CAPS and Invasive Species Coordinator

Title: CAPS and Invasive Species Coordinator

Hiring Range: $50,811 - $65,000

Agency: Agriculture & Consumer Svcs

Location: VDACS CENTRAL HEADQUARTERS

Agency Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

CAPS & Invasive Species Coordinator - #01180
(Agricultural Specialist V, Pay Band 5)

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) and Invasive Species Coordinator in the Office of Plant Industry Services’ (OPIS) Plant Protection Unit. The selected individual will be required to report to the VDACS headquarters in Richmond. The CAPS program’s mission is to conduct exotic plant pest surveys through a national network of cooperators and stakeholders to protect American agriculture and natural resources. These activities are accomplished primarily under USDA funding that is provided through cooperative agreements with state departments of agriculture, universities, and other entities. This position would serve as Virginia’s CAPS program coordinator and will also oversee invasive species activities under the regulatory authority of OPIS. The position will be responsible for planning, developing, initiating, managing, and evaluating the OPIS statewide invasive species and export certification programs including statewide homeland security surveys, diagnostics, and educational activities for designated exotic plant pests. Duties for the position include, but are not limited to writing proposals for federal grant support related to plant pest surveys and management, overseeing the compliance agreement program, serving as a resource for OPIS management administering survey and trapping programs, serving as a liaison between federal partners and OPIS staff related to phytosanitary certification and export of Virginia plant products, and providing outreach and educational material to impacted industries related to plant pests in Virginia. The CAPS & Invasive Species Coordinator will work closely with the OPIS Administrative Assistant on purchasing supplies, outreach materials, or other items related to CAPS-supported grants or invasive species work. The position will work collaboratively with the public, local, state, and federal governments, and academic institutions. The CAPS & Invasive Species Coordinator will be required to travel to meetings as they relate to CAPS programs, invasive species programs, or others, which support the mission of OPIS. Once onboarded, this position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours and duration of telework shall be approved as outlined in the Commonwealth’s telework policy.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of plant anatomy/physiology, plant pathology, entomology, horticulture, and ecology. Knowledge of invasive pests and regulatory survey principles. Good oral and written communication skills, ability to plan, organize, and schedule work to meet numerous and overlapping deadlines, experience with data collection and manipulation, operating databases, managing spreadsheets, and word processing. Proven experience with Microsoft M365 products, ArcGIS mapping tools, and other applicable technologies. Familiarity with other state and federal plant protection regulations, including quarantines and compliance requirements. Knowledge of laws and regulations assigned to the OPIS. Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicators License in Category 9 – Regulatory Pest Control required within approximately 12 months upon hire and USDA’s Authorized Certifying Official (ACO) Accreditation required within approximately 18 months upon hire. High School Diploma / GED required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree with major studies in botany, horticulture, entomology, ecology, weed science, or another related field. Demonstrated experience in plant pest surveys and control activities. Prior experience writing and administering grants utilizing federal funds. Proven knowledge and experience with insects, plant diseases, and plants found in the nursery and horticultural industry of Virginia. Active Commercial Pesticide Applicators License in Category 9 – Regulatory Pest Control and USDA’s ACO Accreditation.

Special Instructions: 

RMS provides a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your RMS 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: 804-371-8577

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.