[Pollinator] Job Posting: Pollinator Taxonomist - Washington State

[Miles Dakin]

*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
<https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/employment>.

*Are you interested in supporting the agricultural industry?*

*We are hiring a Pollinator Taxonomist within our Pollinator Program! *

The WSDA Pollinator Program
<https://agr.wa.gov/departments/insects-pests-and-weeds/insects/apiary-pollinators/pollinator-health>
has
a mission to promote and protect pollinator habitat and the health and
sustainability of pollinator species. A main program run by the Pollinator
Program will be the Washington Bee Atlas, which will help discover what
species of pollinators are present in the state, as well as their relative
populations, and better understand their ecological needs.
*The Pollinator Taxonomist (Natural Resource Scientist 2) *supports a
variety of scientific tasks in consultation with the Pollinator Health
Coordinator, including designing and implementing taxonomic or other
entomological research, acting as an agency specialist for one or more
insect groups (especially bees), identifying insects, and authoring
peer-reviewed and outreach publications. The taxonomist compiles, updates
and analyzes scientific information in support of WSDA's mission, may
conduct experiments to expand knowledge on pollinator populations and
health, and plans, educates, and assists volunteers in conducting insect
surveys.

In addition, the taxonomist is the lead curator of the WSDA Pollinator
Collection. and develops pollinator identification technologies and
procedures. This position collaborates with coworkers (including Laboratory
Technician), and professionals from other institutions to ensure WSDA is
best positioned to accomplish its mission statement.

 *Why join WSDA?*
 The Department of Agriculture offers:

   - 12 Paid Holidays, Leave & Vacation
   <https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/compensation-job-classes/compensation-administration/vacation-leave-and-holidays>
   - A great total compensation and benefits package
   <https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/compensation-job-classes/benefits>
   - Provide meaningful work for the State of Washington
   - Supported growth and development opportunities
   - A healthy work/life balance, which *may* include flexible work
   schedules, teleworking, and an Infants in the Workplace Program


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

Duties


*Includes, but not limited to:*


   - Performs independently a wide variety of complex specimen preparation,
   diagnostic and curatorial work using morphological, biometric, and
   molecular
   evidence.
   - Determines the resources necessary to accurately identify insect
   specimens to
   species.
   - Screens and identifies specimens, consults with subject experts when
   required.
   - Records results of screening, and highlights any suspect pests, new
   pollinator species, or other biologically significant findings (e.g. range
   extensions).
   - Receives and logs specimens sent for identification.
   -  Selects field sites based on experimental criteria (e.g. ecosystem,
   ownership, previous sampling history).
   - Trains volunteers in collection and identification of pollinators.
   - Travels safely to and from those field sites.
   - Places traps or conducts other activities such as collecting or
   observing insects.
   - Publishes findings of biogeographical and biological information in
   peer-reviewed articles and other formats (web, outreach publications).
   - Works with Plant Protection personnel on molecular identifications.
   - Represents WSDA at national meetings appropriate to WSDA's mission.
   - Collaborates with regional and national primary research entomologists
   to develop or resolve taxonomic solutions, and enable accurate detection
   and identification of pollinators.
   - Reviews and interprets scientific knowledge for WSDA personnel and
   other
   collaborators.
   - Creates agency reports and diagnostic resources to support WSDA
   programs.
   - Maintains a database of known pollinators occurring within Washington
   State.
   - Manages a reference collection of preserved insect specimens and
   associated
   digital imagery, incorporating new specimens to further entomology
   diagnostic laboratory capabilities.
   - Creates and provide physical or digital images of specimens to other
   state agencies and collaborating museums and universities.
   - Ensures WSDA collection reflects modem arthropod systematics.

Qualifications


*Who should apply?*
Professionals with:


   - A Bachelor's degree involving major study in a biological science or
   closely allied field, with at least twelve semester hours of
   Entomology-focused coursework (must include at least 3 semester hours or
   equivalent quarter hours of insect taxonomy and/or systematics).
   - Three (3) years of professional research work experience in insect
   identification/taxonomy/systematics.
   - Valid driver's license

*Note*: A Master's degree will substitute for two years and a Ph.D. degree
will substitute for all of the required experience, provided the field of
major study was in insect taxonomy and/or systematics.

*Preferred/Desired:*


   - Experience in bee taxonomy and/or systematics.
   - Three (3) years of experience planning and conducting surveys and
   experiments involving pollinators.
   - Experience curating a stored insect collection.
   - Successful track record of publishing peer-reviewed scientific
   articles, research reports, and stakeholder education literature relevant
   to pollinator taxonomy, pollinator health and/or pollinator ecology.

Supplemental Information


*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 cover letter describing why you are the best candidate and 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 at neogov.com.

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online
application, contact the Human Resource Office at (360) 902- 2020 or
Recruitment at 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 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.


The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to
help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

To learn more:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3717995/pollinator-taxonomist
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.sonic.net/pipermail/pollinator/attachments/20220923/6d5e73b2/attachment.htm>