Title: Apple Grader/Inspector #W0076

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $21.25 - $25.75 per hour with the potential to earn overtime.

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: MOBILE WORKERS SW

Agency Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Interested in part-time work with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services where you’ll directly support Virginia’s thriving apple industry – we’ve got a position that may be just right for you! The Division of Commodity Services – Fruit and Vegetable Services program is seeking part-time personnel to perform contract and non-contract inspections of fresh apples and process apples. The selected candidate will also support seasonal employees hired during peak harvest periods. While the main apple inspection office is located in Stephens City, the selected candidate will also physically work in and around Winchester, Front Royal, and Mt. Jackson. If available, a state vehicle may be provided for business use only. If a personal vehicle is used, reimbursement for mileage will be provided according to agency policy. Other primary duties required from this position include: scheduling and performing on-site inspection, sampling, grading, and certifying fresh apples for defects, size, lot certification, and other requirements of the U.S. Grade Standard for export, as well as for processing. The selected applicant will contribute to the maintenance and accountability for federal audit by updating the master file containing serially numbered documents, records, and correspondence. The individual will be responsible for data compilation and report generation in areas of certificate accountability, inventory control, and billings, coordinating the flow of information within strict time constraints between the Stephens City Office and the Richmond Office.

This position is paid on an hourly basis; is limited to working 1500 hours per year beginning each May; and does not include benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

Some knowledge of agriculture and/or the apple industry is helpful as well as the ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret rules, regulations, contracts, and/or procedures. Prepare written documents/reports; negotiate or troubleshoot complex issues; work successfully in a team environment, as well as be able to work successfully independently. Efficiently communicate orally with individuals and groups. Provide excellent customer service skills. The successful candidate must be able to work flexible hours, overtime, holidays, weekends, etc. Physical demands include the ability to perform work tasks requiring lifting approximately 50 pounds, standing for long periods of time while enduring fall and winter cold conditions, and have the ability to visually inspect products. Must have or be eligible to maintain a valid driver’s license and have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. Must have reliable transportation to work. The selected individual will receive a USDA license upon the successful completion of training. High School 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 an agriculture related environment. It would be beneficial if the candidate has experience working in a packing house or warehouse providing quality control or familiar with line production practice in a processing facility.

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.