This professional series works within the Department of Agriculture to implement and enforce the standards of Chapter 15.58 RCW, the Washington Pesticide Control Act, Chapter 17.21 RCW, the Washington Pesticide Application Act, and Chapter 15.54 RCW, the Fertilizers, Minerals and Limes Act, providing necessary protections for the public and the environment.

As the designated state lead agency for the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Agriculture is responsible for implementation of the federal statute requirements, including the manufacturing, registration, distribution, transportation, application and disposal of pesticides and has primacy in the enforcement of all pesticide misuse violations.

This is the entry level of the series. Positions at this level perform professional and skilled natural resource pesticide protection. Positions assist higher-level Pesticide Regulatory Specialists in performing more complex and highly technical duties. Positions perform routine duties for the regulatory, training and outreach functions, including but not limited to, enforcement, licensing, registration, technical assistance, education and waste pesticide disposal.

Under general supervision and within structured and established guidelines, positions perform routine outreach and training for regulatory functions administered by the department, such as: enforcement, licensing, registration, technical assistance, education, and waste pesticide disposal.

Provides technical assistance and responds to public and stakeholder inquires on basic pesticide laws and rules; delivers presentations on basic pesticide law and rule requirements.

Compiles and summarizes data, writes reports;

Researches and reviews requests for permits to make pesticide applications that deviate from rule;

Assists with website technical updates;

Conducts a variety of sampling activities;

Responds to complaints in accordance with program requirements; complete investigations within established timelines;

Audits fertilizer tonnage reports and inspect fertilizer facilities for compliance with state fertilizer laws and rule;

Assists with more complex inspections and investigations;

Acts as a liaison between the program, the regulated community and the public regarding functions of the licensing and recertification program and provides general interpretation of the federal certification and training rule, FIFRA, and other federal and state pesticide laws and rules; Assists in coordination of operations of the pesticide licensing and recertification program;

Assists with the development and coordination of statewide pesticide licensing, certification, and recertification activities;

Assists in drafting Notices of Intent (penalty and license suspensions), seeking search warrants and injunctions, and preparation for administrative hearings.

Knowledge of: pesticide use practices in agricultural and non-agricultural environments; hazards of pesticides on humans, animals, plants and the environment; federal and state laws and rules relating to the production, distribution, transportation, use, storage and disposal of pesticides and fertilizers; investigative and sampling techniques; Pesticide Management Division policies relating to pesticides and fertilizers; safety procedures for the handling of pesticide and fertilizer.

Ability to: apply and enforce appropriate laws and rules objectively and without bias; review research data, scientific literature and other sources of information and write summary conclusions; understand and interpret written and oral directions; deal tactfully with members of the regulated industry, government officials and the general public; conduct effective investigative interviews and obtain statements from witnesses and interested parties for enforcement cases; write clear and concise reports and make effective oral presentations; consult and advise the regulated industry on the appropriate laws and rules; work efficiently, accurately and in a timely manner; travel frequently.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certifications. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certification are obtained for each position.

Associate’s degree including at least 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science, and four (4) years of professional experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulator agency, in the pest management field or fertilizer industry.


Bachelor’s Degree including 25 semester or 40 quarter hours in a natural or physical science; and two (2) years of professional experience in a natural resource, environmental or health regulatory agency, in the pest management field, or in the feed or fertilizer industry.

May require:
Complete EPA Office of Pesticide Programs label review training within one year.
Obtain pesticide public operator/consultant license with one or more applicable endorsements within one year.

New class adopted June 22, 2023; effective July 1, 2023.