1

Plant Protection Officer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Act as Incident Commander for plant emergencies, maintain compliance with OSHA and NFPA ... Certified Protection Officer (IFPO), Certified Protection Professional (ASIS), Certified Security ...

Regional Deployment Manager

Sterling, VA · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Manage electrical contractors to support inside/outside plant site modifications. * Track and ... Build relationships and trust with Customs and Border Protection officers and Border Patrol Agents ...

Regional Deployment Manager

Sterling, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Manage electrical contractors to support inside/outside plant site modifications. * Track and ... Build relationships and trust with Customs and Border Protection officers and Border Patrol Agents ...

Armed Security Officer

Reston, VA · On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

... Plant, which might be susceptible to theft, fire, sabotage, or unauthorized entry, responding as directed in the event of incidents affecting security integrity of facilities. * Patrol/protect ...

Armed Security Officer

Radford, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

... Plant, which might be susceptible to theft, fire, sabotage, or unauthorized entry, responding as directed in the event of incidents affecting security integrity of facilities. * Patrol/protect ...

Armed Security Officer

Reston, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

... Plant, which might be susceptible to theft, fire, sabotage, or unauthorized entry, responding as directed in the event of incidents affecting security integrity of facilities. * Patrol/protect ...

Armed Security Officer

Radford, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

... Plant, which might be susceptible to theft, fire, sabotage, or unauthorized entry, responding as directed in the event of incidents affecting security integrity of facilities. * Patrol/protect ...

Armed Security Officer

Radford, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

... Plant, which might be susceptible to theft, fire, sabotage, or unauthorized entry, responding as directed in the event of incidents affecting security integrity of facilities. * Patrol/protect ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Plant Protection Officer information

See Virginia salary details

$32.7K

$58K

$84.8K

How much do plant protection officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant protection officer in Virginia is $58,009.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $71,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plant protection officer?

A Plant Protection Officer is responsible for safeguarding crops and plants from pests, diseases, and invasive species. They monitor agricultural and environmental conditions, implement pest control measures, and ensure compliance with plant health regulations. Their role may involve inspecting farms, advising farmers on best practices, and enforcing biosecurity protocols. By protecting crops, they help maintain agricultural productivity and food security.

What are the typical responsibilities and daily tasks of a plant protection officer?

As a Plant Protection Officer, you can expect your primary duties to include inspecting crops and agricultural shipments, identifying and reporting outbreaks of pests or diseases, and advising farmers on best practices for pest management. You'll often collect samples for laboratory analysis, maintain detailed records, and ensure compliance with local and national biosecurity regulations. Collaboration with other agricultural professionals, government agencies, and sometimes the public is routine, as effective plant protection relies on coordinated efforts. This role involves both fieldwork and office-based reporting, offering a dynamic and impactful environment for those passionate about environmental and agricultural health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the plant protection officer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plant Protection Officer, you need a strong background in plant science, pest management, and agricultural regulations, typically supported by a degree in agriculture, botany, or a related field. Familiarity with diagnostic laboratory tools, pest surveillance software, and relevant certifications such as plant protection or quarantine inspection credentials is common. Excellent observation skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enhance performance in this investigative and collaborative role. These skills are critical for preventing the spread of plant pests and diseases, ensuring agricultural biosecurity, and supporting sustainable crop production.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Protection Officer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Plant Protection Officer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Plant Protection Officer jobs in Virginia?

For Plant Protection Officer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plant Protection Officer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Plant Protection Officer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Plant Protection Officer jobs in VA?

For Plant Protection Officer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Plant Protection Officer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,009 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Associate Specialist, Security

Merck & Co.

On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Merck rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job DescriptionOperational Shift Team Lead - Emergency Response, Safety & SecurityLeads daily emergency response, safety, and security operations across the site, including fire protection, hazardous materials coordination, loss prevention, project support, and related services. Conducts audits and surveys to identify risks and evaluate controls. Enforces site requirements for property security, access, traffic, parking, and employee conduct. This role requires shift work, including weekends and public holidays.Primary ResponsibilitiesOperationsOversee shift operations to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and in compliance with site procedures.Conduct thorough shift turnovers to brief incoming teams on ongoing issues and special instructions.Maintain operating logs and records to document equipment and system performance.Ensure good housekeeping in all areas of responsibility.Emergency ResponseServe as the on-shift point of contact for safety, emergency, and security incidents.Conduct initial assessments and investigations for smoke, odor, chemical/biological spills, fire/smoke conditions, alarm notifications, and other abnormal situations; initiate appropriate response actions.Respond to emergency calls involving hazardous materials and assess the situation upon arrival.Perform fire suppression duties in industrial environments, using specialized equipment and techniques as required.Contain, clean up, and facilitate disposal of hazardous materials according to regulations and standard operating procedures.Operate specialized equipment, such as protective suits, respirators, and testing instruments.Act as Incident Commander for plant emergencies, maintain compliance with OSHA and NFPA requirements.Coordinate with outside agencies responding to site emergencies; support site medical emergency response when required.Perform elevator and confined space rescue as required.Fire Protection & EquipmentPerform routine fire inspections, fire system shutdowns, and fire panel resets.Inspect buildings for fire hazards and confirm the presence of proper fire protection and emergency equipment.Conduct scheduled inspections and testing of fire pumps, fire extinguishers, hoses, and related equipment; record and report test results.Perform maintenance on firefighting and fire protection equipment (e.g., rotating and inspecting extinguishers); report and correct minor defects.Ensure fire trucks, powered equipment, and firefighter gear are tested and maintained per departmental guidelines.Support fire protection tests and exercises (e.g., use of fire water, equipment displays, ventilation, washdowns).SecurityAct as a security contact and guide; respond to and assist with potential security incidents on site.Operate and maintain plant security systems and programs.Troubleshoot site badging and access systems and respond appropriately to alarm conditions.Coordinate security response and collaborate with security personnel and external responders.Training & Team DevelopmentDirect, conduct, and coordinate training for department personnel, Emergency Response Team members, volunteers, and employees.Deliver specialized training per the master training schedule or as instructed (e.g., fire extinguisher use, emergency procedures).Participate in drills and exercises to maintain proficiency in response procedures.Pursue ongoing education to stay current on regulations, safety procedures, and equipment.Reporting & CollaborationNotify pertinent personnel promptly during incidents and take immediate action to protect personnel, facilities, records, and materials.Consult with and advise departments to provide engineering input and ensure projects and plans conform with environmental and regulatory requirements.QualificationsRequired Education & CertificationsHigh School Diploma or GED.Firefighter I, II, or III certification.Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.Current CPR and First Aid certification.Required Experience & SkillsMinimum 7 years' experience as a professional or volunteer firefighter, preferably in an officer role.Physically capable of performing all job tasks.Confined Space Rescue training.Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook) and web-based programs.Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work across multiple assignments with contract and site personnel at all management levels.Ability to operate effectively under high-stress conditions and work indoors and outdoors in varied weather.Preferred Experience & CertificationsHazmat Technician certification.NFPA 25 certification (Inspection, Maintenance and Testing of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems).OSHA General Industry and/or Construction training.High Angle Rescue and advanced Confined Space Rescue training.Experience with industrial utility systems (air, steam, high voltage).VA Emergency Vehicle Operator Certification (EVOC) or equivalent.Commercial Driver's License (CDL).Certified Protection Officer (IFPO), Certified Protection Professional (ASIS), Certified Security Supervisor (IFPO)National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 300, and 700Experience in Work Place Violence/ Active Assaillant ResponseExperience interacting with local, state, and federal agenciesExperience managing contracted professionals and vendorsCrisis management experience, including Incident Command or Emergency Operations Center (EOC) leadershipCompliance & Special RequirementsAble to work under cGMP guidelines.Availability to provide off-shift mitigation and support during chemical cleanups.Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends; overtime as required.#MSJRRequired Skills: Conducting Investigations, Conducting Investigations, Confined Space Training, Contingency Planning, Contract Management, Contractor Management, Elevator Maintenance, Emergency Response, Field Force Management, Fire Code, Fire Drills, Firefighting, Firefighting Equipment, Fire Investigations, Fire Prevention, Fire Safety Management, First Aid, Government Regulation, Hazardous Materials, Hazardous Waste Disposal, Incident Reporting, Interpersonal Relationships, IT Security Standards, Lease Administration, Maintenance Documentation {+ 9 more}Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.--As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.- For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement• We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts The salary range for this role is $59,100.00 - $93,000.00This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.- Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting. San Francisco Residents Only: -We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Los Angeles Residents Only: -We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully-Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. -No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.-Employee Status: RegularRelocation:DomesticVISA Sponsorship:No Travel Requirements: 10%Flexible Work Arrangements:Not ApplicableShift:1st - Day, 2nd - Evening, 3rd - NightValid Driving License:NoHazardous Material(s):Chemical Cleanup spillsJob Posting End Date:09/5/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE -the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date. Requisition ID:R413534 Salary: . Date posted: 08/22/2026

What Merck employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom