Agriculture Inspector

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Agriculture Inspector position is located within the Livestock and Poultry Program of the Animal Industry Division. This position is responsible for monitoring, inspecting, investigating, collecting samples, and other activities for the GDA Livestock and Poultry Program.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
o Performs inspections at livestock markets, flea markets, farms, and other locations where livestock, exotics, and poultry are gathered.
o Identifies livestock at markets/farms to ensure disease prevention and compliance with regulations.
o Responds to animal health complaints and ensures compliance.
o Monitors animal exhibitions/activities for disease detection.
o Collects samples for testing from cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and poultry and routes to the laboratory for identification and analysis.
o Responds to animal emergencies.
o Issues quarantines, permits, and prepares and submits reports.
o Maintains accurate and detailed work activity records.
o Records all inspections, findings, observations, and field actions on the official database and in compliance with established directives.
o Performs all other duties as assigned.
This position requires the selected candidate to cover auction market inspections on Saturdays.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Exposure to outdoor elements for extended periods.
Exposure to intense smells and temperatures.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. at times.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Please be advised that the selected candidate may be hired at any level, depending on the candidate’s documented education and experience.

• Vocational or technical degree in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, pest control, entomology, or a closely related field from an accredited college; or completion of a high school diploma or GED and one year of experience in the assignment; or two years of college which included 12 semester/20 quarter hours in chemistry or life sciences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

Knowledge of safe working procedures with livestock and poultry. Knowledge of laws and regulations governing the livestock industry and inspections, and to apply regulations to work activities. Ability to perform inspections/investigations, follow proper procedures, and issue quarantines on infected and exposed livestock and poultry. Ability to maintain detailed records and prepare activities and monitoring reports. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and make decisions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with livestock producers, market owners/operators, local area emergency management coordinators, co-workers, and others involved in animal agriculture. Ability to acquire skills in operating a laptop computer, hand-held data collection device, global positioning system (GPS), and other equipment necessary to perform job duties.