Animal Health and Dairy Inspector

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Southborough (MA)

On-site

USD 60,000 - 85,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Department of Agricultural Resources seeks an Animal Health Inspector to perform dairy farm and animal health inspections across facilities in Massachusetts. You will conduct site visits, collect samples, and prepare official reports, ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations.

The role requires knowledge of livestock care, biosecurity, and the ability to handle and restrain animals.

Qualifications

Knowledge of the care and handling of domestic livestock animals.
Knowledge of care of other domestic animals (dogs, cats).
Knowledge of biosecurity practices for domestic species.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and restrain live animals.

Responsibilities

Inspect dairy farms for cleanliness, sanitation, and biosecurity.
Review inspection reports and enforce corrective actions.
Inspect facilities housing animals, including pet shops and shelters.
Collect samples for testing and coordinate with lab results.
Prepare comprehensive reports and maintain records of findings.
Travel to various sites and respond to complaints or emergencies.

Skills

Livestock handling knowledge

Communication skills

Physical stamina

Independent work

Education

Associate's degree in agriculture or related field

Bachelor's degree in agriculture or related field

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Animal Health and Dairy Inspector (26000777)

Job Description

Animal Health and Dairy Inspector - ( 26000777 )

Description

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

MDAR:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers.

Position Description:

MDAR is accepting applications and resumes for the position of Animal Health Inspector.

The Animal Health Inspector will be responsible for inspections of facilities housing animal businesses, and the animals held therein. Inspector will generate reports based on inspections and follow up with both the facility and the Division to ensure necessary corrective measures are adhered to. Facilities will include dairy farms, pet shops and other locations where livestock or other domestic animals are kept.

Inspectors split time between fulfilling duties of a dairy farm inspector and an animal health inspector.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.

Dairy Farm Inspections:

Inspection of licensed dairy farms, discovery and reporting of unlicensed facilities
Inspect premises for appropriate management practices with respect to cleanliness and sanitation, including biosecurity
Inspect animals for signs of illness, infectious or contagious disease, or other infirmity or injury
Inspect equipment used in the process of milking animals for sanitary conditions and adequate functionality
Report findings on official forms to be filed with the Division, reviewable by the FDA
Collect samples for testing to ensure compliance with standards set forth in statutes and regulations
Transport samples to lab for testing and communicate with Division to ensure test results fall within acceptable range
Follow up with farmers when violations are found to regain compliance
Recommend and assist in completion of enforcement actions when compliance is not met

Animal Health Inspections:

Inspection of stables, barns, farms, pet shops, animal shelters, animal rescue organizations and any other facility housing domestic animals or livestock
Inspect premises of any facilities where livestock or other domestic animals are kept for appropriate management practices
Inspect animals for signs of illness, contagious or infectious disease, or other infirmity or injury
Restrain and collect samples from livestock and poultry species for diagnostic testing
Write comprehensive reports of findings to be filed with the Division
Follow up with animal owners when violations are found to regain compliance
Recommend and assist in completion of enforcement actions when compliance is not met

In the course of all duties:

Inspector will self-schedule routine visits within a territory and remain available for response to complaints or emergency situations
Inspector will use professional judgment in determining appropriate circumstances that require assistance from municipal, state or federal officials, veterinary or technical professionals, or humane agencies
Inspector will attend meetings and hearings relative to regulated community
Inspector will be responsible for maintaining state vehicle, including appropriate record keeping and scheduled repairs
Inspector will travel and inspect licensees and other settings, including retail stores, barns, and farm fields in all weather conditions.

Qualifications Required at Hire:

Knowledge of the care and handling of domestic livestock animals
Knowledge of the care and handling of other domestic animals such as dogs and cats
Knowledge of the appropriate management practices associated with the keeping of livestock or other domestic animals
Knowledge of the appropriate feeds and associated nutritional values thereof to be supplied to different species
Knowledge of the principles and practices associated with appropriate biosecurity for various domestic species
Knowledge of the principles and practices associated with appropriate cleaning and disinfection of facilities
Skill in the communication of rules, regulations and statutes
Skill in the communication of concerns of noncompliance
Ability to lift, push or pull up to 50 lbs.
Ability to handle, position and restrain live animals of small and large animal species
Ability to gain understanding from regulated community through verbal communications
Ability to gather information through questioning and observing individuals and by examining records and documents
Ability to utilize investigative techniques to obtain, verify or clarify information
Ability to accurately record information provided orally
Ability to communicate clearly in writing
Ability to maintain accurate records
Ability to prepare general reports
Ability to deal tactfully with others
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others
Ability to exercise sound judgment
Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information
Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations
Ability to work independently
Ability to adapt to varied work situations

Qualification Acquired on the Job:

Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, standards and guidelines governing the keeping, sale or farming of domestic animals
Knowledge of the adequate standards of sheltering different domestic species
Knowledge of the principles and practices associated with containment, suppression and eradication of infectious disease
Knowledge of the domestic animal import requirements
Skill in the handling, positioning and restraining of live animals of small and large animal species
Skill in the collecting of appropriate samples for required testing
Ability to recognize deficiencies in management practices that lead to undesirable outcomes

Qualifications

Minimum Entrance Requirements：

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical experience in pesticide regulation, control of pests, dissemination of technical guidance relative to the proper use of pesticides, environmental protection, management, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

I. An Associate's degree with a major in agriculture, forestry, environmental protection, chemistry, biology, environmental or sanitary engineering or related fields from a recognized college or university may be substituted for one year of the required experience*.

II. A Bachelor's degree or higher with a major in agriculture, forestry, environmental protection, chemistry, biology, environmental or sanitary engineering or related fields may be substituted for the required experience*.

*Education towards such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Special Requirements

1. Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

2. Based on assignment, eligibility for appointment as a special police officer under the provisions of Chapter 147 of the Massachusetts General Laws.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

An Equal Opportunity / Aff…

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

If you have Diversity, Aff… questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Melixza Esenyie/EEADiversity@mass.gov - 6178723270

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : No

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-225 Turnpike Road-Southborough

Job

Compliance and Certification

Agency

Department of Agricultural Resources

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day