Title: Policy Assistant #01123

State Role Title: Policy Planning Spec I

Hiring Range: $44,192 - $74,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: VDACS CENTRAL HEADQUARTERS

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a qualified individual to serve as a Policy Assistant in the Office of Policy, Planning, and Research. The successful candidate will coordinate all logistics, materials, minutes, and follow up related to the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services; assist with drafting and reviewing numerous agency reports; post meeting notices, draft minutes, and final minutes to the Commonwealth Calendar and Virginia’s Regulatory Town Hall; track Freedom of Information Act requests and assist with responding to such requests; and draft the agency’s daily legislative report during the General Assembly session. This position requires occasional evening and weekend work in excess of 40 hours. Once onboarded, this position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration of telework will be approved as outlined in the Commonwealth’s telework policy.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of policy analysis, development, and implementation; government and legislative practices; research and evaluation techniques; and project management techniques. Ability to analyze and interpret laws, regulations, and policies to develop logical and effective conclusions and recommendations. Demonstrated ability to conduct, report, and present analyses; to conduct independent research; to analyze, interpret, and assess the impact of regulations, procedures, legislative proposals, and mandates; and to interact with industry groups, boards, consumers, and government officials. Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as computer proficiency, including standard office business software applications. HS Diploma/GED required.

Additional Considerations

Undergraduate degree with some course work in public or business administration, political science, or a related field. Some experience with policy research and analysis and policy interpretation, development, and implementation. A combination of related education, training, and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include some knowledge of public or business administration, political science, or a related field.

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: 804-371-8066

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.