Agriculture Field Inspector

State of Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

16d•$26

About The Position

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) is seeking a full-time Consumer Protection Services (CPS) Field Agent in the Consumer Protection Services Division. This position (PIN #04000440) is in state government, located in Pontotoc, Murray, or Johnston Counties, OK. The State of Oklahoma offers a comprehensive Benefits Package, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents. The hourly pay for this position is up to $ 25.51 based on education and experience. Position Description: This position is responsible for monitoring pre-construction termite treatments; conducting the routine inspection, performing any required sampling, and completing all associated reports; investigating pesticide complaints; checking scales, performing price verification checks, follow-up procedures, and tracking & reporting all pesticide related complaints and tips using equipment such as computers, digital photography, and database for preparation of reports and electronic submission to central office; conducting and reporting on a variety of CPS Inspections; sampling of pesticide products and ag resource products, as well as, attending training programs, public speaking activities, displays at meetings.

Requirements

Level I: Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in an agricultural, biological, plant, animal, physical or natural science, food technology, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Level II: Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus one additional year of qualifying inspection experience or administrative or managerial experience in an agricultural related field.
Knowledge of procedures for inspecting, evaluating and grading various agricultural commodities; of state and USDA regulations governing the standards and transport of applicable agricultural products; of federal and state laws regarding packaging and other standards related to agricultural products; of environmental and sanitation standards; of materials and equipment used in the applicable agricultural industry; of various types of animal and plant diseases; of record keeping; of basic mathematics including percentages; and of English usage.
Ability is required to conduct inspections related to agricultural products, services, and facilities to determine compliance with established standards, laws and regulations; to follow complex oral and written instructions; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to attend to several matters simultaneously; to operate and maintain monitoring and detection equipment; and to apply research methodologies.
Applicants must possess a valid Oklahoma driver’s license to fulfill all job-related travel including some overnight travel and attendance of out-of-state meetings.

Responsibilities

Conducts inspections, investigations, samplings, and surveys of agricultural services, operations, products, facilities, and related activities of owners, operators, producers, and distributors of agricultural products to ensure compliance with agricultural laws.
Audits records; license facilities, dealers and manufacturers.
Provides consultative services to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations and to protect the consumer and other individuals within the industry.
Inspects agricultural products, facilities, dealers, manufacturers and producers in an area or district to ensure compliance with production, quality control programs, and environmental land consumer protection laws and standards.
Collects samples of water, air, soil, industrial waste, seed, feed, fertilizer, blood, milk and meat for analysis to ensure proper sanitation, good animal health, clean and wholesome products for consumers, and that health standards are met for the public.
Grades agriculture commodities; prepares reports; maintains records; and compiles statistical data.
Collects and analyzes environmental samples; provides technical assistance; and prepares enforcement documentation.
Monitors the state’s agricultural products to protect the public health; issues licenses, provides training and technical assistance; enforces applicable rules and regulations.
Evaluates environmental health status of the state and prepares relevant reports; performs epidemiological investigations to prevent environmental health and protection incidents.
Presents cases of apparent violations and serves as expert witness in formal hearings and courts of law regarding agricultural regulatory requirements.
Researches, develops, and assists in the implementation of long term planning for efficient use of the state’s air and water resources; assists in the development of waste reduction practices through recycling and pollution prevention programs; ensures waste disposal practices protect land resources for present and future use.
Analyzes industry generated food safety programs including Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), and sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOP).
Conducts tests on weighing and/or measuring devices, blood samples, reagents, compounds, and solutions for compliance with weights and measures, animal diseases, and environmental quality laws and regulations.
Monitors and approves temporary and emergency storage; recommends needed statutory or rule changes; administers the Commodity Storage Indemnity fund; coordinates Commodity Credit Corporation required examinations, license suspensions and/or revocations, seizure and salvage of commodities operations following revocation of license; initiates security bond collections.