Fruit Tree Certification Molecular Lab Supervisor
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 Plant Services Program is committed to facilitating agricultural trade and ensuring consumer protection by providing accurate and reliable inspection, testing and certification of agricultural plant products, and serving on the front line of defense against the introduction and spread of pests.
As a Fruit Tree Certification Molecular Lab Supervisor specializing in virus and virus-like diseases of fruit trees, this position supports the project coordinator in Implementing activities related to the certification of fruit tree planting stock. Working under the administrative direction of the project coordinator, this position carries out lab testing and greenhouse or field biological indexing to detect disease pathogens in registered and certified fruit trees and research emerging pest Issues that could be detrimental to the program. These duties have broad potential impact on the health and prosperity of Washington's tree fruit Industry.
Why WSDA?
The Department of Agriculture offers:
- 12 Paid Holidays, Leave & Vacation
- A great total compensation and benefits package
- 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
Include, but not limited to:
- Conducts seasonal sampling of registered trees in certified nurseries. Assist with greenhouse indexing of this material to determine presence of viruses or virus-like pathogens.
- Conducts survey 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.
- Draws conclusions from field data and make recommendations as to certification status of registered trees. Keeps written records, writes reports, and enter data using Microsoft Office programs and other database software.
- Conducts appropriate serological, molecular, and biological testing protocols in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings, making final determination of results.
- Reads and comprehends technical and professional materials, accurately follows oral and written instructions to independently perform laboratory tests.
- Manages state compliance agreements, audit-based certification programs and planting stock virus certification standards. Makes updates to the program database when new registered mother trees enter the program and verifies 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 identifies virus symptoms on fruit trees and indicator plants and distinguish those from physiological or nutritional disorders.
- Implements special projects involving registered tree RFID tagging, utilization of drones for remote detection of pests, development of new diagnostic technology in the lab, standard operating procedures for testing and database record keeping.
- Develops the use of new technologies for program efficacy.
- Conducts outreach education to fruit tree nurseries and tree fruit growers.
- Attends scientific training and conferences.
- Evaluates research needs pertaining to fruit tree pests and diseases in Washington.
- Seeks out grant opportunities. Writes and submits grant proposals, conducts the stated research activities, submits reports. Present findings to other researchers, fruit tree nurseries and growers.
- Provides guidance and direction to assist with workloads in the lab and carries out administrative duties for the Program in Prosser. Oversees trainings to ensure expertise and capability. Recognizes good performance and conducts annual performance reviews. Provides guidance and correction as needed.
- Assist In supervising seasonal field or greenhouse staff.
The incumbent must have the ability to walk short to long distances, twist, and bend, lift up to 40 lbs. with or without a reasonable accommodation. This position will work in a laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments in traverse uneven and steep terrain.
Qualifications
Who should apply?
Professionals with:
- A Bachelor's degree with major study in a natural science.
- Three (3) years professional research work experience in fruit tree/plant virology.
- Must acquire and maintain a valid driver's license to travel on agency business.
Note: A Master's or PhD degree in this specific specialty field will substitute for the experience.
Preferred/Desired:
Experience in identifying viruses and managing plant disease issues pertinent to Northwest fruit tree growers is desired.