Title: Seasonal Apple Grader/Inspector(s) #S0059+

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $20.63 per hour. An end-of-season BONUS of $750 will be awarded to those who qualify.

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: MOBILE WORKERS SW

Agency Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Fruit and Vegetable Services Program, seeks personnel to certify apples for processing in and around the Winchester, Front Royal, and Mt. Jackson areas. Employment will last approximately 2 to 4 months through December or longer depending on crop productions and USDA/Military awarded contracts. Selected individuals will receive classroom instruction and/or on-the-job training. Duties performed will be in the areas of sampling, grading and certifying apples for defects, size, lot certification and other requirements of the U.S. Grade and/or contract specifications. Other duties will include performing and recording plant sanitation conditions, lot stamping, and issuing certifications stating compliance with specified requirements. Training is provided.

These are hourly positions limited to 1500 hours per year and do not include state benefits. Returning seasonal staff may be hired at a higher rate in accordance with the approved Seasonal Pay Plan.. Mileage driven while performing official duties will be reimbursed at the prevailing allowable rate.

Minimum Qualifications

Some knowledge of agricultural and/or the apple industry is helpful as well as the ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret rules, regulations, contracts and/or procedures; prepare written documents/reports; negotiate or trouble-shoot complex issues; work successfully in a team environment; effectively communicate orally with individuals and groups; and excel in customer service skills. The successful candidates must be able to work flexible hours, overtime, holidays, weekends, etc. This is physically demanding work, with physical demands including: ability to perform work tasks requiring lifting of approximately 40 lbs., standing for long periods of time while enduring fall and winter (cold) conditions, and ability to visually inspect product. Must have (or be eligible for) and maintain a valid driver’s license and have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. It would be beneficial if candidates have experience working in packinghouses or warehouses providing quality control or are familiar with online production practices in processing facilities. Candidate must provide own transportation to and from the job. The selected individuals will receive a USDA license upon the successful completion of training. H.S. Diploma/GED required.

Additional Considerations

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.