Title: Trapa Field Coordinator #S0043 (Seasonal / No Benefits)

Hiring Range: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Agriculture & Consumer Svcs

Location: MOBILE WORKERS NOVA

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services’ Office of Plant Industry Services (OPIS), is seeking an individual to serve as the seasonal Trapa Field Coordinator for the 2023 season. The Trapa Field Coordinator will perform field activities necessary to support OPIS’ control program for the invasive, aquatic plant, two-horned trapa, which is found primarily in several localities in northern Virginia (Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford) and at an isolated location in southern Virginia (Charlotte). Duties include performing visual surveys for two-horned trapa populations at confirmed waterbodies, responding to new reports of suspected two-horned trapa sightings, collecting field data on the level of infestation, monitoring work performed in the control and/or treatment of two-horned trapa, and conducting outreach with business owners and property owners to obtain permission to survey and perform control activities. Survey data will be recorded using a hand-held iPad or tablet. Selected individual will be required to use their personal vehicle; however, they will be reimbursed for mileage at the prevailing IRS rate. Some overnight travel may be required, if a satellite population of two-horned trapa is confirmed in another part of Virginia.

The selected individual’s base point will be their home they must reside in or within a reasonable distance to the work area in norther Virginia. The selected candidate will report to the Richmond Central Office for administrative work as needed.

The seasonal employment period is mid-May through late-October. This is a seasonal position that will last no longer than six-months. There are no state benefits and employment is expected to be a maximum of 900 hours. The Trapa Field Coordinator will be expected to work a 40-hour work week with no overtime. Consideration can be made if a student is selected and wishes to end employment in August.

Minimum Qualifications

This position requires knowledge of invasive plants with the ability to proficiently identify aquatic plants. Proven ability to use GIS and mobile data collection devices; to work independently with minimal supervision; to interact professionally with supervisors, landowners, and the public; and to effectively provide outreach and education to a variety of audiences are also needed. Good oral and written communication skills are necessary as well as computer proficiency also required. Experience working in aquatic environments and with field data collection also desired. This position is physically demanding and involves considerable walking on difficult terrain, reaching, exposure to inclement weather conditions and other natural elements, and potentially driving or long periods of time. A valid driver’s license and a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety is also required. H.S. Diploma/GED required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education or training in ecology, natural resources, botany, aquatic plant identification, or a related science along with knowledge of invasive plants and invasive plant management. An equivalent combination of training & experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

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.

Contact Information:

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 804-371-8577

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.