Job Duties
The Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Office of Plant Industry Services is seeking one part time staff member to serve as a surveyor for Imported Fire Ants and to perform treatments of confirmed fire ant mounds. Duties include conducting visual surveys for imported fire ants, collecting data on fire ant mound locations and counts, obtaining permission from landowners, and treating mounds that are officially confirmed as the imported fire ant in south central and southern piedmont regions of Virginia. The region of work will include the counties of Amelia, Appomattox, Campbell, Charles City, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Hanover, Henrico, Lunenburg, Nottoway, Pittsylvania, Prince George, Prince Edward, Sussex, and Surry, and the independent cities of Danville, Petersburg, and Richmond. Additional locations may be added, if imported fire ants are found in another locality not listed here. Survey activities require visual surveys, sample collection and confirmation, obtaining treatment permission and performing treatments. All work will be subject to quality control inspections.
The selected individual’s base point will be their home and they must reside within or in close proximity to the work area defined above. Additionally, surveyors will report to Office of Plant Industry Services’ supervisory personnel in Wytheville or at the Lynchburg office as needed for training, to complete administrative duties, and to collect supplies.
The part-time position is restricted to 1,500 hours per year and offers no state benefits. The selected candidate will be expected to work an average of 28 hours per week with no overtime.
Minimum Qualifications
Proven ability to follow instructions, work independently, make decisions, organize work, and interact effectively with co-workers, supervisors, clients and the general public. Knowledge of and experience in identifying life stages of the imported fire ant or other invasive insect pests. Good oral and written communication skills are necessary as well as computer proficiency to include iPads and similar devices, is required. Familiarity with a GPS unit, ArcGIS software, and map reading is desired along with experience driving in rural areas. This position is physically demanding and involves considerable walking, standing, kneeling, reaching, driving for long periods, and exposure to outside weather conditions, and natural elements. 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. Must possess or be able to obtain a VA Pesticide Applicator’s License in Category 9-Regulatory Pest Control within approximately 3 months of hire. Use of personal vehicle is required with established mileage reimbursement. HS Diploma/GED required.
Additional Considerations
Education or training in entomology, ecology, or a related science and/or knowledge of invasive insects.
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.
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: 804-371-8581
Email: ov
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.