Title: Apiary Inspector - Seasonal/Southwest Region (Hourly/No Benefits)

Hiring Range: $17.00 - $19.50 per hour

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Agriculture & Consumer Svcs

Location: ROANOKE OFFICE

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Apiary Inspector (Seasonal – Southwest Region) #S0116 – Franklin County
(Agricultural Specialist III, Pay Band 3)

The Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Office of Plant Industry Services, is seeking a seasonal staff member to serve as an Apiary Inspector in the Southeast region of Virginia. Duties include inspecting apiaries, beehives, and beekeeping apparatuses for identification and suppression of bee diseases and pests, assisting with the Beehive Distribution Program to verify recipients receive and establish hives in accordance with the Program guidelines, submitting inspection reports, and collecting samples for the National Survey of Honey Bee Pests and Diseases. The Southwest region includes the following localities: Alleghany, Botetourt, Roanoke, Bedford, Franklin County, Pittsylvania, Henry, Patrick, Craig, Montgomery, Giles, Floyd, Pulaski, Bland, Wythe, Carroll, Grayson, Cumberland, Buckingham, Appomattox, Prince Edward, Amherst, Campbell, Charlotte, Lunenburg, Halifax, Tazewell, Smyth, Buchanan, Russell, Washington, Dickenson, Wise, Scott and Lee. Re-announcement.

The selected individual’s base point will be their home and the Apiary Inspector must reside in the region in or within a reasonable distance to the specific region, to best serve the program. The Southwest region inspector will report to Office of Plant Industry Services' Regional Supervisor personnel located in Wytheville as needed for work assignments, training, completing administrative duties, and to collect supplies.

The seasonal employment period is approximately April through mid-August. This is a wage position restricted to 1,500 hours per year and offer no state benefits. Employment is anticipated to be a maximum of 400 - 650 hours. Inspections will be made at the request of the Regional Supervisor and weekly work may fluctuate through the seasonal employment period.

Minimum Qualifications

Proven experience in apiary management, including identification of diseases and pests and knowledge of honeybee behavior and management. Proven ability to follow instructions, work independently, make decisions, organize work, and interact effectively with co-workers, supervisors, clients, and the general public. Good oral and written communication skills are necessary as well as computer proficiency to include iPads and similar devices, is required. Familiarity with a GPS unit and map reading is desired along with experience driving in rural areas. This position is physically demanding and involves considerable walking, standing, kneeling, reaching, lifting, driving for long periods, and exposure to outside weather conditions and natural elements. Must be able to perform tasks in physically demanding work environment (lifting 50 lbs honey supers). 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. Use of personal vehicle is required with established mileage reimbursement. HS Diploma/GED required.

Preferred Qualifications:

n/a

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 seasonal employment period is approximately April through mid-August. This is a wage position restricted to 1,500 hours per year and offer no state benefits. Employment is anticipated to be a maximum of 400 - 650 hours. Inspections will be made at the request of the Regional Supervisor and weekly work may fluctuate through the seasonal employment period.

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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.