Title: Certification & Licensing Specialist #01330
State Role Title: Admin and Office Spec III
Hiring Range: $33,828 - $55,105 annually
Pay Band: 3
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 an Administrative and Office Specialist for the Office of Pesticide Services in the Division of Consumer Protection. This position administers the certification process to ensure that pesticide applicators have the necessary training, experience, knowledge, and skills to control pests in a safe and effective manner. Duties include receiving, reviewing, and processing applications for the certification and recertification of Commercial Pesticide Applicators; administering, grading, and safeguarding pesticide certification exams; issuing certificates to qualified individuals; and ensuring daily scanning of documents into an electronic document management system for applicator and business records. This position involves considerable interactions with prospective and certified applicators in Virginia's pesticide industries and the general public to communicate program services and regulatory requirements. 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
Considerable knowledge of basic office procedures, including electronic document management in addition to knowledge of certification, registration and licensing practices and processes as related to a scientific field, preferably with pesticides. Proficiency using computers and standard business applications to include MS Office Suite with additional competencies using complex database applications. Demonstrated ability to interpret and explain requirements of regulations; to plan, organize and adjust work priorities without close supervision; to draft and develop correspondence and reports; to make sound decisions and work independently; to work in a fast-paced, high volume office environment; and to communicate effectively (both oral/written) with co-workers, the public and clients using exceptional customer service to include experience developing reports and correspondence. The ability to present a positive image to the public is required both by telephone and in person. Experience within a regulatory agency or direct experience with laws and regulations and interpreting and explaining regulatory requirements to the public and regulated industry. HS Diploma/GED required.
Additional Considerations
A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities or technical expertise to include knowledge of chemistry, biology, environmental science, or related subjects. Knowledge of pesticide laws and standards in addition to regulations pertaining to the registration of pesticide products, licensing of pesticide businesses, and pesticide fees. Knowledge the Virginia Pesticide Control Act, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and associated state and federal regulations helpful. Experience using an Oracle or .net database system.
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 hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov.
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: 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.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
