Title: Peanut Sampler/Grader #W0014

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $20.63

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: SUFFOLK-PEANUT OFFICE

Agency Website: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Commodity Services, is seeking several qualified applicants to work as Peanut Samplers. Selected candidates will provide program support to the Virginia Peanut Services Program and are responsible for the sampling and grading of Farmers’ Stock Peanuts and sampling of Milled Peanuts on a year-round basis. Other duties may include performing sampling of product; preparing and grinding samples for lab analysis and tag lot printing to ensure that positive lot identification is maintained throughout processing.

Selected individuals must be dependable and able to work a flexible and non-routine schedule as assigned. The work schedule includes overtime as needed. These positions are paid on an hourly basis; are limited to working 1500 hours per year beginning each May; and do not include benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of the agricultural industry and farming practices, with emphasis on peanut harvesting, or demonstrates the ability to be trained in relevant federal and state regulatory requirements. Successful applicants must have computer skills and be able to communicate effectively both verbal and in writing to a diverse set of individuals; must have excellent customer service skills and be able to clearly explain processes to others. Applicants must also be able to work in a dusty environment, in hot and cold conditions, and stand for long periods of time. Other physical conditions include walking, reaching, bending, stooping, maneuvering bags up to 100 lbs, and being able to distinguish colors. Hired applicants will need to obtain a USDA Inspection license for Farmers’ Stock Peanuts and a USDA Milled Peanut Aide license within six months of hire (training will be provided). H.S. Diploma/GED required.

Additional Considerations

Training/coursework in agriculture or related field with knowledge or certification in the peanut industry or in the grading of another commodity will be considered, but not necessary. An equivalent combination of training & experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge 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: 804-786-1566

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.