ANIMAL HEALTH FIELD TECHNICIAN I (Eastern Panhandle -WV

WV Department of Agriculture•Eastern Panhandle, WV

About The Position

The Animal Health Field Technician I implements department policies by enforcing livestock transportation, disease control, and identification laws. The role ensures compliance with State and Federal rules and regulations to protect West Virginia’s agriculture industry and public health, working closely with federal, state, and local agency personnel and industry stakeholders. The technician is expected to model the department’s values of fairness, cooperation, respect, commitment, excellence, honesty, and teamwork. The position inspects livestock, poultry, and other animals at locations including fairs, festivals, livestock sales and markets, farms, and other gathering sites. Duties include monitoring permits, conducting disease investigations and animal sampling, maintaining premises information and inspection records, implementing herd health plans, issuing and following up on quarantines, and assisting veterinarians with field investigations. The technician also conducts market inspections, sick-bird investigations, backyard poultry testing, captive deer farm inspections, and other animal health program activities. The role provides information and educational presentations to producers, organizations, and the public; coordinates work assignments and inspection coverage; and reports weekly work forecasts to the Field Supervisor. Work involves sitting, standing, walking, driving, lifting up to 50 pounds, working near machinery and livestock, possible airline travel, using computers and data collection devices, communicating orally and in writing, working outdoors in inclement weather, and using personal protective equipment as necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a major in agriculture, animal and nutritional science, or a related field.
One year of full-time or equivalent part-time employment working with livestock or in an animal industry-related occupation.
Alternatively, an associate degree in an agriculture-related field plus three years of livestock industry experience, or a high school diploma or equivalent plus five years of experience working in an animal industry field, may substitute for the required education.
Valid driver’s license.
Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
Knowledge of laws, rules, and procedures of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, the State of West Virginia, and the Federal government.
Knowledge of diseases and disease processes that commonly affect livestock.
Knowledge of generally accepted biosecurity practices.
Knowledge of agriculture and natural resource management principles.
Knowledge of inspection procedures and techniques.
Ability to conduct inspections.
Attention to detail and skill in documenting discrepancies.
Skill in maintaining detailed records using handheld data collection devices, global positioning devices, and other necessary equipment.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

Inspect livestock, poultry, and other animals for compliance with State and Federal standards at fairs, festivals, sales, markets, farms, and other locations where animals are gathered.
Conduct inspections, monitor permits, perform trace backs, issue quarantines, and assist veterinarians in field investigations.
Collect animal samples and submit them promptly to Animal Health Laboratories for disease testing.
Collect information on animal premises and enter it into a central database.
Implement herd health plans and investigate complaints.
Conduct quarantine follow-up visits, release quarantines when appropriate, and document findings and actions.
Perform livestock market inspections, including checking permits and movement documents, verifying animal identification devices and quarantines, submitting tick samples, and conducting follow-up health inspections.
Investigate sick birds and complaints concerning animal premises; document findings and issue quarantines as needed.
Enforce department rules and regulations concerning animal disease and animal movement.
Complete investigation documentation in a timely manner.
Inspect individual animals, flocks, or herds and monitor animal populations for signs of disease or disease vectors.
Distribute educational materials and provide informational presentations to livestock producers, 4-H, FFA, and other groups.
Respond to inquiries from industry and the public.
Segregate diseased, non-vaccinated, or abnormal livestock for appropriate disposition.
Conduct sampling and testing of backyard poultry flocks.
Inspect captive deer farm fencing, conduct inventories, and complete other annual permitting requirements.
Assist the State Apiarist with apiary program activities when needed.
Train and certify pullorum typhoid poultry testers for fairs.
Provide the public with information about enforced regulations.
Assist law enforcement with animal neglect cases at the direction of the State Veterinarian.
Record livestock market data required by USDA to maintain the state’s disease-free classification.
Coordinate work assignments, including arranging inspections and testing and coverage for animal exhibition entry inspections, and keep the Field Supervisor informed.
Provide the Supervisor with weekly work forecasts.
Perform other duties as assigned.