The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Slow the Spread (STS) Project Supervisor in the Office of Plant Industry Services’ (OPIS) Plant Protection Unit. The STS project is a federally funded, cooperative, pest management program which is tasked with slowing the spread of the invasive forest pest Lymantria dispar, more commonly known as the spongy moth (previously known as the gypsy moth). The selected individual must reside within the following area: counties of Montgomery, Roanoke, Giles, Pulaski, Floyd, Carroll, and Craig; will be required to report to the STS office in Christiansburg, VA for work; and will be assigned a state vehicle, which will be available to perform field activities when necessary. The STS Project Supervisor will be responsible for all the planning, coordination, implementation, reporting, and administration of the Virginia STS Project, statewide. The STS Project utilizes trapping and monitoring to track populations of the invasive spongy moth and administers insecticide treatments to control outbreaks and isolated populations. Duties include collaborating with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) staff, supervising and implementing Virginia’s STS trapping and treatment programs, developing budgets, and tracking expenses, writing, and submitting reports on program activities, supervising contractor staff in administration of the STS Project, supervising full time and part time quality control staff, and working with OPIS program staff to support the USDA-FS treatments in Virginia. The STS Project Supervisor will be directly developing treatment maps utilizing GIS mapping software and will be representing Virginia as the project supervisor in the STS project, spanning 13 states. The STS Project Supervisor will be required to travel to meetings as they relate and are available to support the scientific and operational management of the spongy moth in Virginia. The STS Project Supervisor position will work with the public, local, state, and federal governments, and academic institutions. The position may require driving for long periods of time, working in inclement weather conditions, and working in rough terrain. Once onboarded, this position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration of telework shall be approved as outlined in the Commonwealth telework policy. Funding for this position is restricted to grant appropriations from the USDA -Forest Service.

Minimum Qualifications

Proven ability to administer and supervise a large, complex program like STS and organize, plan, and execute program activities. Extensive knowledge of the spongy moth, survey & control methodology and its application, its biology, general forest entomology, USGS topographic maps and their use. Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with state and federal officials & the public. Proven ability to supervise professional, field, and clerical personnel. Proven ability to plan, organize, and execute work with minimal supervision, exercise sound judgment and decision making, and communicate effectively with a diverse population. Experience with computers specifically in managing survey data. Excellent skills in written and oral communications. The selected candidate must have or be eligible for a valid Driver’s License with a good driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. Occasional overnight travel required. Virginia Pesticide Applicator’s License in Category 9 – Regulatory Pest Control preferred but may be obtained within first six months of employment. HSD/GED required.

Preferred Qualifications

Degree in biology, entomology, forestry, environmental ecology, or related agricultural science. An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience. Experience in spongy moth, or other invasive insect species management, related activities especially from a governmental or regulatory standpoint preferred. Experience in GIS software preferred.

Special Requirements

Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check and complete and submit a Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) which will be entered into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization. If the selected individual is a military veteran, they must also submit a copy of their DD214 form.

Special Instructions to Applicants