Employment Opportunities

Join our team! The Berry and Potato Pathology program at the WSU Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center (NWREC) is hiring a temporary (with opportunity to expand into permanent) full-time Agricultural Research Technician 2. Please apply by sending your resume and cover letter to Chakradhar Mattupalli at c.mattupalli@wsu.edu.

Summary of Duties

Assist with the design, set-up, maintenance, and completion of a diversity of lab, greenhouse, and field research/extension trials for the Berry and Potato Pathology (BPP) program at the WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, both on-station and off-station. Essential responsibilities include: identifying and defining research problems; conduct independent research; collect, analyze, and interpret research data; develop and troubleshoot protocols; assist in preparing journal publications and progress reports; conduct general laboratory maintenance and routine care of scientific instrumentation; order lab supplies and maintain inventory records.

Laboratory Duties (45%)

Effectively carry out molecular plant pathology techniques including preparation of isolates, DNA extraction, PCR assays, preparation of amplified DNA for sequencing, and processing of DNA sequences for genus and species identification. Assist with isolations of plant pathogens from plant samples using appropriate methods. Perform routine laboratory support duties, including: prepare agar media and other reagents or buffers for a diversity of plant pathogens and research projects; help with maintenance of fungal, bacterial, and viral isolates in storage, and preparation of cultures using appropriate sterile lab techniques; assist with ordering lab and other program supplies as needed (complete WSU training for approval to use a WSU purchasing card); monitoring performance and operation of lab equipment such as autoclaves, lab dishwasher and drier, pH meters, centrifuges, laminar flow hood, biological safety equipment, incubators, germinators, growth chambers, and other laboratory equipment; clean and maintain laboratory equipment. Maintain and ensure compliance with regulatory and safety protocols and records. Oversee quality control, make suggestions for improvement in techniques and interpretation.

Research Duties (40%)

Participate in the development and design of research projects, protocols, experiments, techniques, and procedures. Analyze and evaluate current methodologies and modify or adapt to fit research project goals. Independently conduct research by applying established and modified methods. Enter data into spreadsheets for statistical analyses; proofread, sort, and summarize data, accurately and efficiently. Maintain records of experiments; compiling data into graphic, tabular or other formatting and performing statistical analysis and analytical modeling; preparing data for publication; coordinating with other research and support personnel. Assist with set-up, maintenance, and data collection of greenhouse and field experiments; perform inoculations and isolations for a diversity of crops and plant pathogens; clean and maintain greenhouse space and equipment; apply pesticides (e.g., fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides) using appropriate personal protective equipment and procedures; operate and calibrate greenhouse equipment. Willing to work outdoors under a range of weather conditions, conventional and organic agricultural production systems, and with a diversity of plants, crops, and plant pathogens. Willing to travel to field trial sites across WA, and occasionally in the greater Pacific Northwest (ID and OR), with potential overnight stays.

Supervision and Training (10%)

Train, advice and lead, students, interns, part time employees, and other technical personnel with regards to all general laboratory protocols as well as equipment operation, calibration, use-scheduling, and maintenance.

Other Duties (5%)

Other duties as assigned. May include but are not limited to: serving on appropriate committees at the WSU Mount Vernon NWREC; other general service activities expected of employees at the NWREC; assist with scientific literature searches for developing plant pathology research projects; maintain productive, positive working relations with employees, other research and extension programs, the agricultural community and other stakeholders, and the public.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in the applied, biological, chemical, physical OR agricultural sciences, AND one year of experience as an Agricultural Research Technologist 1; OR equivalent education/experience.
• Strong molecular biology skills
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Ability and willingness to work beyond the traditional hours, including evenings and or weekends when circumstances necessitate non-traditional hours, e.g., watering plants in the greenhouse on weekends or holiday, driving to field trial sites in central Washington, completing time-sensitive tasks such as harvesting plots in a field trial before the grower-cooperator harvests the rest of the field or before rains start, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in plant pathology, agricultural, biological, or experimental sciences, or related field with field, laboratory, and greenhouse research experience.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain a Washington State Department of Agriculture pesticide applicators’ license within 2 months of hire.

Monthly Salary

Starting at $18.66/hour | Range 40, $3,246.00 – $4,324.00/month (Step A through M) | Successful candidates typically begin at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28.

FTE

100%

Permanent/Temporary/Project

Temporary (with opportunity to expand into permanent)

Time Type

Full time (M-F 8AM-5PM)

Position Term

12 Month

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

Join our team! WSU Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center (NWREC) is hiring a temporary or permanent, full- or part-time Administrative Assistant. To apply:

• Temporary position: Send your resume and cover letter to Tatum Weed (tatumweed@wsu.edu);
• Permanent position: Apply via Workday Administrative Assistant 2 (R-9610)

Summary of Position

This position provides administrative support to the Director and Associate Director of WSU Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center (NWREC) and is well suited for someone who is looking for a positive work environment, with room for growth while not being stressful, and is enthusiastic about our mission. This position serves as the initial point of administrative contact, often on complex and confidential issues, for all external constituencies, such as other WSU units both in Pullman and throughout the state; and with federal, state, county, and local government agencies and the community at large. This position assists the Director and Associate Director in a broad range of responsibilities related to the activities and operations of WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, and performs or helps coordinate a variety of administrative, support, and follow-up activities for the Director and Associate Director with the highest level of efficiency and attention to detail. Serving as the initial point of contact for NWREC and providing event and communications coordination and front office assistance for the Director and Center Programs. The position includes a diversity of duties, many of which are only carried out intermittently, that provide many opportunities for growth and development in our supportive work environment. This position requires a high degree of professionalism, independent judgment and decision-making, confidentiality, discretion, and strong organizational skills.

Summary of Duties

• Administrative Support
• Event Coordination
• Communications
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• One year of experience as an Administrative Assistant 1 OR a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or closely allied field and two years of responsible office experience at the senior clerical level or higher. Clerical or office work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. Graduate study may substitute for experience on a year for year basis.
• Demonstrated commitment and success working with people from diverse backgrounds in culturally sustaining ways.
• Work experience that demonstrates an ability to function positively under pressure in a fast-paced, professional environment; to take initiative to organize and prioritize multiple assignments and projects efficiently with attention to detail; and to manage interruptions, meet deadlines, and provide high quality service to all constituents.
• Experience organizing and expressing ideas in oral and written communication, including composing and editing correspondence and documentation.
• Work experience that demonstrates competency, proficiency, and accuracy using software programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams.
• Must have, or able to obtain, a valid driver’s license by time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing complex administrative oversight and assistance to an office, preferable in a higher education environment, and ability to work well as part of a team.
• Experience with coordinating, designing and/or maintaining websites, brochures, manuals, handbooks, press releases, videography, and other external communications.

Monthly Salary

Starting at $17.38/hour | Range 37, $3,024.00 – $3,734.00/month (Step A through J) | Successful candidates typically begin at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28.

FTE

100%

Permanent/Temporary/Project

Temporary or Permanent

Time Type

Full or part-time (M-F 8AM-5PM)

Position Term

12 Month

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

This position performs specialist or lead worker level work in a variety of disciplines to maintain building, equipment and grounds at the WSU NWREC facility. The individual performs skilled work in the operation and maintenance, repair, of buildings, facilities, mechanical equipment, machinery, all aspects of grounds and landscaping. May assist with or oversee the remodeling or construction of buildings. Leads and assists the Custodian 2 and Maintenance Mechanic 1 on special projects. Operates a variety hand tools, farm and grounds equipment, green house computerized controls and systems. Works independently and utilizes a general knowledge of several related skills such as plumbing, electrical, welding, carpentry, fabrication work and equipment operation.

Duties

• Facilities and Utilities Maintenance (40%)
• Farms and Grounds Maintenance (30%)
• Equipment Operations and Maintenance (25%)
• Miscellaneous (5%)

Required Qualifications

High school graduation and four years of general work experience in building and equipment maintenance, construction or repair work or completion of a recognized apprenticeship in a skilled mechanic trade; OR equivalent education/experience.

• Two year’s farm work experience and four or more years of general work experience in building and equipment maintenance, construction or repair work.
• Must have a valid driver’s license by time of hire.
• A valid Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain within three months of hire.
• First Aid Card or ability to obtain within three months of hire via employer onsite training.
• A valid Washington State Mobile Equipment Operator’s Certification Card or ability to obtain within three months of hire.
• Must be able and willing to work a flexible schedule as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Journey-level experience in carpentry, electrical systems, plumbing, and/or HVAC.
• Experience working in a higher education or research environment.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Basic computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office Suite.

Screening of applicants will begin on Monday, May 1, 2023. For full list of position details and duties, and to apply, visit the posting on Workday (below).

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences (CSS) within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences (CAHNRS) at Washington State University (WSU) is seeking a dynamic, motivated, and problem-solving researcher and extension specialist to join an extraordinary team of scientists and extension experts in multiple disciplines, including plant pathology, horticulture, soil science, entomology, and plant breeding. This is an integrated research/extension/teaching position to begin August 1, 2023, or as negotiated, at the WSU Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center (NWREC) and at the nearby WSU-Everett campus (37 miles south of NWREC). Funding has been secured for an initial 3-year appointment and is renewable based on funding availability and performance. The successful applicant will develop a nationally recognized and regionally relevant program focused on weed management of horticultural crops to enhance crop productivity while increasing profits and improving environmental quality. The position is fully funded for three years, and permanent funding support will be requested thereafter.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include the development a nationally recognized research and extension program emphasizing sustainable and effective weed management of horticultural crops including but not limited to blueberry, raspberry, potato, vegetable seed, flower bulbs, tree fruit, and greenhouse production. Programs must be based on stakeholder needs and effectively integrate research, extension and teaching, and be consistent with the mission of the WSU NWREC and CAHNRS Office of Research. The incumbent will teach lower-division university courses in Agricultural and Food Systems (AFS) each year and a weed science course as needed by CSS every other year.

Required

1. Ph.D. in weed science or closely related field, by date of hire, with sufficient depth in a discipline to address the breadth of weed management and sustainable farming systems in NW Washington; and
2. Demonstrated record of scholarly accomplishments in research, extension, and/or teaching commensurate with career level.

Preferred

1. Demonstrated teaching experience and commitment to graduate and undergraduate teaching, advising, and mentoring that support social justice, diversity, and inclusion;
2. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical audiences in oral and written forms;
3. Record of competitive grant success commensurate with career level;
4. Demonstrated knowledge of weed science applied research, integrated management systems, and sustainable agriculture;
5. Demonstrated knowledge of state-of-the-art techniques applicable to weed management research;
6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals and groups of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies;
7. Demonstrated ability to disseminate information using digital media; and
8. Demonstrated commitment to advancing the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Screening of application materials begins March 6, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, visit the WSU Jobs site on Workday (#R-8511) and applications must include the following materials: 1) a cover letter, 2) a current curriculum vitae, 3) teaching statement (one page limit), 4) research and extension statement (one page limit), 5) statement on contributions to equity and diversity (statement guidelines), 6) copies of official college transcripts, and 7) the names and contact information for three people willing to serve as references. The cover letter should address all of the required and preferred qualifications for the position and include your areas of expertise and research interests.

Questions

For questions about the position, contact Dr. Drew Lyon, Search Committee Chair, at drew.lyon@wsu.edu or 509-335-2961.