Plant Protection Inspector #00126

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Virginia Beach, VA

3d•$45,739 - $67,275•Remote

About The Position

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 Bland, Giles, Craig, Alleghany, Pulaski, Montgomery, Roanoke, Botetourt and the independent cities of Radford, Roanoke, Salem, and Covington. 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 lanternfly, 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.

Requirements

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.
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)
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.
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.
H.S. diploma/GED required.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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
Conducting other plant protection surveys and treatments for pests such as spotted lanternfly, fire ant, spongy moth, box tree moth, noxious weeds and other invasive plant pests of regulatory significance.