Title: Potato Inspector #S0038+

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $18.21 hourly

Pay Band: 3

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, Division of Commodity Services, is proud to offer seasonal employment opportunities to certify potatoes throughout locations on the Eastern Shore (Accomack and Northampton Counties). Employment will last approximately 4 to 7 weeks during the summer. Personnel will receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Duties performed will be in the area of grading and certifying potatoes for defects, size, cleanliness and identification of other requirements of the U.S. Grade. Issue certificates stating compliance with export requirements, truck cleanliness and grade requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret rules, regulations and/or procedures; prepare written documents/reports; negotiate, trouble-shoot complex issues; and effectively communicate orally with individuals and groups. The successful candidates must be able to work flexible hours, overtime, holidays, weekends, etc. Physical ability to perform work tasks requiring lifting of approximately
25-50 lbs. and standing for long periods of time while enduring high summer temperatures and the ability to visually inspect product. These positions work outdoors and around dust and machinery. Candidates must be able to follow strict safety guidelines. The selected individuals will receive a USDA license upon the successful completion of training. Must have reliable transportation to work. High school diploma or GED is required.

Additional Considerations

Hiring Pay: $18.21 per hour with the potential opportunity to earn overtime. Mileage driven while performing official duties will be reimbursed at the prevailing allowable rate. The hourly rate may be higher if an applicant has recent experience in the potato industry and a related license. An end of season BONUS of $750 will be awarded to those who qualify.

These are hourly positions limited to 1500 hours per year and do not include state benefits. Employment will last approximately 4 to 7 weeks during the summer.

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.

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.