Agricultural Specialist IV (Agricultural Inspector)

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The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Veterinary Services, has an exciting employment opportunity for a highly motivated individual to perform livestock and other animal inspection duties in the Wytheville Region. This position will assist in the eradication and control of diseases in Virginia livestock and poultry by performing livestock and other animal inspections; ensure compliance with import requirements; monitor humane handling of livestock and animal welfare; monitor swine producers and feeding practices; promote premise registration under the Virginia Animal Identification and Traceability Initiative; promote the National Scrapie Identification Program; monitor scrapie tag compliance and respond to emergency diseases of livestock and poultry. This position requires the successful candidate to reside centrally within the assigned Wytheville region.

QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidate will possess a degree in agriculture or related field; however, an equivalent combination of animal husbandry and/or regulatory compliance and experience in animal agriculture and knowledge of animal diseases is acceptable. A working knowledge of regulatory disease programs and an understanding of federal and state animal health laws and regulations and the ability to interpret, communicate and apply these laws and regulations is preferred. Successful candidates should have experience conducting inspections/investigations and experience preparing written reports and documenting findings. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with state/local officials, and the general public is required, as well as the ability to make independent decisions under stressful situations. Ability to operate electronic identification equipment is required as well as generating electronic and paper reports. Proficient PC skills and a valid driver's license are required. This position involves frequent travel, as well as night and weekend duties. The successful candidate must be able to competently and comfortably work in and amongst livestock in confinement and restraint type situations in a humane manner. Considerable physical activity is required to include lifting of up to 50 lbs.; prolonged standing or sitting; working in environments with extreme temperature changes; ability to distinguish odors; work around fumes and wear a respirator as needed. Incumbents of this position must receive an annual influenza vaccine. Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Hiring Salary: Pay band 4, commensurate with relevant experience.

In accordance with State Code, incumbents of this position must complete a Statement of Economic Interests form upon hire and annually thereafter.

To be considered for this position, you must complete a state application through the on-line employment system at https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov/ by 5:00 p.m. on June 11, 2010.  Fax, e-mail or mail applications will not be accepted.  Resumes may be attached, but are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.  For more information or assistance you may contact the Human Resource Office, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Room 248, Richmond, VA 23219; Telephone: 804.371.8066; Hearing Impaired 1.800.828.1120; e-mail address hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov.  EOE.