State of Washington · 23 hours ago
Fruit Tree Certification Molecular Lab Supervisor
Bay View, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$66K/yr - $87K/yr
2+ years expThe Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years, focusing on the viability of agriculture while protecting consumers and the environment. They are seeking a Fruit Tree Certification Molecular Lab Supervisor to conduct lab testing and biological indexing for disease pathogens in fruit trees, contributing to the health of Washington's tree fruit industry.
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Responsibilities
Conduct seasonal sampling of registered trees in certified nurseries. Assist with greenhouse indexing of this material to determine 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 as to 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 determination of results
Read and comprehend technical and professional materials, accurately follow oral and written instructions to independently perform laboratory tests
Conduct research literature reviews to stay current on new fruit tree virus disease threats and lab techniques
Oversee state compliance agreements, audit-based certification programs and planting stock virus certification standards
Update the program database when new registered mother trees enter the program and also 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
Supervise assigned staff
Qualification
Required
A bachelor's degree with major study in a natural science
Two (2) years professional research work experience in a specific specialty field
Six (6) years of professional research work experience in a specialty field
A master's or PhD degree in this specific specialty field will substitute for the experience
Preferred
Experience in identifying viruses and managing plant disease issues pertinent to Northwest fruit tree growers
Benefits
A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits.
Dependent Care Assistance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Tuition Waiver
Deferred Compensation
12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.
Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems.
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month.
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave.
Company
State of Washington
Washington state public employees help to create a working Washington built on education and innovation, where all Washingtonians thrive.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Matt Manweller
State Representative
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