Title: Regional Commodity Specialist #R1105

State Role Title: PR & Mktg Spec III

Hiring Range: $45,739 -$70,000 annually

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: ROANOKE OFFICE

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Marketing, Food Distribution Program is seeking a PR & Marketing Specialist III. Duties include supervising the application of regulations and policies of the Food Distribution Program for schools and institutions receiving foods donated by the USDA. This position will be based in Roanoke with regional responsibility for supported assigned counties and adjacent cities. Requires frequent regional travel (occasionally overnight) to visit Virginia schools and institutions to market Virginia foods, develop institutional food service marketing data and conduct administrative reviews in assigned region. Work closely with Food Banks to ensure the distribution of the USDA commodities meet all federal and state guidelines. Monitors contractual performance of food distributors and resolves problems with distributors and recipient food institutions.

Minimum Qualifications

General knowledge of institutional food service operations, nutrition or food science/safety principles, inventory systems and control and reporting processes. Exceptional and enthusiastic customer service skills. Ability to apply basic principles of marketing and promotional concepts. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to work independently; to organize and present ideas, materials and concepts clearly; and to establish and maintain positive working relationships. Experience analyzing and interpreting government regulatory contractual terms and data. Capability to provide detailed responses and explanations of related procedures, regulations, contracts and policy requirements to program clients and vendors. Must have experience planning and scheduling workloads. Requires frequent travel with occasional overnight stays. Must possess proficiency in the use of personal computers to include the use of MS Office Suite and other related applications. H.S Diploma/GED required. 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.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience in food science, nutrition, business administration or a related field along with a combination of experience in marketing, food technology, food service, and federal programs 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: 804-786-3531

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.