AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER PROTECT SPEC - 42000977

State of Florida • Dundee, FL

3d • $42,000 - $46,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The primary duties and responsibilities of this position are related to assisting the poultry program administrator in administering the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) in a designated area. Additional responsibilities relate to inspecting the commercial poultry industry and individual poultry owners for compliance with state regulations pertaining to established disease surveillance and other poultry program activities, assist as required in conducting inspections at equine facilities that operate as an approved Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) Quarantine Facility, assist in conducting EIA compliance at public boarding facilities, proper disposal of dead birds and hatchery residues, control and eradication of outbreaks of dangerous transmissible diseases, and emergency preparedness [Emergency Support Function (ESF)-17]. In accomplishing these duties, the employee must cooperate fully with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) personnel and others engaged in related activities. The incumbent is expected to demonstrate, model and reinforce the department’s fundamental values of professionalism, commitment, integrity, innovation and excellence in interactions with coworkers and the public. The following duties and responsibilities are assigned to this position:

Requirements

• A high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Requires possession of a valid Class E driver license.
• Computer skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to frequently bend, kneel, climb, stand and walk several hours each day.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain.
• Ability to conduct inspections in natural and cultivated areas with uneven ground.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to respond to emergency duty, whether called day or night. This emergency duty may include natural disasters or animal disease outbreaks.
• Willingness to be deployed from your assigned headquarters for extended periods of time (up to 30 days).
• Incumbent must pass a pulmonary function test with medical evaluation, must undergo and pass regular respirator fit-testing, and must wear a respirator when required. Will be subject to the requirements of the proper use of appropriate respirator.
• Incumbent must wear appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) when required.
• Must reside in required county(ies) throughout employment in this position.
• Some alternate work hours required to accomplish duties and responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the care, management and husbandry of livestock including equine or poultry.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for conducting NPIP field activities which include scheduling and performing routine visits to poultry farms to collect blood/sera and/or environmental samples for the purpose of conducting field tests or submitting samples to an approved laboratory for testing to qualify/monitor NPIP participating flocks as free of certain hatchery disseminated diseases (i.e., Pullorum Typhoid, Mycoplasma Gallisepticum, Mycoplasma Svnoviae, and Salmonella Enteriditis). Ensures flock testing and sample collections are done in accordance with NPIP provisions (Title 9, Part 62, Subpart B, and Parts 145 and 147). Schedules and conducts routine inspections of NPIP participating hatcheries to ensure standards of cleanliness and sanitation are met and required disease control management practices are followed. Ensures inspections are made in accordance with NPIP provisions (Title 9, Parts 145 and 147). Monitors various poultry populations and ensures proper protocol and biosecurity procedures are followed. Responsible for accurately completing and submitting all required work-related reports to immediate supervisor on time. Ensures authorized testing agents are qualified to collect the required samples from poultry. Maintains an inventory of supplies and test antigens needed to perform assigned duties.
• Conducts animal disease program activities related to the inspection, control and testing of poultry, investigates complaints related to animal diseases or husbandry involving poultry, issues and releases quarantines, assists program manager with inspections and testing, collection and packaging of samples and submits accurate reports in a timely manner. Properly uses equipment and performs routine maintenance. The incumbent works independently and proceeds on own initiative and judgement within guidelines established by the supervisor. Responsible for monitoring various poultry populations, including backyard flocks, live bird markets, animal sales markets and exhibition poultry for Avian Influenza, Exotic Newcastle disease and other poultry diseases which pose a serious economic threat to the state’s poultry industry. Ensures proper protocol and biosecurity procedures are followed. Enforces department’s rules and regulations regarding poultry disease control and eradication of reportable and foreign poultry diseases. Assists district personnel with inspections at small animal sales and markets where avian species are present. Inspects all avian species for disease and assists district personnel with obtaining samples and sample submission.
• Provides educational material for poultry producers and lay persons concerning poultry programs in the state and nationally. Attends avian related conferences and provides public presentations to the general public and producers to enforce the vision, mission, and activities related to the poultry and avian programs as they relate to the different industries. Provides information related to avian and poultry diseases of concern.
• Assists Poultry Programs with processing, auditing and updating the Poultry Database, assists with reviewing of VS 9-3 submitted to Poultry Programs for approval in the NPIP database and assists with poultry permitting for importing into Florida.
• Responsible for assisting districts, as requested by the district supervisor, with conducting inspections and performing testing at fairs, exhibitions, animal disease investigations, quarantines, livestock markets, weekend sales and permitted facilities. Assist as required equine programs with Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) Quarantine Facilities receiving horses by verifying animal identification, ensuring compliance with testing and treatment protocols; and release horses from quarantines. Maintain a thorough working knowledge of CEM regulations and policy from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department. Inspect public boarding facilities for EIA compliance.
• Responsible for conducting dead bird and hatchery residue disposal inspections on all commercial poultry farms and hatcheries in the designated area to ensure compliance with state regulations. Investigates disposal complaints and initiates immediate regulatory action to ensure compliance. Follows up on violations and ensures that reinspection and correction of violations are made in a timely manner. Accurately completes, submits, and maintains records of all inspections made and ensures that the required number of inspections are made according to written procedures. Ensures proper protocol and biosecurity procedures are followed. In addition to these inspections, conducts Poultry Best Management Practice (BMP) inspections.
• Completes ICS 100-400, 700 and 800. Actively participates in Emergency Programs to support ESF-17 functions of the division, including position specific training for Incident Management Team (IMT) deployment. Deploys on emergency responses as requested. Maintains and stocks the two division poultry depopulation trailers. Ensures district personnel have sufficient poultry supplies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED