Title: Rapid Response Team Coordinator #R1294

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist II

Hiring Range: $59,754 - $82,800 annually

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: VDACS CENTRAL HEADQUARTERS

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a qualified Rapid Response Team Coordinator for our Rapid Response Team (RRT) within the Office of Dairy and Food. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all activities under the RRT FDA Cooperative Agreement; including all food related emergency response and foodborne illness activities; implementing Incident Command System (ICS) when appropriate; ensuring all RRT core team members have relevant and current training regarding emergency response and ICS; supervising and allocating resources and spending within the budget limits of the Rapid Response Team grant. This position requires that the incumbent be able to respond to emergency situations and other situations during both traditional and non-traditional hours. This position will also assist the Produce Safety Program Supervisor with produce related activities including training, outbreak investigations, tracebacks, recalls, policies and procedures as well as program standards. The selected individual will establish and work from a home office under the guidance and direction of the central office. This position can be located anywhere in the Commonwealth. The home office must have reliable access to a network for mobile communications.

Minimum Qualifications

Significant knowledge of food science and food safety practices and principles, HACCP concepts, produce safety and ICS. The ability to compose relevant standard operating procedures, policy guidelines, and other technical documents; to be self-motivated and work both independently and in a team environment; effectively coordinate responses to food-related emergency situations during both traditional and non-traditional work periods and manage, direct and enhance ongoing programs relating to emergency response. Must be able to communicate effectively, both written and orally; to supervise and evaluate the work of others; to effectively plan and organize work activities; and to successfully interact with staff, the public, the food industry, and other regulatory agencies during stressful situations. Solid computer skills are needed, including experience using standard business applications such as MS Office and the internet. 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 to include knowledge of food science, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, produce safety, environmental health, compliance, incident and emergency management or a related field, current or recent experience in a similar position, grant management, budgeting, and report writing.

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 [email protected].

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: 804-786-3531

Email: [email protected]

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.