Invasive Species Coordinator #01180

Title: Invasive Species Coordinator #01180

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist V

Hiring Range: $57,733 - $72,000 Annually

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: VDACS CENTRAL HEADQUARTERS

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of the Invasive Species Coordinator in the Office of Plant Industry Services’ (OPIS) Plant Protection Unit. The Invasive Species Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the OPIS’ statewide invasive species management program, plants and plant product export certification program. The Coordinator also serves as Virginia's Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) program coordinator and compliance agreement manager. These programs include statewide homeland security surveys, invasive plant pests species, diagnostics, and educational activities for designated invasive plant pest species. 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 protection 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 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 Invasive Species Coordinator will be eligible for up to one day of telework, if approved. The position will work collaboratively with the public, local, state, and federal governments, and academic institutions. The 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.

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 personal and staff work assignments to meet numerous and overlapping deadlines, experience with data collection, manipulation, operating databases, managing spreadsheets, and word processing. Ability to complete administrative duties in a timely manner. Proven experience with Microsoft M365 products, ArcGIS mapping tools, and other applicable technologies. Proven ability to manage employees, evaluate performance, and coordinate program activities. Familiarity with other state and federal plant protection regulations, including quarantines and compliance requirements. Knowledge of laws and regulations assigned to the OPIS.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of 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. Active Commercial Pesticide Applicators License in Category 9 – Regulatory Pest Control.

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 Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that before we can legally employ an individual, we must verify both the identity and employment authorization of the individual. VDACS uses Form I-9 to satisfy this requirement. Form I-9, instructions, and the List of Acceptable Documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9. VDACS does not offer sponsorship for employment purposes; therefore, the selected candidate will need to be able to provide acceptable documents in accordance with Form I-9 (use link above for more details). Additionally, VDACS participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional assistance with this requirement, please contact hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov.

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

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 Layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

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 AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.