Agriculture Specialist 1 - 3

State of Louisiana•Baton Rouge, LA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This job appointment position is located within the office of Animal Health & Food Safety - Food Quality Services (FQS) Program in East Baton Rouge Parish. The Department of Agriculture and Forestry is looking for dedicated professionals to protect public health by inspecting food, enforcing quality regulations, and ensuring consumers receive only safe, wholesome products. The LDAF Produce Safety Program regulates compliance and enforcement of the Produce Safety Rule. As an Agriculture Specialist, you will support Louisiana’s food safety and public health efforts by inspecting produce (fruit and vegetable) farms, promoting the LDAF Produce Safety Program and educating farmers and growers across the state.

Requirements

Three years of experience in one or a combination of the following: Administrative services, Inspecting or enforcing compliance with agricultural laws, rules, or regulations, Inspection and testing of weighing and measuring devices.
OR a bachelor’s degree in forestry, an agricultural, biological, chemical, environmental, health, or physical science, or an information technology, mathematics, or business field.
Ability to comply with policies and procedures of the organization as well as State Civil Service rules, and all applicable federal and state laws.
Ability to pursue learning, seek feedback, and integrate new knowledge to improve personal and professional performance.
Ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.
Ability to shape, guide, or alter the thoughts, behaviors, attitudes, or decisions of others.
Ability to build and maintain relationships across internal and external networks.
Reaching above shoulders
Light to moderate lifting, 20 pounds with the occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
Occasional bending or kneeling
Sit over a long period of time at workstation or in a vehicle for travel.

Responsibilities

Perform Fruit and Vegetable regulatory inspections under the guidance of the Produce Safety Program.
Promote the LDAF Produce Safety Program and educate farmers and growers across the state.
Inspect produce farms (fruit & vegetables) to ensure that all FDA regulations are followed in relation to the FSMA Produce Safety Rule (PSR).
Collect business data during produce farm visits to accurately account for inventory of all produce farms in the state that grow and sell to the public.
Issue inspection reports and compliance letters as needed.
Keep files up to date as required.
Work with appropriate FDA supervision as required by the Federal/State cooperative agreement.
Assist in training farmers and growers throughout the state.
Complete training requirements necessary for continuing education and/or maintaining employment certifications.
Assist the Program Manager with coordinating and participating in education and outreach activities related to the grant, including traveling, attending events, and training various stakeholders on topics related to the FSMA PSR.
Coordinate and participate in trade shows, conferences, or promotional activities.
Assist in ordering and organizing supplies and promotional items needed for marketing.
Submit print requests and maintain an inventory of property.
Participate in emergency response training such as traceback investigations, sampling, and other trainings related to outbreaks in fresh produce or natural disasters that affect food safety.