Title: Spongy Moth STS Survey Coordinator #R1053
State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist IV
Hiring Range: $44,192 - $58,000 Annually
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture
Location: CHRISTIANSBURG OPIS
Agency Website: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Plant Industry Services is seeking one qualified individual to serve as the Survey Coordinator for Virginia’s Slow the Spread (STS) project. The STS project is a federally funded, cooperative, pest management program which is tasked with slowing the spread of the invasive forest pest Lymantria dispar, or spongy moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth). The selected candidate will work out of the Virginia STS office in Christiansburg, VA and will utilize a state vehicle when performing field work. Duties include assisting the STS Program Supervisor in planning, coordinating and implementing all survey and field operations for the STS Program in Virginia. This position will provide field oversight, training, and support for STS survey contract trappers working within the Virginia STS project area. The STS Survey Coordinator will train contract trappers and quality control personnel on the use of GPS units, trap construction and installation, identification of male Lymantria dispar moths, and data collection procedures. In addition, this position is responsible for training seasonal employees and ensuring that their performance meets STS quality control standards. The STS Survey Coordinator position will work with the public, local, state, and federal governments, and academic institutions. The position may require driving for long periods of time, working in inclement weather conditions, and working in rough terrain. Funding for this position is restricted to grant appropriations from the USDA-Forest Service.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of spongy moth biology, survey protocols, and control methodology is preferred. Knowledge and experience in the field of plant pest survey and general forest entomology is desired. Experience using USGS topographic maps and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) equipment is preferred. Excellent customer service and oral/written communication skills. Proven ability to plan, organize, and execute work with minimal supervision, exercise sound judgment and decision making, and communicate effectively with a diverse population. Strong organizational and planning skills, public relations and presentation skills, and excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. Must be able to work with minimal supervision and have a knowledge of computers and their use in managing survey data. The selected candidate must have or be eligible for a valid Driver’s License with a good driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. Occasional overnight travel required. Must be comfortable working outdoors in all types of weather conditions. HS diploma/GED required. Virginia Pesticide Applicator's License in Category 9 - Regulatory Pest Control preferred but may be obtained within first six months of employment.
Additional Considerations
A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge of biology, entomology, forestry, environmental ecology or related agricultural science. An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience
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.