Title: Grain Compliance Officer/Inspector #00640

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $44,192 - $54,106 annually

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: CHESAPEAKE GRAIN OFFICE

Agency Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Commodity Services, is pleased to offer a Grain Compliance Officer/Inspector-Grader opportunity in the Grain Services Program. We are seeking a qualified, customer-service oriented team player, who under the direction of the Grain Services Program Manager is responsible for Administering Virginia’s Grain Handler, Dealer Licensing and Bonding Laws statewide for the protection of Virginia’s grain producers, training staff, and performing inspection/grading tasks. Duties: Directs Grain compliance activities for grain handlers and dealers, assuring grading, weighing and records are accurate and that producers receive prompt and accurate payment; Serving as the program’s Training Officer teaching proper grading procedures through the development and implementation of grain grading workshops; Providing guidance to staff in regards to their Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) licenses; Performing complex inspection and weighing services on a variety of grains; Using advanced technical methods with chemical and electronic testing services in accordance with the U.S. Grain Standards Act for issuance of official documents. This position requires routine interaction with Virginia’s grain industries and with federal/state officials to communicate and report on program services and regulatory requirements. While the position is based in Chesapeake, the successful candidate will travel regularly to grain facilities throughout the state of Virginia. Successful candidate will grade, sample, weigh, perform stowage examinations and conduct lab testing.

Minimum Qualifications

Working knowledge of agricultural commodities, farming or a related field. Considerable knowledge of USDA Federal Grain Inspection Services’ (FGIS) rules and regulations. Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, apply and explain complex rules and regulations Effective organizational, customer service, and oral and written communication skills; Ability to perform mathematical calculations and prepare reports of compliance findings; intermediate to advanced skills using personal computers and mobile devices. Ability to maintain confidential information; to train and monitor grain personnel; to organize time; and to make independent and sound decisions. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees and public entities.
Physical Demands: Position is physically demanding and requires long periods of standing, walking, climbing/descending of up to 50 feet, reaching, and frequent bending/stooping. Work involves visual & olfactory (sense of smell) analysis, therefore requires a verifiable ability to distinguish colors and odors. Grain dust may impact allergic conditions. Scheduling: Must be dependable, able to report to work as assigned, and work a flexible shift schedule, including overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. During peak workloads, the program operates 24/7. Successful candidate must have the ability & flexibility to work varied hours & be able to adapt to changing work schedules with limited advanced notice. “Designated” employees are those who are required to work during an official closing because the services they provide are essential to agency operations during emergencies; employees in Grain Services are considered essential to agency operations and must work during official closings.
Conditions of Employment: Current possession of grain-related USDA-FGIS license(s) preferred. Must meet the required qualifications to fully acquire a USDA/FGIS License for sampler, stowage examinations, weigher, protein and oil within approximately 45 days of employment, a USDA/FGIS licensure qualifications to grade Corn, Soybean, Mixed Grains, and perform mycotoxin testing within approximately eight months of hire, and a USDA/FGIS Wheat license within 24 months of hire. Must successfully complete a Conflict of Interest Questionnaire upon earning a Federal Grain License and during the license renewal period. Must have and maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license and have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. H.S. Diploma/GED required. A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of business, agriculture, or related field.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge or certification in agriculture, the grain industry, or in the grading of another commodity.

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.