Title: Program Manager - Plant Industry Services #00865

State Role Title: Agricultural Manager III

Hiring Range: $90,000 - $113,000 annually

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: VDACS CENTRAL HEADQUARTERS

Agency Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is seeking a qualified and motivated candidate to serve as Program Manager of the Office of Plant Industry Services (OPIS). The Program Manager is responsible for encouraging environmental stewardship and providing consumer protection by managing and directing a statewide program charged with inspecting nurseries and honeybees for pests and diseases, protecting beneficial plants and insects, controlling exotic pests and invasive weeds, overseeing the operation of the Plant Pathology Laboratory, licensing of dealers and guarantors of agricultural commodities, conducting statewide sampling and analysis of agricultural commodities including feed, seed, fertilizer and liming materials, and overseeing the operation of the Seed Lab and the Plant Pathology Lab. Duties include management of statewide licensing programs, supervision of field and office staff, managing the OPIS budget, working with agency and division leadership to report on work performance and activities, as well as supporting VDACS’ mission. Once onboarded, this position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration of telework shall be approved as outlined in the Commonwealth’s telework policy. The Program Manager serves as the State Plant Regulatory Official for Virginia.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of the Office of Plant Industry Services' programs and activities, experience in plant protection, controlling pests and diseases of honeybees, controlling exotic pests or manufacturing of agricultural commodities is essential. Knowledge of and ability to analyze and interpret laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to plant protection, pest control, endangered species and the regulation of agricultural commodities. Demonstrated leadership capabilities in projects or assignments of similar nature or scope as those carried out by the program. Supervisory experience in enforcement, inspection or investigative activities in a regulatory environment such as plant protection. Ability to manage a complex, statewide program including planning and directing the work of subordinates. Computer proficiency to include MS Office Suite. Ability to monitor the program’s budget, manage a statewide inspections program, lead and supervise staff that are located throughout the state, promote teamwork and customer service, and achieve expected results, and to develop and maintain good public relations. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, to interpret and apply rules and regulations and experience overseeing the conduct of investigations. Must be able to maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. Must possess or be able to obtain a Virginia Pesticide Applicator’s License in Category 9-Regulatory Pest Control (within approximately 6 months of employment). H.S. Diploma/GED required.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training, and experience indicating the possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include the knowledge of biology, entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, agronomy, forestry, or other agricultural-related fields.

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.

In accordance with the Code of Virginia, incumbents of this position are required to complete a Statement of Personal Economic Interests form upon hire and annually thereafter.

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.