Peanut Inspector - Farmer's Stock Coordinator #01369

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Agriculture offers an opportunity as a Peanut Inspector/Farmers’ Stock Coordinator. Responsibilities include overseeing the grading of peanuts, ensuring quality control, and managing employees during harvest. This full-time position is suited for candidates with agricultural knowledge and a willingness to work flexible hours.

Qualifications

• Proficient with personal computers and software operations.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret USDA/State manuals.
• Experience overseeing other employees and scheduling work.

Responsibilities

• Sampling and grading Milled Peanuts and Farmers' Stock Peanuts.
• Assisting with overseeing and training staff during peak workloads.
• Performing lab analysis and ensuring product identification.

Skills

Knowledge of agricultural industry

Customer service

Communication

Education

H.S. Diploma/GED

Training in agriculture or related field

Job description

Title: Peanut Inspector - Farmer's Stock Coordinator #01369

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $45,450 - $54,106 Annually

Pay Band:

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location:SUFFOLK-PEANUT OFFICE

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Commodity Services, has an exciting career opportunity for a Peanut Inspector/Farmers’ Stock Coordinator. The selected candidate will provide program support to the Virginia Peanut Services Program and will be responsible for the sampling of Milled Peanuts on a year-round basis and the grading of Farmers’ Stock Peanuts during the peanut harvest period. Additionally, this position will assist the Farmers’ Stock supervisors with overseeing temporary, seasonal, and wage employees during peak workloads as well as assisting in the training of new employees and assisting with refresher classes for returning employees. Other duties may include performing sampling of product; preparing and grinding samples for lab analysis and tag lot printing to ensure that positive lot identification is maintained throughout processing. Selected individuals must be dependable and able to work a flexible and non-routine schedule as assigned. The work schedule includes overtime, weekends, and holidays as required. This position is a full-time position with full state benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of the agricultural industry specifically relating to the harvesting and grading of peanuts. Must be proficient with personal computers with a general understanding of computer program operations and software. Must have excellent customer service skills to communicate effectively (oral & written) with a diverse clientele including staff, general public, and industry officials. Must also be dependable and able to report to work as assigned. The demonstrated ability to read, analyze, interpret, apply and explain complex USDA/State manuals; to organize daily work assignments; and to work with limited supervision. Some experience overseeing other employees which may include interpreting procedures and scheduling work assignments. H.S. Diploma/GED required. Training or coursework in agriculture or related field with a current license by USDA to inspect Farmers’ Stock Peanuts and sample Milled Peanuts. Knowledge of USDA commodity grading procedures and standards is also needed along with knowledge of the Virginia Peanut industry relating to USDA peanut grading and work experience in a federal or state peanut inspection program. Conditions of Employment: Must have or be able to obtain a USDA sampling license for Farmers’ Stock Peanuts and a USDA Milled Peanut Aide license within one month of hire (training provided). Must maintain required VDACS/USDA required licenses and certifications. Requires some overnight travel, overtime and use of personal and state vehicle. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. Must also be able to meet the physical demands of the position, which include prolonged standing, walking, reaching, bending, lifting or maneuvering up to 100 lbs. as well as working in various weather conditions. Conditions may include working in dust, around machinery, climbing stairs, driving, working in extreme heat or cold weather, and requires the ability to distinguish colors and odors.

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 [e-mail].

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: [e-mail]

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.