Title: Peanut Inspector #01197

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $45,450 - $54,106 annually

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: SUFFOLK-PEANUT OFFICE

Agency Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a Peanut Inspector to provide program support to the Peanut Services Program. This position is primarily responsible for peanut sampling at the peanut shelling mill and peanut buying stations during the peanut harvest. Additionally, this position assists with limited oversight of seasonal personnel during peak peanut harvest season and Milled Peanut samplers throughout the year. Other inspection duties include performing sampling of product, sample preparation, grinding samples for lab analysis, certification of Milled Peanuts and tag lot printing to ensure that positive lot identification is maintained throughout the peanut services process.

This position requires overtime & irregular work hours during the week both day and night (including graveyard shift) as required, on weekends & holidays, & includes shift work at the local peanut shelling mill.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of manufacturing, production, quality control or farming/agricultural practices are beneficial particularly if related to the peanut industry; however, if you have the ability to be trained on federal/state regulations and are able to meet the conditions of employment as noted below then this knowledge is not necessary as training will be provided. Must be proficient with personal computers to include Microsoft Office applications. Must have excellent customer service skills in order to communicate effectively (oral & written) with a diverse clientele including staff, general public and industry officials. Must also be dependable and able to report to work as assigned. The demonstrated ability to read, analyze, interpret, apply and explain complex USDA/State manuals; to organize daily work assignments; and to work with limited supervision. Some experience overseeing other employees which may include interpreting procedures & scheduling work assignments. H.S. Diploma/GED required.
Conditions of Employment: Must have or be able to obtain a USDA Sampling License for Farmers’ Stock Peanuts and a USDA Milled Peanut Aide license within six months of hire (training provided). Requires some overnight travel, overtime, and use of personal & state vehicle. Must have & maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. Must also be able to meet the physical demands of the position, which includes prolonged standing, walking, reaching, bending, lifting or maneuvering up to 100 lbs., as well as working in various weather conditions. Conditions may include working in dust, around machinery, climbing stairs, driving, working in extreme heat or cold weather, and also requires the ability to distinguish colors and odors.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include agricultural or a related field or experience with a federal or state inspection program.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that before we can legally employ an individual, we must verify both the identity and employment authorization of the individual. VDACS uses Form I-9 to satisfy this requirement. Form I-9, instructions, and the List of Acceptable Documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9. VDACS does not offer sponsorship for employment purposes; therefore, the selected candidate will need to be able to provide acceptable documents in accordance with Form I-9 (use link above for more details). Additionally, VDACS participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional assistance with this requirement, please contact hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov.

Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 Layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.