Field Operations Manager #00281

Title: Field Operations Manager #00281

State Role Title: Agricultural Manager II

Hiring Range: $56,051 - $80,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: VDACS CENTRAL HEADQUARTERS

Agency Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Field Operations Manager for the Office of Plant Industry Services' (OPIS) Plant Protection Unit. The Field Operations Manager will organize, direct, record, and report on the work of staff who conduct nursery inspections, apiary inspections, hemp sampling, noxious weed management, and other plant protection field activities occurring throughout Virginia.

This position is also responsible for overseeing programs managing invasive insects, including but not limited to gypsy moth and spotted lanternfly; managing regional supervisors and project coordinators, who supervise field staff and contractor activities; conducting performance evaluations and performance management activities; communicating directly with and working closely with the OPIS Program Manager, State Apiarist, and Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Coordinator to accurately execute program activities; and managing OPIS' mapping needs through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) solutions. The selected individual will be required to submit reports to the OPIS Program Manager including program updates and special occurrences in addition to overseeing the hiring and performance evaluation process and approving leave requests, mileage reports, etc. This position requires frequent travel throughout the state, including overnight stays. Once onboarded, this position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration of telework shall be approved as outlined in the Commonwealth's telework policy.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of apiculture, entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, environmental ecology, general agricultural practices, plant protection-related pest control and plant protection laws. Knowledge of plant pest protection activities utilized to safeguard agricultural and natural resources.

Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and manage state-wide agricultural inspection and plant pest management program (or similar programs) with minimal supervision; to interpret laws and regulations; to give work direction and/or supervision to others and make sound procedural and policy decisions. Excellent customer service and strong oral and written communication skills. Proficient in MS Office suite, computers and other electronic equipment.

Proven ability to supervise staff, evaluate and manage performance, and coordinate activities in plant protection programs. Proven ability to organize, plan, and execute program activities, staff work assignments and complete administrative duties in a timely manner. 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.

Proven experience with GIS, map development, and survey building. Ability to obtain Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification in Category 9-Regulatory Pest Control within eight months of hire. 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 entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, forestry, environmental ecology or other agricultural-related fields. Experience supervising remote field staff, teams, and project management; experience with general horticulture and environmental practices, plant and pest identification and controls, regulatory pest control, general horticulture practices, and beekeeping; and experience interpreting, applying and explaining state and federal laws, governmental policies, and regulatory procedures related to plant protection.

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: 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.