Livestock Grader #W0112

Title: Livestock Grader #W0112

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist III

Hiring Range: $17.85 - $21.00 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 Shenandoah Valley and surrounding areas. This position will primarily support the Shenandoah Valley and Springlake livestock markets, with assignments at additional regional markets as program needs dictate.

The selected candidate will work as part of a team with existing staff to deliver consistent, official, and unbiased livestock grading, evaluation, and market reporting services in accordance with USDA livestock grading standards. These services support Virginia producers, livestock markets, and include on-farm evaluations for tele-auction and board sales.

A state vehicle will be provided for official business use only and must remain within the assigned territory when not in use. This position requires daily travel and a flexible work schedule. Work is primarily conducted on Friday and/or Saturday but may also include other days, as well as early mornings, evenings, and holidays. Schedules are subject to change based on program needs or unforeseen circumstances. Occasional travel to other areas of the Commonwealth may be required to support program business needs.

This position is paid by the hour and limited to working no more than 1500 hours per year. It does not include state benefits. Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

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 work 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. This position requires the selected candidate to be able to travel in all areas of the region and work irregular hours, including early mornings, late evenings, holidays, Saturdays and occasionally overnight. 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.

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.