Consumer Protection Specialist I

Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce; Pope (MS); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is seeking a Consumer Protection Specialist I in the Meat Inspection Division. The role involves enforcement of state and federal rules, sample collection, testing, and investigations across statewide commerce, including food safety and fuel quality.

Potential training includes a four-week USDA-FSIS method course, with duties that require lifting up to 50 pounds and fieldwork at processing plants across Panola and Clay Counties.

Qualifications

• Successful candidates are team players with a good attitude and a willingness to learn and grow.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Good communication and data processing skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in enforcing state and federal rules in statewide commerce, including food safety and fuel quality.
• Perform sample collection and testing and help investigate violations.
• Gather, maintain, and report information; support emergency management and noncompliance responses.
• Support prosecution and enforcement efforts; maintain documentation and case files.

Job description

About the Agency

The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce's (Department) mission is to support and apply necessary regulations to agricultural-related businesses within the state and to promote Mississippi's products throughout both the state and the rest of the world for the benefit of Mississippi citizens. The Department is dedicated to promoting and heightening the public's awareness of Mississippi's agricultural history, agricultural commodities, and the farmers and ranchers who produce them through participation in trade shows, conferences, and various other community and agricultural-related organizations. Through its various bureaus, the Department seeks to protect the health and economic welfare in conjunction with the agricultural and horticultural interests of Mississippi. These activities include registering pesticides, feeds, seeds, fertilizers, and soil amendments, as well as, permitting all pest control operators throughout the state. The Department conducts inspections of producers, grocery stores, meat establishments, fuel stations, and other commercial operations to ensure adherence to applicable regulations, including, without limitation, food safety and the certification of weighing and measuring devices used in commerce. To contact the MDAC, please call 601-359-1144.

What you'll need to be Successful

Successful candidates are team players, have a good attitude, are ready and willing to learn and grow, understand strong attention to detail, strong communication skills, good data processing skills, and excellent organizational skills. Applicants must be able to meet the following: exert force equivalent to lifting up to 50 pounds; Applicants must possess a valid Mississippi driver's license in order to operate a state vehicle. This position is located at slaughter and processing plants between Panola and Clay Counties. You will need to be able to handle the conditions associated with slaughtering and processing of animals.

About the Position

This position is in the Meat Inspection Division of the Department and could require 4 weeks of USDA-FSIS Inspection Methods training, which can be virtual or in person out of state. The Bureau of Regulatory Services is seeking qualified persons to fill the position of Consumer Protection Specialist I. This is a first-level professional position in inspection and enforcement work in statewide commerce, including scales and measuring devices used in trade and commerce, food safety, and fuel quality. Incumbents are responsible for assisting in enforcing state and federal (USDA, EPA, and FDA) rules and regulations and following model laws and guidelines. The work consists of sample collecting and testing, assisting in investigating violations, securing information, maintaining reports, preparing, and dealing with emergency management noncompliance issues, and assisting in prosecution and enforcement of regulations. This position also requires a drug screen and background check.

Applicants must be able to meet the following: exert force equivalent to lifting up to 50 pounds; the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye; the ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening skills; possess the ability to use the sense of smell to recognize and distinguish odors; and the ability to taste to recognize and distinguish flavors. Applicants are regularly required to stand and walk, use hands and fingers; handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms; required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or bend. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license.

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Please direct any questions to Dr. Nicole Hodges at [e-mail].