M&P Enforcement Officer #00418

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Virginia seeks a dedicated Enforcement Officer for the Office of Meat and Poultry Services within the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The role will be based in the central part of the state with a home office, requiring extensive travel and occasional overnight trips.

Responsibilities include investigating complaints, monitoring industry practices, and ensuring compliance with state and federal meat and poultry laws.

Qualifications

• Must have knowledge of meat industry regulations and enforcement.
• Experience with poultry exempt slaughter and custom exemption operations is preferred.
• Ability to interpret laws and work independently with professional communication.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints related to meat and poultry products and processing.
• Maintain surveillance of industry practices and handling/transport of products.
• Conduct reviews of industry operations to ensure compliance with laws.
• Collect testimony and evidence; prepare case files and testify in court.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and maintain records of regional activities.
• Perform inspection duties including poultry exemption and processing coverage.

Skills

Meat industry knowledge

Poultry processing experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

USDA/FSIS certification (within 12 months)

Tools

Office software

Job description

Title: M&P Enforcement Officer #00418

State Role Title:Compliance/Safety Officer III

Hiring Range: $49,932 - $64,680 annually

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location:MOBILE WORKERS SW

Agency Website:https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking a qualified self-motivated individual to serve as an Enforcement Officer for the Office of Meat and Poultry Services. Following completion of classroom & field training in multiple areas of the state, the selected candidate will be based in & responsible for the central part of the state. Duties include but are not limited to: investigating complaints related to meat and poultry products and processing; maintaining surveillance of industry practices and the handling and transportation of products in commerce; conducting unscheduled and scheduled reviews of industry operations to ensure compliance with state/federal meat & poultry laws; collecting testimony and evidence; assisting Commonwealth Attorneys in preparing case files, obtaining warrants and subpoenas, and testifying in court cases; preparing comprehensive reports; and maintaining accurate records of regional compliance activities. The Enforcement Officer will also be responsible for performing inspection duties to include poultry exemption, custom exemption, and processing coverage. The selected candidate will establish and work from a home office and be require to live in the assigned territory that covers the counties (including the cities and towns within) of Albemarle, Alleghany, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Buckingham, Craig, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Greene, Highland, Montgomery, Nelson, Page, Prince Edward, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, and Shenandoah. The use of a state vehicle is provided for business use only and frequent overnight travel is required and may include areas outside of the assigned territory.

Minimum Qualifications

Significant knowledge of the meat industry including products, processing, regulations and enforcement of applicable laws. Knowledge of, or experience, in poultry exempt slaughter and processing operations, and facilities operating under custom exemption. Proficiency using standard professional computer software applications. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply laws/regulations; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public in order to facilitate investigations; to gather, understand and analyze pertinent data in investigations and render reasonable and rational decisions; and to work independently and present a polite and professional image to all clients including communicating effectively both orally and in writing using proper business language and grammar. Must display high standards of ethical conduct; refrain from dishonest behavior; display a high level of initiative, effort, attention to detail and commitment by completing assignments efficiently with minimal supervision; follow policies; cooperate with others and align behavior with the goals of the agency. Must have (or be eligible for) & maintain a valid driver’s license & have a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. Must be able to meet travel and physical demands to include frequent overnight travel and considerable physical activity to include the ability to withstand temperature variations, drive great distances, lift, walk in areas with slippery floors and hazardous equipment in operation, and be able to distinguish subtle color changes. Must be able to meet the requirements for USDA/FSIS federal enforcement certification during the first 12 months of employment. H.S. Diploma/GED required.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating of the proceeding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of animal science, agriculture, and food science/microbiology or related field along with experience conducting investigations is preferred.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: [phone]

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.