Peanut Samplers - Seasonal Positions #S0003+

Title: Peanut Samplers - Seasonal Positions #S0003+

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $20.63 per hour. Returning seasonal staff may be hired at a higher rate depending on their licensure status and recency of employment. An end of season BONUS of $750 will be awarded to those who qualify.

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: SUFFOLK-PEANUT OFFICE

Agency Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Peanut Services Office, is seeking individuals to serve as Peanut Samplers for the 2026 season. Seasonal employees will provide program support to the Virginia Peanut Services Program by sampling Farmers’ Stock Peanuts throughout the season. Duties may include performing sampling of product, maintaining sample identification, dividing sample into smaller portions for analysis and assisting in the grading area when required. This seasonal employment is expected to last from September until approximately November, depending on business needs. These positions are paid hourly; are limited to working 1500 hours per year; and do not include benefits.

Work Hours: Positions may involve working long hours during the day, evening, nights, weekends, and holidays. Some overtime work is required.

Minimum Qualifications

Training is provided on all aspects of these positions. If you have the ability to be trained on federal/state regulations and are able to meet the conditions of employment as noted below then you will be successful. Other qualifications include knowledge of the agricultural industry specifically relating to the harvesting of peanuts; basic computer proficiency and excellent teamwork and customer service skills along with the ability to communicate effectively with others; read and apply complex USDA/State manuals; work with minimal supervision; be dependable; and pay attention to details. High School diploma/GED required.

Conditions of Employment: Physical demands include prolonged standing, climbing stairs, walking, reaching, bending, lifting and/or maneuvering approximately 20 lbs. as well as working in various weather conditions at elevated heights of approximately 20 feet. These conditions may include working in dust, around machinery, climbing stairs, driving, working in extreme heat or cold weather, and also requires the ability to distinguish colors and odors. 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. The use of a personal car is necessary. Selected applicants must be able to obtain a USDA Inspection license for a Farmers’ Stock Peanut Sampler by passing a written examination and visual observation of sampler operation.

Additional Considerations

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

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.