Title: Livestock Services Grader-Wage #W0074

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist III

Hiring Range: $17.85 - $19.28 per hour

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: MOBILE WORKERS SW

Agency Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services seeks a highly motivated individual to provide livestock grading, evaluation, and market news reporting services to livestock producers in the New River Valley, Southwest, Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas of Virginia. This position will be available to work at the Wythe, Dublin, Moneta, and Roanoke area markets. The selected individual will work as a team member with current staff in providing a quality, official, uniform, and unbiased grading, evaluation, and market reporting of livestock based on official USDA grade livestock standard for the benefit of Virginia producers, livestock markets, on-farm for tel-o-action, and board sales.
This position requires the selected candidate to be able to travel, both within the territory and statewide as needed. Work hours may be irregular and include early mornings, late evenings, holidays, Saturdays and occasionally overnight which may be unplanned due to unforeseen circumstances. A state vehicle will be provided for business use only and must remain parked within the assigned territory.

Minimum Qualifications

Working knowledge of the principles and practices of animal agriculture and livestock production. Experience working with and being around all classes of livestock is needed. Knowledge of and the ability to interpret USDA Grade Standards for livestock and to make application decisions based on these standards. Ability to work effectively with the general public, customers, agricultural community, and all levels of management and industry representative. Ability to handle high stress situations effectively; to work independently and make decisions with limited supervision; and to with within a team environment. Proficiency using email and standard business software such as MS Office Suite, including Excel and Word. This position involves considerable physical activity; the ability to lift 50 pounds; and the ability to work in close proximity to all classes of livestock, especially cattle. Other conditions include dusty, muddy, and noisy conditions, standing for long periods of time, driving, and some repetitive motions and working outdoors in extreme cold or heat. The successful candidate must be able to meet the qualifications for the USDA Live Grading Certification within six-months of hire. 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. H.S. Diploma/GED required.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities.

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.