practices, pesticide usage, agricultural chemicals in surface water and groundwater, soil health, and climate change. Collectively, NRAS programs serve to help protect public health and the environment while supporting agricultural viability throughout Washington’s diverse cropping systems.

The Natural Resource Scientist implements the surface water monitoring program and provides technical expertise, which is critical to the success of the NRAS and the agency in assessing land use practice interactions with water resources. This position serves as the lead for surface water monitoring in Western Washington and contributes to all pesticides in water quality projects in NRAS. This program is key to reducing pesticide exposure to the environment.

This is an in-training opportunity and may be hired as Natural Resource Scientist 1 or Natural Resource Scientist 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 Natural Resource Scientist 1 level, the incumbent will be required to successfully complete the training plan to reach the goal class of Natural Resource Scientist 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.