Cranberry PEST BIOLOGIST
PEST BIOLOGIST 1
Class Code: 569H
Category: Agricultural Operations
This is a non-permanent position at WSU. This position will have part-time hours (on average 20 hours a week) from early May to late November, Monday through Friday. There may be some work on evenings and weekends based on weather, but it will be limited and notice will be given ahead of time.
Definition
This position will work under the close supervision of a higher-level Pest Biologist. This position will conduct field work to survey cranberry bogs in Grayland and Long Beach for the Blunt Nose Leafhopper (BNLH).
This position will be located in Long Beach, WA. The person in this role will be expected to work independently to follow a protocol to sweep net sample for BNLH in local bogs. This position is expected to communicate readily with the WSU team and the USDA team in Corvallis, OR. This position will work alone to communicate with growers prior to sampling, sample bogs, independently manage their timeline, and inspect samples under the microscope. This position will collect all data for the sampling and deliver electronically at the end of the project.
Typical Work
This position will supervise temporary and intermittent employees, as necessary.
This position will schedule and coordinate their field work activities and subsequent lab work, working together with industry partners to find appropriate times for work at grower farms.
This position will identify supply and equipment needs for their assigned activities, including creating orders for more or new items as needed during the project.
Will process and handle data, including submitting all data in an electronic report at the conclusion of the project.
Able to identify insect species sampled to order in a laboratory setting.
Cooperates with WSU, USDA-ARS in Corvallis, and cranberry growers to ensure project timeline.
Assists in planning and maintenance activities for weekly sampling, including determining the number of bogs able to be sampled weekly and taking close data on location of samples taken.
Writes assigned reports;
Performs other duties as required.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
A Washington State driver’s license in good standing is required for this role.
Desirable Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in a biological science or closely allied field
AND
Two years’ experience in detection, survey, control or eradication of pest or invasive species, including coursework.
Graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.