Title: Spotted Lanternfly Communication & Outreach Technician #W0093

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist III

Hiring Range: $17.51 - $20.99 per hour

Pay Band: 3

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 and Consumer Services, Office of Plant Industry Services seeks one qualified individual for a wage position in the Spotted Lanternfly Survey and Treatment Program to assist in the detection of spotted lanternfly and assisting in the management of the spotted lanternfly program by responding to citizen reports, conducting outreach to businesses and the general public regarding spotted lanternfly and the quarantine, and working with communities impacted by spotted lanternfly in Virginia. Duties include communication with businesses and the public to explain the purpose of the survey, obtaining permission for property access for program activities, and coordinating with USDA and the treatment contractor. This position will serve as a resource hub for businesses, homeowners, and the public, responding to emails and phone calls regarding spotted lanternfly inquiries, providing pertinent information about the Spotted Lanternfly quarantine and permitting, and following up on reported finds of the insect in parts of Virginia where spotted lanternfly is not known to be present. Training on the spotted lanternfly life cycle and technology used for the survey will be provided. Other duties include visual surveys for spotted lanternfly life stages and treatment activities including contractor monitoring. Survey data will be recorded using a hand-held tablet or mobile phone. The selected individual must be willing to reside and work from a home office based within a reasonable distance of the counties of Albermarle, Amelia, Buckingham, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Louisa, Nelson, and Powhatan as well as Charlottesville and the City of Richmond and be able to travel to any area of the state, as needed. The selected individual will be required to use their personal vehicle; however, they will be reimbursed for mileage at the prevailing IRS rate. Some overnight travel may be required.

This is a grant funded position with employment expected to last for one year; however, that term may be extended should the grant be extended or renewed. This wage position is restricted to working no more than 1,400 hours per year starting each May 1, with no benefits or overtime. The selected individual will be required to use their personal vehicle; however, they will be reimbursed for mileage at the prevailing IRS rate. Some overnight travel may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

This position require the proven ability to follow instructions and read regulations; read maps; work with minimal supervision; make sound decisions; organize work; and interact professionally with supervisors, landowners, and the general public. Successful applicants must also have good oral and written communication skills as well as proficiency in the use of computers and devices such as iPads or smartphones. The position may be physically demanding and involve considerable sitting, walking, reaching, exposure to inclement weather conditions and other natural elements, and potentially driving for long periods of time. A valid driver’s license, access to reliable means of transportation, and a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety is also required. Must possess or be able to obtain a VA Pesticide Applicator’s License in Category 9-Regulatory Pest Control within approximately 6 months of hire. H.S. Diploma/GED required.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of entomology, ecology, or a related science and/or knowledge of invasive insects.

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.

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.