ANIMAL HEALTH FIELD TECHNICIAN I (Eastern Panhandle -WV

WV Department of Agriculture; West Virginia; On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

West Virginia Department of Agriculture's Animal Health division seeks an Animal Health Field Technician to enforce livestock laws, conduct inspections, and support disease control programs across the state from the Eastern Panhandle.

The role involves visiting fairs, markets, farms; collecting samples; coordinating with veterinarians and federal/state partners; and educating stakeholders while maintaining records and complying with safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, animal or nutritional science or related field.
• One year of full-time or equivalent experience with livestock.
• Substitution options apply for alternative education/experience.

Responsibilities

• Inspect livestock at fairs, markets, and farms for compliance.
• Conduct inspections, monitor permits, and issue quarantines.
• Collect samples and submit to laboratories for testing.
• Record data on premises and maintain central database.
• Explain regulations to producers and stakeholders.

Skills

Knowledge of livestock disease

Biosecurity practices

Inspection procedures

Record keeping

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in agriculture/animal science

Associate degree + 3 years livestock experience

High school diploma + 5 years livestock experience

Job description

West Virginia Department of Agriculutre

Position Description

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Job Title: Animal Health Field Technician

Division: Animal Health

Headquarters: Eastern Panhandle - WV

Reports To: Field Supervisor

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Nature of Work:

Implements division/department policies by enforcing livestock transportation, disease control, and identification laws; ensures compliance with State and Federal rules and regulations for the protection of West Virginia's agriculture industry and public health; works closely with federal, state, and local agency personnel as well as, industry stakeholders. At all times, incumbents must demonstrate, model and reinforce the department's fundamental values of fairness, cooperation, respect, commitment, excellence, honesty and teamwork in all interactions with coworkers and the public.

Examples of Work:

• Inspects multiple species of livestock for compliance with State and Federal standards at fairs and festivals, purebred sales, livestock markets, flea markets, farms, and other locations where livestock, exotics, and poultry are gathered.
• Conducts inspections; monitors permits; conducts trace backs; issues quarantines; and assists Veterinarians in field investigations.
• Conducts animal sampling and submits samples in a timely manner to Animal Health Laboratories for disease testing.
• Collects information on all animal premises and records information in a central database.
• Implements herd health plans; investigates complaints.
• Performs follow-up visits for quarantines, releases quarantines, and documents findings and actions taken.
• Performs all duties associated with inspection of livestock for sale at livestock markets including inspection of permits, Official Certificate of Veterinarian Inspections and other movement documents, verifies animal identification devices, verifies quarantines, submits tick samples, and conducts follow-up health inspections.
• Conducts sick bird investigations and responds to various complaints concerning animal premises, documents findings, and issues quarantines as needed.
• Enforces department's rules and regulations regarding animal disease and animal movement.
• Completes documentation of investigation findings in a timely manner.
• Inspects individual animals, flocks, or herds and/or monitors animal populations for evidence of disease or vectors of disease.
• Distributes educational materials.
• Provides informational presentations for livestock producers, 4-H, FFA, and other groups; responds daily to industry and public inquiries.
• Segregates diseased, non-vaccinated, or abnormal livestock for appropriate disposition.
• Conducts sampling and testing on backyard poultry flocks.
• Inspects captive deer farm fencing, conducts inventory, and other requirements for annual permitting.
• May assist State Apiarist with apiary program activities.
• Trains and certifies pullorum typhoid poultry testers for fairs.
• Provides information to the general public regarding regulations being enforced.
• At the direction of the State Veterinarian, may assist law enforcement with animal neglect cases.
• Records livestock market data as required by USDA to maintain the state's disease-free classification.
• Coordinates work assignments of self and other staff and keeps the Field Supervisor informed: such as arranging or rearranging requests for honor flock/honor herd inspections, National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) poultry program inspections and testing, and coverage of entry inspections for animal exhibition events.
• Provides Supervisor with weekly work forecasts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Includes sitting, standing, walking, driving, lifting up to 50 pounds, functioning in proximity of working machinery and livestock, airline travel, using computer and data collection devices, communicating orally and in writing, outside work and exposure to inclement weather, and use of personal protective equipment as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the laws, rules, and procedures of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, State of West Virginia and Federal government.
• Knowledge of diseases and their processes that commonly affect livestock.
• Knowledge of generally accepted biosecurity practices.
• Knowledge of the principles of agriculture and natural resource management.
• Knowledge of inspection procedures and techniques.
• Ability to conduct inspections.
• Skilled in attention to detail and documenting discrepancies.
• Skilled in keeping detailed records using hand held data collection devices, global positioning devices, and other equipment necessary to perform job duties.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree with a major in agriculture, animal and nutritional science, or related field.

Experience: One year of full-time or equivalent part-time employment working with livestock or in an animal industry-related occupation.

Substitution: An associate degree in an agriculture-related field plus three (3) years' livestock industry experience, or a high school diploma or equivalent and five (5) years' experience working in an animal industry field may substitute for the required education.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid Driver's License.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.

West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.