Title: Slow the Spread (STS) Quality Control Inspectors (Hourly/No Benefits) #W0101 & #W0102

Hiring Range: $17.00 - $19.50 per hour

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Agriculture & Consumer Svcs

Location: CHRISTIANSBURG OPIS

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

STS Quality Control Inspector - Wage #W0101, W0102 – Christiansburg
(Agricultural Specialist III, Pay Band 3)

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking dedicated and qualified applicants for two (2) hourly positions to serve as quality control inspectors in the Virginia Slow-the-Spread project. Duties include conducting quality control inspections on spongy moth Slow the Spread (STS) traps placed by contractors in southwest Virginia with occasional travel to survey areas in 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 a GPS (Global Positioning System) hand-held unit. 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 be required to hike in rough terrain to remote trap sites; drive 4-wheel drive vehicles; work during inclement weather conditions; and may be required to place, perform midseason inspections, and final inspection/trap removal for trapping areas not awarded to a contractor. Additional administrative reports or outreach opportunities will also be required of these positions.

The Inspector's base point will be the Christiansburg office with the option to work from home with approval from VDACS. The inspectors will report to the Christiansburg Slow-the-Spread Office, as needed.

These are wage positions restricted to 1,500 hours per year and have no state benefits and no overtime. Some overnight travel may 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 general public. Good oral and written communication skills. Experience in the use of personal computers and the internet. Experience in the outdoors to include driving 4-wheel drive vehicles in remote areas. This position is physically demanding and involves considerable walking, standing, kneeling, reaching, exposure to inclement weather conditions, natural elements, rugged terrain, and driving for long periods of time. Experience in navigating and hiking in various terrains. 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of the gypsy 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 final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Contact Information:

Name: Human Resources

Phone: (804) 371-8066

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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.