Animal Enforcement Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title: M&P Enforcement Officer #00418

State Role Title: Compliance/Safety Officer III

Hiring Range: $49,932 - $64,680 annually

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: MOBILE WORKERS SW

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 self-motivated individual to serve as an Enforcement Officer for the Office of Meat and Poultry Services. Following completion of classroom & field training in multiple areas of the state, the selected candidate will be based in & responsible for the central part of the state. Duties include but are not limited to: investigating complaints related to meat and poultry products and processing; maintaining surveillance of industry practices and the handling and transportation of products in commerce; conducting unscheduled and scheduled reviews of industry operations to ensure compliance with state/federal meat & poultry laws; collecting testimony and evidence; assisting Commonwealth Attorneys in preparing case files, obtaining warrants and subpoenas, and testifying in court cases; preparing comprehensive reports; and maintaining accurate records of regional compliance activities. The Enforcement Officer will also be responsible for performing inspection duties to include poultry exemption, custom exemption, and processing coverage. The selected candidate will establish and work from a home office and be require to live in the assigned territory that covers the counties (including the cities and towns within) of Albemarle, Alleghany, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Buckingham, Craig, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Greene, Highland, Montgomery, Nelson, Page, Prince Edward, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, and Shenandoah. The use of a state vehicle is provided for business use only and frequent overnight travel is required and may include areas outside of the assigned territory.

Minimum Qualifications

Significant knowledge of the meat industry including products, processing, regulations and enforcement of applicable laws. Knowledge of, or experience, in poultry exempt slaughter and processing operations, and facilities operating under custom exemption. Proficiency using standard professional computer software applications. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply laws/regulations; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public in order to facilitate investigations; to gather, understand and analyze pertinent data in investigations and render reasonable and rational decisions; and to work independently and present a polite and professional image to all clients including communicating effectively both orally and in writing using proper business language and grammar. Must display high standards of ethical conduct; refrain from dishonest behavior; display a high level of initiative, effort, attention to detail and commitment by completing assignments efficiently with minimal supervision; follow policies; cooperate with others and align behavior with the goals of the agency. Must have (or be eligible for) & maintain a valid driver's license & have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. Must be able to meet travel and physical demands to include frequent overnight travel and considerable physical activity to include the ability to withstand temperature variations, drive great distances, lift, walk in areas with slippery floors and hazardous equipment in operation, and be able to distinguish subtle color changes. Must be able to meet the requirements for USDA/FSIS federal enforcement certification during the first 12 months of employment. H.S. Diploma/GED required.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating of the proceeding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of animal science, agriculture, and food science/microbiology or related field along with experience conducting investigations is preferred.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume 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 hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov.
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: hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov

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.