Pesticide Assistance Specialist

Agriculture - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

Apply early! First review of applications is scheduled for July 29th! To be considered for initial screening, please submit an application on or before July 28th, 2026. 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 Opportunity

The Agricultural Environmental Services Division within the Department of Agriculture protects the public interest, health, and welfare of the people of the state of Washington by providing cost efficient and effective services for the regulation of pesticides and fertilizers, supporting scientific analysis that addresses concerns to public health and the environment from agricultural activities, and protecting public health through scientific and regulatory support of the cannabis and dairy industries.

The AESD consists of seven programs: 1) Compliance enforces federal and state regulations relating to the storage, distribution, disposal, and use of pesticides; 2) Registration Services, following federal and state regulations, registers pesticide and fertilizer products for distribution and use in Washington State. Fertilizer compliance is a branch within Registration and enforces state regulations relating to the registration, distribution, and guarantee of analysis of fertilizers; 3) Licensing and Recertification is responsible for providing initial certification and continuing recertification for pesticide applicators, dealer managers, consultants, and structural pest inspectors in accordance with state and federal regulations; 4) Technical Services and Education conducts training, mostly in Spanish, for pesticide handlers and Worker Protection Standard trainers and pre-license sessions; 5) Nutrient Management Technical Services is a water quality program administered by WSDA under Chapter RCW 90.64 (Dairy Nutrient Management Act). Elements of the program are managed in conformance with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Washington State Department of Ecology; 6) Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, which includes science and policy support in the areas of soil health, groundwater, surface water, agricultural land use, pesticide use, and cooperative work in these areas with local, state, and federal partners; and 7) Cannabis Programs include the regulation and accreditation of cannabis analytical laboratories, the setting of laboratory standards for the cannabis industry, and food safety and technical assistance to support production of a safe cannabis crop for consumers.

The Pesticide Assistance Specialist facilitates the review, analysis, and processing of all fertilizer and pesticide applications and renewals while ensuring applicants meet all legal requirements. This position independently provides professional level expertise to registrants, staff, and regulatory agencies on complex fertilizer and pesticide registration issues while adhering to state and federal statutes, rules, and division policies. This position also identifies and recommends changes to policies and procedures to improve customer access and agency service. Additionally, this position consults with their supervisor on multi-dimensional process problems. As a member of the support staff, this position stays apprised, and resolves issues with processing fiscal paperwork related to processing and record keeping.

Important Notes

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Environmental Specialist 2 position within the Agricultural Environmental Services (AES) Division. This position is located in Olympia, Washington. This is a non-represented position. 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 47, Step A $51,600 - Step L $67,704 annually.

Duties

What to Expect

Some of the various responsibilities within this role:

• Technical review and support of fertilizer and pesticide registrations
• Pesticide and fertilizer registration customer service
• Customer Service Program Support
• Perform other duties as required

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Five (5) years providing both technical support and customer service support in an office setting.
• OR
• One (1) year experience as an Environmental Specialist 1, or in the in-training position, will also meet the experience requirements above.
• OR
• Associate's degree or other formal training involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field and three (3) years of professional experience.
• OR
• Bachelor's degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or one of the natural sciences, environmental planning or other allied field and one (1) year of professional experience.

Preferred/Desired:

• Five (5) years of experience working with laws and rules of pesticide and fertilizer regulations.

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 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.

WSDA uses a I-9 form 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

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