Pesticide Investigator #01033

DHRM•Roanoke, VA

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Pesticide Services, is seeking a self-motivated Pesticide Investigator for its Enforcement and Field Operations Section. After completing field training throughout the state, the selected candidate will be home-based in the Roanoke territory and cover the listed cities and counties. The candidate must live or be willing to relocate within a reasonable distance of the assigned territory. A state-owned vehicle is provided for business use only and must remain parked within the territory. The home office must have reliable network access for mobile communications. The position monitors pesticide use and pesticide-related businesses and applicators for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and product-label directions. It investigates incidents involving pesticide spills, wildlife or environmental damage, and human or animal injury; collects samples; initiates corrective actions; and prepares daily reports. The investigator also serves as a local information resource, participates in and monitors applicator recertification programs, and attends or presents at pesticide-related meetings. The successful candidate must obtain and maintain federal credentials. The role involves working around pesticides and in varied terrain, including restrictive spaces such as crawl spaces and attics, and requires the physical and visual abilities described in the posting. Applicants must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check. The agency does not offer employment sponsorship and uses Form I-9 and E-Verify to verify work authorization.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of pesticide chemical products, accepted pesticide uses, methods and procedures for pesticide production, storage, and sale, and laws and regulations governing pesticide manufacturing, processing, storage, disposal, sale, and use.
Computer proficiency, including the MS Office Suite.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public to facilitate investigations.
Ability to gather, understand, and analyze pertinent investigative data; interpret and apply regulations; and make reasonable, rational decisions.
Ability to work independently and present a professional image to clients.
Effective oral and written communication using proper business language and grammar.
High ethical standards, initiative, effort, attention to detail, and commitment to completing assignments efficiently with minimal supervision; ability to cooperate with others and align behavior with agency goals.
Ability to detect odors; hear and understand normal conversation; distinguish colors; and stand, bend, walk, work, and crawl in restrictive spaces and varied terrain.
Ability to handle, lift, and manipulate items and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Visual acuity sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
Ability to work in close quarters, including crawl spaces and attics, when necessary, and near pesticides in storage or in use on a daily basis.
Ability to reside or relocate within a reasonable distance of the assigned territory and maintain reliable network access for mobile communications from the home office.
Ability to provide acceptable Form I-9 documents establishing identity and employment authorization; the agency does not offer employment sponsorship.
Successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Related education, training, or current experience demonstrating relevant skills and knowledge in agronomy, entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, biological sciences, chemical sciences, or other agricultural sciences concerned with the care of agricultural plants and animals.
Working knowledge of federal and Virginia pesticide laws and regulations.
Fluency in Spanish or another language.

Responsibilities

Monitor agricultural and structural pesticide use for compliance with label directions, laws, and regulations.
Conduct routine inspections of pesticide-licensed businesses and certified applicators for compliance with state and federal laws.
Investigate pesticide-related spills, bird or fish kills, environmental damage, and human or animal injury resulting from pesticide use or misuse.
Collect pesticide samples for analysis.
Initiate corrective actions when violations are found.
Prepare administrative, investigative, and inspection reports daily.
Serve as the local pesticide information resource.
Participate in and monitor pesticide applicator recertification programs to ensure compliance with established guidelines.
Attend or make presentations at pesticide-related association and industry meetings.
Complete field training throughout the state and cover the assigned Roanoke territory.
Obtain and maintain federal credentials.