Agricultural Inspector

DelDOT; Dover, Northern (DE, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Delaware Department of Agriculture is hiring a Livestock Health Inspector to protect the health of livestock and poultry in Delaware through enforcement of our animal health statutes and regulations.

The inspector will conduct field inspections for disease, respond to illness reports, perform hatchery inspections, collect samples for laboratory testing, and maintain records, while coordinating with federal and state agencies.

Qualifications

• Six months experience inspecting live or deceased animals for disease.
• Six months experience interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Six months experience in record keeping.
• Six months experience in math such as percentages or decimals.
• Knowledge of operating equipment to collect samples from livestock or poultry.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Conducts field inspections of livestock and poultry for disease and provides guidance on sanitation and husbandry.
• Enforces federal and state laws by investigating non-compliance and reporting cases.
• Issues health certificates and recommends corrective actions to ensure future compliance.
• Attends auctions to assess health conditions and conducts inspections of equipment for compliance.
• Collects samples for laboratory testing and maintains inspection documentation.
• Maintains records and cooperates with federal and state agencies.

Skills

Livestock health inspection

Disease detection

Communication skills

Animal handling

Record keeping

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Summary Statement

The Department of Agriculture is hiring a Livestock Health Inspector. The inspector will protect the health of livestock and poultry in Delaware through enforcement of our animal health statute and regulations. Protection of animal health is accomplished through animal inspections for disease and responding to reports of illness. Must have excellent communication skills and be comfortable with handling and basic husbandry for all agricultural animal species. This position also serves as the traceability coordinator for Delaware, conducts hatchery inspections, and performs basic laboratory operations.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Conducts field inspections of livestock, poultry and pet animals for the presence of disease; provides advice on proper sanitation, animal husbandry, and other techniques of disease prevention OR conducts inspection and testing of multiple commodities such as fertilizers, soil conditioners, feeds, pet foods, liming materials, frozen desserts, seeds and grain for quality and safety; and verifies proper dating and labeling of commodity packages and containers.
• Enforces federal and state laws, rules and regulations by investigating and reporting cases of non-compliance.
• Makes recommendations for resolution of violations. Works with the proper authority to determine corrective action; provides training and guidance in area of inspection to make improvements and ensure future compliance.
• Attends auctions to assess health conditions of animals, issue health certificates, and ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations AND/OR conducts inspections of plant/facility equipment to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• May inspect and monitor the ownership of dangerous exotic pets and issues permits to owners that meet applicable requirements.
• Collects and prepares samples such as blood, feces, milk, swabs, fertilizers, feeds, frozen desserts, seeds, grain or air samples for laboratory testing and analysis. Determines the most appropriate sampling technique.
• Logs, tracks and follows up on quarantined animals or abnormal agricultural commodities findings.
• Conducts emergency testing and follow-up in the event of a disease out-break or other significant issue.
• Utilizes computers to prepare reports and maintain records.
• Develops and maintains documentation and records of inspections.
• Cooperates with federal agencies, official state organizations and agencies, and other State representatives on matters related to agricultural inspection.
• Develops and maintains a good working relationship with plant personnel, farmers, and facility management.

Job Requirements

1. Six months experience in inspecting live and deceased animals for the presence of disease.
2. Six months experience in interpreting and applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
3. Six months experience in record keeping.
4. Six months experience in math such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, or decimals.
5. Knowledge of operating specialized equipment to collect samples from livestock, poultry, or pet animals such as swabs, or syringes for taking blood samples.
6. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources. All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling [phone] or by visiting delawarerelay.com. If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call [phone] or email [e-mail]. The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.