Title: Spongy Moth STS QC Inspector #S0030

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist III

Hiring Range: $17.00 per hour. Previous seasonal employees for this same position will be hired at a rate per the seasonal pay plan if applicable.

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 is seeking a dedicated and qualified applicant for an hourly seasonal position to serve as a quality control inspector in the Virginia Slow-the-Spread (STS) project. Duties include routine travel to conduct quality control inspections on spongy moth STS traps placed by contractors in southwest, central, and eastern Virginia. Quality control inspections include, but are not limited to verification of proper trap construction and placement and verifying accuracy of recorded data. Quality control inspections will be recorded in mapping software on a GPS-enabled tablet. The selected candidate will be required to obtain and use quality control reports from the STS website, download data from GPS units, screen GPS data for errors, and transfer data to Virginia Tech via the internet. The selected individual will often drive for long periods and be required to hike in rough terrain to remote trap sites; drive assigned 4-wheel drive work vehicles; work during inclement weather conditions; and may be required to place traps, perform midseason inspections, and conduct a final inspection and trap removal for trapping areas, if not awarded to a contractor. Additional administrative reports or outreach opportunities will also be required of this position.

The inspector’s base point will be the Christiansburg STS office, and while the work is primarily performed in the field, administrative responsibilities will be conducted at the office. The assigned vehicle will be housed at the Christiansburg office.

This is a seasonal position, restricted to 800 hours per year and limited to August through January. It has no state benefits and no overtime. Some overnight travel will be required.

Minimum Qualifications

Proven ability to perform inspections, follow instructions, work with minimal supervision, make decisions, organize work and interact effectively with supervisors, contractors, landowners, and the public. Good oral and written communication skills. Experience in the outdoors to include driving 4-wheel drive vehicles in remote areas. Proven experience working in physically demanding environments, involving considerable walking, standing, kneeling, reaching, exposure to inclement weather conditions, natural elements, and rugged terrain. Experience in navigating and hiking in various terrains. Experience in the use of maps, GPS, navigation software. 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 (use of personal vehicle may be required if a state vehicle is not available). HS diploma or equivalent required.

Additional Considerations

Knowledge of the spongy moth program, insect or forest pest management, education/training in biology, ecology or a related science along with experience using a GPS system and in preparing quality control reports. An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

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.