Food Safety Specialist #00100

Virginia; Chesapeake (VA); Remote; USD 47,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Agriculture is looking for a proactive Food Safety Specialist to join the Food Safety team. This role includes evaluating food processing operations and enforcing relevant laws for public safety. A strong background in food handling and excellent communication skills are essential for success in this position. The ideal candidate will work independently within a defined territory, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and promoting effective food safety practices.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of food processing theory and practices.
• Fundamental computer application skills required.
• Experience in food safety and dietary supplement regulations.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate food processing facilities for safety compliance.
• Investigate food borne illness claims.
• Assist in developing safe food processes.

Skills

Knowledge of food safety practices

Ability to work independently

Communication skills

Customer service skills

Education

HS Diploma/GED

Job description

Title: Food Safety Specialist #00100

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $47,722 - $62,493 annually

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location:MOBILE WORKERS SW

Agency Website:www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a self-motivated person to become part of our Food Safety team. This position is responsible for the evaluation of food processes and the enforcement of the Virginia Food and Drink Law and related federal and state regulations. Duties include evaluating the condition of food processing facilities relative to food safety; assisting new and existing food processing technologies and food labeling at manufacturing operations and retail food establishments; investigating complaints; conducting food borne illness investigations; collecting official samples of food and food related products; reviewing new food business proposals and assisting in the development of safe food processes; and evaluating and interpreting nutritional related claims for foods and dietary supplements.

The selected individual will establish and work from a home office under the guidance and direction of a regional field office and will be required to live in or convenient to the assigned territory. The home office must have reliable access to a network for mobile communications. The work territory includes the cities/counties of Emporia, Franklin, Isle of Wight County, Southampton, Suffolk, Surry, and Chesapeake (zip code 23323). A state vehicle will be provided for business use only and must remain parked within the assigned territory.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of food safety practices and principles; food processing theory and practices; and of dietary supplement safety, structure function claims and labeling. Fundamental knowledge of computer applications. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team environment; to effectively communicate, both written and orally; to interpret and apply applicable laws and regulations; to make autonomous decisions and take appropriate actions in diverse circumstances and environments; to be self-motivated; to effectively plan and organize work activities; and to provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external clients. Additionally, the demonstrated ability to respond to emergency situations and other assigned duties during both traditional and non-traditional work periods is needed. Good visual acuity including the ability to see and identify small objects and the ability to identify and distinguish colors. Physical mobility includes, but is not limited to, walking, bending, stretching and crouching. Must also have the ability to lift light loads up to 40 lbs. Must have (or be eligible for) and maintain a valid driver’s license and have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. This position will be required to travel (day and overnight trips) both throughout and outside of the Commonwealth to attend meetings and/or complete training as required or requested. The selected individual will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining a commissioner with Pocket Credentials as an official of the Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and within 18 months of hire will be responsible for becoming and maintaining Standardized for Retail inspections credentials. HS Diploma/GED required.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of food science, biology, chemistry, environmental health or a related field. Experience applying food safety principles, food processing and related quality and safety controls at the government level.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé 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 [e-mail].

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: N/A

Email: [e-mail]

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.