Plant Protection Inspector

Title: Plant Protection Inspector #00756

State Role

Title:

Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $44,192 - $65,000 Annually

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: MOBILE WORKERS SW

Agency Website: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services seeks a qualified individual to perform plant protection inspection and export certification activities for the Office of Plant Industry Services (OPIS). The selected individual must reside, or be willing to relocate, in or within a reasonable distance of the assigned territory which includes the counties of Bedford, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Pittsylvania and the independent cities of Danville and Martinsville.

Duties include inspecting nursery stock at grower and retail establishments; inspecting honeybee colonies; surveying for invasive plant pests threatening Virginia; inspecting and certifying plants and plant-related products for export; providing presentations to industry on OPIS activities; and conducting other plant protection surveys and treatments for pests such as spotted lantern fly, fire ant, spongy moth, box tree moth, noxious weeds and other invasive plant pests of regulatory significance.

The selected individual will establish and work from a home office and will be required to live in, or convenient to, the assigned territory and will report to the Wytheville Regional Office as needed. The home office must have reliable access to a network for mobile communications. A state vehicle will be provided for business use only and must remain parked within the assigned territory.

The use of a personal vehicle may be required if a state vehicle is not available. Occasional overnight travel is required.

Knowledge of entomology, plant pathology, apiculture, horticulture, environmental ecology, general agricultural practices, plant protection-related pest control, and plant protection laws. Knowledge of plant pest protection activities utilized to safeguard agricultural and natural resources. Excellent customer service and oral/written communication skills. Proficiency using personal computers and other electronic equipment. Proven ability to plan, organize, and execute work with minimal supervision, exercise sound judgment and decision-making, and communicate effectively with a diverse population in carrying out regulatory procedures.

The selected applicant 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. Must possess or be able to obtain a VA Pesticide Applicator’s License in Category 9-Regulatory Pest Control (within approx. 6 months of hire) and must possess or be able to obtain a USDA Authorized Certifying Official (ACO) accreditation (within approx.

18 months of hire). Position is physically demanding & involves prolonged driving, walking, bending, stooping & routine lifting of up to 50 lbs, as well as exposures to bee stings, pesticides, fertilizers, plant allergens & other agricultural related chemicals as well as working in all types of weather conditions. H.S. diploma/GED required.

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, forestry, environmental ecology or related agricultural science. Demonstrated experience with general horticulture and environmental practices, plant and pest identification and controls, regulatory pest control & beekeeping. Experience interpreting, applying and explaining laws, governmental policies, and regulatory procedures.

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.

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