Processed Foods Inspector #R0113

Title: Processed Foods Inspector #R0113

State Role Title:Agricultural Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $44192 - $54106

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location:SEED-METROLOGY-PROC FOOD

Agency Website: 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 Processed Foods Inspector. We are seeking a qualified customer service-oriented team player who under the direction of the Fruit and Vegetable Services Program Manager is responsible for supporting domestic and exporting needs of Virginia agricultural products through official grading inspection and certification of more than 150 types of processed fruits and vegetables. While the successful candidate will work in a Processed Foods Laboratory which samples and grades product requiring official UDSA certification to comply with Federal/State and private contract specifications the individual will also be required to conduct field work around the Commonwealth. The successful candidate will perform lot sampling condition of container inspections checkloading case stamping in-plant sampling and will conduct plant sanitation inspections. This position requires routine interaction with Virginias processed product industries as well as with federal/state officials to communicate program services and regulatory requirements. Throughout the year the position will provide support to the officer-in-charge of the Laboratory with daily routine office activities. This is a restricted position with funding availability for this position based on industry need.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of agricultural commodities or food science and technology ideally in the fruit and vegetable industry. Demonstrated ability to read interpret apply and explain rules and regulations and to collect and analyze data; to prepare reports; to organize plan and work with limited supervision; to work in a fast-paced environment; to resolve problems; and to provide exceptional customer service; and to work within a team environment. Effective oral and written communication skills are needed along with the ability to maintain professional working relationships with co-workers management and industry. Computer proficiency. H.S. Diploma/GED required.
Physical Demands/Conditions of Employment: Position requires significant travel both day and overnight with occasional short-term duty assignments. Position requires a flexible work schedule with irregular work hours during the week as well as on weekends and holidays. Selected individual must be able to meet the physical demands which include working in and around a noisy environment that includes dust and machinery and in extreme heat and/or cold. Position requires prolonged periods of driving standing walking lifting 75 pounds or more reaching and bending/stooping. The selected person must also be able to distinguish colors and smells and must have (or be eligible to obtain) and maintain a valid drivers license & a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. The selected individual must reside or be willing to relocate within a reasonable distance of the assigned territory. A state-owned vehicle will be provided for business use only; however the state vehicle must remain parked within the territory even if the successful applicant resides outside of the assigned cities/counties. The home office must have reliable access to a network for mobile communications. A REAL ID is required to access federal facilities. Finally the successful individual must be able to qualify for and maintain a USDA License of inspection and certification of processed products within one year of employment.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge skills and abilities to include knowledge of agriculture food science chemistry biology or related field; of USDA Commodity Standards; and/or experience relating to the grading/certification of processed food products or quality assurance programs.

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 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

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:

In support of the Commonwealths 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 .

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.