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Plant Protection Officer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

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 ...

SAIC

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 ...

Constellis

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 ...

Constellis

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 ...

Centerra Group

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 ...

Constellis

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 ...

Constellis

Armed Security Officer

Radford, VA

$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 ...

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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 Aug 20, 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:

Plant Protection Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Protection Officer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,009 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Plant Protection Technician

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 295 rated public sector bodies

Job description

Plant Protection Technicians implement domestic programs within assigned geographic areas to prevent the establishment and artificial spread of plant pests and diseases into new areas. If selected, you provide support to Plant Protection and Quarantine Officers with surveys; control measures; biocontrol and biotechnology activities; and export of regulated agricultural commodities within Plant Protection and Quarantine Field Operations.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Identifying economically significant target pests.
  • Collecting insect and disease samples suspected to be plant pests for identification by subject experts.
  • Using and maintaining survey equipment, including electronic field data equipment such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), Global Positioning System, computer tablets, cellular phones, and digital cameras.
  • Assisting in inspecting routine agricultural products for import/export.
  • Reading x-ray images and/or operating x-ray equipment to identify and confiscate prohibited materials.
OR
Successful completion of 4 years of study that included at least 16 semester hours in courses such as biology, plant pathology, entomology, zoology, botany, forestry, chemistry, agriculture, or physics.
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
  • You are qualifying for the position based on education.
  • You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
  • This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-5 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education:This position does not have an education qualification requirement.
Employment Type: OTHER

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