Title: Pesticide Investigator #00960

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $44,192 - $65,920 Annually

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: MOBILE WORKERS SW

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Pesticide Services, is seeking a qualified, self-motivated individual to serve as a Pesticide Investigator in the Enforcement and Field Operations Section. Duties include: monitoring agricultural and structural pesticide uses for compliance with label directions, laws and regulations; conducting routine inspections of pesticide producers, licensed pesticide businesses and certified applicators for compliance with state/federal laws; conducting investigations involving pesticide-related spills, bird kills, fish kills, environmental damages or human/animal injury from the use/misuse of pesticides; collecting pesticide samples for analysis; initiating corrective actions when violations are found; preparing administrative, investigative and inspection reports on a daily basis; serving as the local pesticide information resource; participating in and monitoring pesticide applicator recertification programs to assure compliance with established guidelines; and attending or making presentations at various pesticide-related association and industry meetings. Following completion of field training in all parts of the state, the selected candidate will be home-based in the Charlottesville / Harrisonburg territory and cover (counties of Madison, Greene, Albermarle, Nelson, Augusta, Highland, Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah, and Frederick). The selected individual must reside or be willing to relocate within a reasonable distance of the assigned territory. A state-owned vehicle will be provided for business use only; however, the state vehicle must remain parked within the territory even if the successful applicant resides outside of the assigned cities/counties. The home office must have reliable access to a network for mobile communications.

Minimum Qualifications

Extensive knowledge of chemical products used as pesticides; accepted uses of pesticides; methods and procedures used in the production, storage, and sale of pesticides; and of laws and regulations governing the manufacturing, processing, storage, disposal, sale and use of pesticides. Computer proficiency to include MS Office Suite. Ability to establish & maintain effective working relationships with the public to facilitate investigations; gather, understand, and analyze pertinent data in investigations; interpret/apply related regulations; and make reasonable & rational decisions. Demonstrated ability to work independently and present a polite/professional image to all clients to include communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, using proper business language & grammar. Display high standards of ethical conduct; refrain from dishonest behavior; display a high level of initiative, effort, attention to detail and commitment by completing assignments efficiently with minimal supervision; follow policy, cooperate with others, and align behavior with the goals of the agency. Physical demands: ability to detect odors, hear and understand normal conversations; distinguish colors; stand; bend; walk; work; and crawl in restrictive areas (e.g. crawl spaces, attics) & in diverse terrain. Must be able to handle, lift and manipulate items and equipment up to 50 lbs. & be able to work in the vicinity of pesticides, in storage or in use, daily. 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. Must complete training and receive federal credentials (within approximately one year of employment), or maintain current credentials, to enforce the EPA’s Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). H.S. Diploma/GED required.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities along with knowledge of agricultural practices that deal with the care of agricultural plants and animals. Working knowledge of Federal and Virginia pesticide laws and regulations, current FIFRA credentials, and the ability to communicate fluently in Spanish are also beneficial.

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.