Produce Safety Specialist #R1386

Title: Produce Safety Specialist #R1386

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $44,982 - $65,000 annually ($53,529-$75,000 annually for NOVA pay area. See full details below.)

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: MOBILE WORKERS SW

Agency Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a self-motivated individual to become part of the Produce Safety team in the Office of Dairy and Foods. This position is responsible for the evaluation of produce farming practices and the enforcement of related federal/state laws and regulations. Duties include evaluating produce growing conditions and practices; evaluating post-harvest handling and sanitation practices and facilities relative to produce safety; assisting new and existing produce farms with meeting the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule; conducting on-farm readiness reviews; investigating complaints; participating in joint investigations and food borne illness investigations; collecting official samples of produce and produce-related products; and assisting in the development of a statewide produce safety program. Additionally, the successful candidate will partner and interact with Virginia’s produce industry, federal/state officials, enforcement organizations, special interest groups, academia and the general public. The position will require routine travel throughout the state, occasionally overnight. This is a restricted position that has been developed as part of a Cooperative Agreement with the Food and Drug Administration and will last until June 30, 2026; however, the cooperative agreement has the potential for continuation.

The selected individual will establish and work from a home office under the guidance and direction of the Richmond office and will be required to live in or convenient to the assigned territory. Territory includes: Rockingham, Shenandoah, Augusta, Highland, Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Page, Greene, Madison, Albemarle, Rappahannock, Fauquier, Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Prince William, Culpeper, Stafford, Orange, Spotsylvania, King George, Caroline, Louisa, Hanover, Fluvanna and Goochland. The use of a state vehicle will be provided.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of produce and food safety practices and principles. Knowledge of produce farming and harvesting practices. Fundamental knowledge of computer applications. Ability to work both independently and in a team environment. Ability to effectively communicate, both written and orally. Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws and regulations. Ability to make autonomous decisions and to take appropriate actions in diverse circumstances and environments. Ability to provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external clients. Ability to effectively respond to other assigned duties during both traditional and non-traditional work periods. Ability to be self-motivated and to effectively plan and organize work activities. Appropriate visual acuity including the ability to see and identify small objects and the ability to identify and distinguish colors. Physical mobility including, but not limited to walking, bending, stretching and crouching. Ability to lift light loads up to 40 lbs. 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. H.S. Diploma/GED required

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of Produce Safety, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Health or a related field. A valid Virginia Driver's license is required. Must be able to complete FDA Commissioning/Credentialing within approximately 12 months of hire.

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.

Hiring Salary Range: $44,982 - $65,000. If the selected candidate resides within the Northern Virginia Pay Area that includes the cities and counties of Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Prince William, Loudoun, and Manassas/Manassas Park, then the hiring salary range is $53,529 - $75,000 annually. Excellent State Benefits.

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: 804-371-8066

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.