Agricultural Commodities Inspector

#01288 – Fauquier

(Compliance/Safety Officer III, Pay Band 4)

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a qualified individual to perform inspection activities for the Agricultural Commodities Program in the Office of Plant Industry Services. This position is responsible for work activities located in the counties/cities of Alexandria, Arlington, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax City, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fauquier, Frederick, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Manassas, Manassas Park, Orange, Page, Prince William, Rappahannock, Warren, and Winchester. Duties include monitoring regulated agricultural products (feed, seed, fertilizer, lime, and animal remedies) through inspection and sampling in assigned territory to verify the accuracy of product labels and registration status; sampling regulated products in accordance with established laws, regulations, and policies to determine product quality and presence of contaminants; ensuring regulated firms are in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and policies and taking enforcement action when appropriate; monitoring assigned territory ensuring violations are corrected; investigating consumer complaints; collecting and documenting all evidence in a legally defensible manner; and serving as a resource for the public and the agricultural commodities industry on state and federal laws/regulations. The successful candidate will be required to live within the assigned territory. Occasional travel is required.

QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of the manufacturing/distribution process of animal feed, fertilizer, lime and seed along with standard inspection, investigative and enforcement techniques. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply laws/ regulations and to prepare inspection and audit reports associated with regulated commodities. Proven ability to plan, prioritize, organize and execute work with minimal supervision; to exercise sound judgement and decision making; and to communicate effectively with a diverse population. Excellent customer service and oral/written communication skills including writing technical reports. Computer proficiency to include MS Office suite. Experience interpreting, applying and explaining state and federal laws, governmental policies, and regulatory procedures and preparing related documentation suitable for legal action. Must have (or be eligible for) and maintain a valid Virginia 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 state vehicle is not available) and be able to meet travel and physical demands of the position (prolonged driving, walking, bending, stooping and routine lifting of up to 50 pounds). Must also be able to tolerate exposure to pesticides, fertilizers and other agricultural related chemicals and have the ability to work outdoors, to distinguish colors and manual dexterity. H.S. diploma/GED required. Prefer: Degree in a biological, agricultural or horticultural science; knowledge of related laws and regulations; and previous experience conducting inspections, investigations and enforcement of agricultural related commodities. An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience. Hiring Salary Range: $38,894 – $58,968 annually. Excellent State Benefits.

The final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

To be considered for this position, you must apply online at https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/ by 11:59 PM  EST/EDT on December 5, 2022. For more information or assistance, you may contact the Human Resources Office,  Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219; Telephone: (804) 371-8066; TDD/TTY: VA Relay 711 or 800-828-1120; E-mail hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov. VDACS is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse workforce.