Most licenses must be renewed annually. Any person licensed as an applicator or operator is qualified as a certified applicator for the use of restricted-use pesticides. Those who sell, distribute, apply or advise on the use of pesticides may need to be licensed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Pesticide Management Division, in one or more of the following categories.
Commercial Applicator
Any individual applying pesticides for hire to the lands of another must obtain an annual license.
Pesticide Dealer and Dealer Manager
Any individual acting as a pesticide dealer must obtain an annual license from the WSDA. All pesticide dealer outlets must employ a pesticide Dealer Manager.
Pest Control Consultant
Any individual who offers recommendations, technical advice, or aid on the use of pesticides except those packaged only for home and garden use must obtain an annual license. They cannot apply pesticides or supervise applications.
Private Pesticide Applicator
Any person who applies or supervises the application of restricted use pesticides on land owned, leased, or rented by him/her or by an employer for the purpose of producing (growing) an agricultural commodity. Unlicensed employees of the Private Applicator may apply restricted-use pesticides only if supervised by the Private Applicator. Supervision of such employees includes adequate instruction regarding the safe and proper application of these pesticides as well as being readily accessible to the employee if problems occur. The Private Applicator bears legal responsibility for any pesticide application conducted by employees. The supervised employee must be a trained pesticide handler under the Worker Protection Standard (page 1). A grower may apply pesticides on the lands of another on trade-work basis without obtaining a commercial applicator’s license.